THREE goals earned Rangers three points against Livingston but this Premiership fixture wasn’t quite as straightforward as it could have been for Steven Gerrard.
In the end, Steven Lawless’ penalty counted for little for the visitors as Lyndon Dykes’ red card and a spirited fightback from Rangers saw them beaten for the first time this term.
James Tavernier pulled the Light Blues level before Alfredo Morelos headed home to settle any nerves amongst the support. When Brandon Barker capped his home bow with a well-taken goal, the points were secured for Rangers.
RANGERS HAD TO BATTLE FOR THIS WIN
Gerrard’s press conference on Thursday afternoon was spent looking back as much as it was looking forward as he reflected on the Old Firm defeat a fortnight previously.
READ MORE: Andy Halliday admits losing £7million man Ryan Kent is a real blow for Rangers
He knew how important a game this was and would have expected, and demanded, a strong reaction from his players to ensure they put the result and the criticism behind them.
Gerrard got the points that he coveted, but the performance wasn’t really there and the Ibrox crowd would have left pleased but somewhat underwhelmed at the end of an intriguing Premiership clash.
Had Tavernier’s free-kick not nestled in the corner so soon after Livingston had taken the lead, Rangers would have found themselves under increasingly hostile friendly fire from the stands and the pressure would really have been on.
As it transpired, the reaction to the setback early in the second half was encouraging for Rangers. Livingston still had their chances but, reduced to ten men, it was no surprise they were beaten as Morelos and Barker took the game away from them.
Dykes caused Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic real problems, while there wasn’t enough creativity from the likes of Scott Arfield and Sheyi Ojo at the other end of the park.
It certainly wasn’t an accomplished performance from Rangers but days like this have too often ended in disappointment in recent years. The win was what really mattered.
THE LOSS OF RYAN KENT IS A REAL BLOW
It was no surprise that the name of Kent got the loudest cheer when the teams were read out pre-match and it was clear to see how pleased the Ibrox crowd were to have the winger back in blue.
READ MORE: Matthew Lindsay: Rangers need a new transfer strategy as well as a Director of Football
The move from Liverpool was a dream come true for Kent, but his first appearance second time around turned into something of a nightmare. He showed some nice touches early on but a hamstring injury forced him off after 40 minutes and could keep him out of action for several weeks.
That will be tough for Gerrard to take but he expressed his sympathy for his £7million man after the game. He will now need to put an arm round Kent and keep his spirits up.
With Jordan Jones also out for a month and Ojo looking out of sorts, the stage is now set for Barker to step up and prove his worth after a decent showing off the bench.
GERRARD CAN BE RELUCTANT TO TURN TO HIS BENCH
The change that saw Barker take over from Kent five minutes before the break was an enforced one but there were no further alterations until Rangers had taken the lead through Morelos’ instinctive header.
Andy King arrived minutes later, while Jermain Defoe took over from Morelos seconds after Barker had made sure of the points and both will be pleased to get a run-out at Ibrox.
There was a case for introducing King earlier, though, as the Rangers midfield showed plenty of effort but not enough quality at times. Given his class, a fresh outlook wouldn’t have been a bad thing for Rangers.
Supporters have become anxious at the time Gerrard can take to make alterations during games on occasion, but it hasn’t really cost his side as yet and he can therefore feel vindicated by his methods.
READ MORE: Andy Halliday confident Rangers can prove their Europa League credentials in tough group stage
Given the depth of the squad he has at his disposal, there are certainly plenty of ways in which Gerrard could mix it up from the start or make switches as the action unfolds.
But it is understandable why he sticks with his tried and trusted players more often than not. It is, after all, rare that they have really let him down.
RANGERS WILL NEED TO RAISE THEIR GAME AGAINST FEYENOORD
Gerrard will ultimately be satisfied with a job done as his side beat a well-organised, physical and determined Livingston outfit.
But the Ibrox boss will certainly expect the levels to be raised when Rangers return to Europa League action on Thursday night and take on Dutch giants Feyenoord in the first of their Group G fixtures.
The results against Midtjylland and Legia Warsaw last month are the most impressive of the season so far for Rangers but Feyenoord will surely be their toughest assignment yet in European action.
If Rangers can’t raise their game, and that is defensively as well as in an attacking sense, then their group stage campaign won’t get off to the start they hope it will and need it to.
GARY HOLT RIGHT TO BE PROUD OF HIS PLAYERS
Livingston were left with nothing to show for their considerable efforts here but boss Holt was full of praise for his players, many of whom were walking wounded and really had to dig deep to get through a tough 90 minute shift.
The Lions have fallen from third to fifth in the standings as a result of this defeat but there were plenty of encouraging signs here. On another day, they could well have earned a result and similar showings going forward will ensure they keep a bit of distance between themselves and the foot of the Premiership table.
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