While anyone involved with Rangers Football Club is unlikely to care given the success the club are currently enjoying, Steven Gerrard’s side’s ability to win penalties has been a talking point this season.Another James Tavernier spot-kick saw the Gers go nine points clear after beating Kilmarnock and, predictably, it sparked quite the reaction amongst social media users yesterday.

So, GiveMeSport are going to look at some of the underlying numbers.

It’s easy to forget bitter rivals Aberdeen have actually been awarded more spot-kicks this season (6 to their 4) while the likes of Hibs and Livingston are just one behind.

Indeed, it’s not as if they only score from 12 yards either. According to FBRef, Gerrard’s side have the second best goals-per-90 minutes-minus-penalties this season (1.85) and it’s their general style of play that lends itself to winning so many, rather than relying on luck.

With 308 crosses across the campaign already, attacking the opposition’s box is obviously a major part of Rangers' set-up and, the more time you spend there, the more likely you are to force a penalty.

Furthermore, via WhoScored, their dribbling statistics show just how tricky going forward some of their regular first-teamer options can be, thereby potentially drawing fouls in dangerous areas.

The likes of Tavernier, Ryan Kent and Borna Barisic all rank within the top 18 players in the league for successful dribbles per game.

Kent, Alfredo Morelos and Ianis Hagi also draw over a foul a game on average, too, giving any opponent something to think about as they progress the ball up the pitch.  

There are genuine reasons as to why Rangers seem to win so many penalties and, while its a motif likely to run throughout the season in the minds of opposition fans, appears to be a sustained tactic in their quest to reclaim the league title. 

The Scottish Premiership is paying the penalty for Rangers' proficiency.