West Ham United played out a goalless draw with Rangers in their final pre-season friendly, but the match was overshadowed by an injury concern for the Scottish side. Derek McInnes' Rangers, who finished 18th in the Premier League last season with 39 points (10W-9D-19L), are gearing up for their Premiership opener against Dundee United. However, their preparations took a hit when Thelo Aasgaard was forced off with a shoulder injury, casting doubt over his availability for the league kick-off on Friday night.
What happened in the match?
West Ham United, who scored 46 goals and conceded 65 last season, struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Rangers defense. The Hammers' best opportunity came in the second half when Aasgaard's free-kick was saved, followed by Lawrence Shankland's header that was kept out by the West Ham goalkeeper. Despite the lack of goals, Rangers showed improvement from their midweek win over St Etienne, with Cammy Devlin standing out in midfield.
Why it matters for West Ham United
For West Ham United, this match served as a final test before the new Premier League season begins. While the result may not have been decisive, the performance of their opponents provided valuable insights. Rangers' defensive solidity and midfield control, particularly from Devlin, will have given Nuno Espirito Santo's side food for thought. The injury to Aasgaard, however, is a significant concern for Rangers as they look to start their Premiership campaign on a positive note.
What comes next for both teams?
West Ham United will now turn their attention to their Premier League opener, where they will be looking to improve on their 18th-place finish last season. Rangers, on the other hand, will be hoping to have Aasgaard fit for their trip to Dundee United. The injury to the midfielder could force McInnes to shuffle his pack, with Vanja Dragojevic still waiting for his visa to clear. The Serbian midfielder, signed for £4million, was unable to feature in the match and his availability for the league opener remains uncertain.
The match also highlighted the progress Rangers have made under McInnes, who is still looking to add more new faces before the transfer window shuts. With the Premiership kick-off just days away, the focus for both teams will now shift to their respective league campaigns.
