THE debate in the build-up had been about Livingston’s physical approach. In the end, it was Rangers’ quality that stood out as Steven Gerrard’s side recorded another Premiership win.
Goals from Joe Aribo and Alfredo Morelos were enough for the Light Blues as Gary Holt’s side failed to land a blow on their visitors. The temperature plummeted, but this assured performance and crucial win was enough to raise the spirits of Gerrard and the Gers fans.
It took Rangers until after the half hour mark to break the deadlock as Aribo opened the scoring and the goal was one of the few moments of real quality in a low-key first period.
The Gers were almost ahead inside six minutes but keeper Matija Sarkic made a superb save to deny Ryan Jack. The midfielder’s shot from distance was deflected and seemed to be heading for the top corner before Sarkic got a hand to it just in time.
The stop he made later in the half from a Glen Kamara effort was even more impressive. Rangers’ build-up was patient and Kamara looked to add to his goal here earlier in the campaign but Sarkic’s acrobatic effort ensured the lead was only one at the interval.
Rangers had come close through Ryan Kent as he fired just wide of target, while Connor Goldson couldn’t trouble Sarkic with a header. It was a satisfactory half for boss Gerrard, though.
At the other end, Scott Pittman had flicked a header wide early on but there was little encouragement for Livingston in an attacking sense as Rangers looked comfortable and they were soon in command.
The advantage was a deserved one. Scott Arfield did well before and after a touch from Morelos and the ball was shifted to Aribo on the edge of the box.
The midfielder was at the centre of the controversy here last time out but his impact was far different this time around as he beat Sarkic with a perfectly placed, curling finish.
Rangers would have expected more from Livingston after the restart but the Lions never got a chance to get themselves back into the game as Morelos made it 2-0 after 52 minutes.
The Colombian picked the ball up down the left channel and worked himself into a shooting position. The angle was tight, but it didn’t matter as he found the far corner to score for the 22nd time this term.
The game was won there and then for Rangers but they continued to push for a third goal to add a shine to the scoreline and Borna Barisic struck the woodwork late on.
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