---
title: "Rangers first-half fireworks fade into second-half struggle – stats in focus "
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/10/12/rangers-kilmarnock-stats-xg/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Graeme Hanna"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-10-12T19:37:54Z"
modified: "2026-10-12T19:39:57Z"
---

# Rangers first-half fireworks fade into second-half struggle – stats in focus

**On Saturday, Rangers produced a clinical first-half display to put Kilmarnock to the sword at Ibrox, racing into a 3-0 lead before the interval.**

A much more laboured second period allowed the visitors a late consolation in a 3-1 victory, after they had a goal disallowed for a narrow offside.

It was ‘a game of two halves’ to an extent, but the game was over as a contest thanks to those early Gers goals.

According to FotMob’s Opta-powered data, the hosts finished with 59% possession, 18 shots and 1.93 expected goals (xG) against Kilmarnock’s 41%, 13 shots and 1.25 xG.

However, the half-time split told a clearer story of contrasting performances.

[Ryan Naderi’s](https://readrangers.com/2026/10/06/ryan-naderi-czechia-opportunity-england-spain/) brace either side of Kevin Kelsy’s gave Derek McInnes’ side a commanding advantage, but they couldn’t build on it.

The lethargy of the second half was understandable given that most players didn’t return from their international commitments until Thursday.

Three weeks away from Ibrox meant just one day of training before the Killie clash.

Saturday was the first time in five games, since the Kosta Nedeljkovic OG, that Ivor Pandur did not register a clean sheet, but this time around the collective effort didn’t deserve one.

Even though the Croatian pulled off a remarkable save in the second half, he would eventually be beaten.

A seventh consecutive win will obviously be welcomed by all at Rangers, but [McInnes will be keen on some fine-tuning](https://readrangers.com/2026/10/12/derek-mcinnes-admission-kilmarnock-win/) before next Saturday’s Premiership test away to Dundee.

## Rangers 3 Kilmarnock 1 – Stats in focus

The contrast either side of half-time was further underlined by the shots on target registered by Rangers and Kilmarnock, respectively.

**First Half**

Rangers 8 shots (4 on target) – 1.10 xG

Kilmarnock 4 shots (0 on target) – 0.41 xG

**Second Half**

Rangers 10 shots (0 on target) – 0.83 xG

Kilmarnock 9 shots (5 on target) – 0.84 xG

**Overall**

Rangers 18 shots (4 on target) – 1.93 xG

Kilmarnock 13 shots (5 on target) – 1.25 xG

[Rangers 3-1 Kilmarnock | HIGHLIGHTS | William Hill Premiership (embedded)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/NvJpt3TMhLQ?feature=oembed)