Dessers is peaking as usual: Rangers may continue to dream of the title

After 74 minutes in a tense match, Cyriel Dessers leapt to meet a cross, heading the ball into the net after goalkeeper Zach Hemming made a costly mistake by misjudging the ball's trajectory.

This wasn't just any goal; it was a crucial one that put Rangers ahead following an earlier setback from an own goal by James Bolton. This time, however, Rangers managed to maintain their lead, a testament to their improved defense and strategic gameplay post the own goal incident.

Cyriel Dessers, the Nigerian international, continues to shine in high-pressure situations. Scoring his fourteenth league goal marks a significant milestone, occurring exactly two years after his memorable performance against Olympique Marseille in the Conference League semifinal, where his two goals propelled Feyenoord to a narrow 3-2 victory. Just last week, Dessers demonstrated his knack for crucial goals by scoring twice against Heart of Midlothian, ensuring Rangers' advancement to the cup final with a clean 2-0 victory.

Dessers' ability to peak towards the end of the season is well-documented. Seven years ago, he was the pivotal force behind NAC Breda's promotion to the Eredivisie, scoring seven goals in the playoffs. His current form is a continuation of this pattern, showcasing his critical role in clutch moments.

As of 2024, the stakes are high for Rangers, and Dessers' recent performance has revitalized their campaign for the Scottish title. The victory over St. Mirren has placed Rangers on equal points with their historic rivals, Celtic. With Celtic set to play against Dundee later in the day, the pressure mounts, as Celtic has a game in hand. This makes the upcoming Old Firm match in eleven days not just a regular derby but a potential title decider. This game could very well determine the direction of the Scottish Premiership title.

The implications of winning the Scottish Premiership are significant. The champions gain automatic entry into the lucrative Champions League group stages, bypassing the arduous and uncertain qualifying rounds. In contrast, the runner-up faces a challenging path through the preliminary rounds of the tournament, where the competition is fierce and the margin for error is slim.

For Rangers, securing the title means not just national glory but also the financial and sporting benefits of participating in Europe’s top football competition. For Dessers, his continued success in Scotland could open doors to more opportunities, either within Rangers, back at his parent club, or elsewhere in Europe, where his ability to perform under pressure will undoubtedly attract interest from top clubs looking for a proven goalscorer.