RANGERS’ SOFT CENTRE

The softness of the two goals that Aberdeen scored in the opening 16 minutes at Ibrox tonight will have alarmed and angered Rangers manager Steven Gerrard in equal measure.

Neither Christian Ramirez, who got on the end of a Ryan Hedges cutback and nodded beyond Jon McLaughlin, nor Scott Brown, who met a Dylan McGeouch corner with a diving header, had to work very hard to net for the visitors.

The Scottish champions have kept just one clean sheet in their last six games and just three in the 11 cinch Premiership matches they have played in the 2021/22 campaign. It is a far cry from last term. They must do better at the back if they are to retain their title.

 

MORELOS MAGIC

Alfredo Morelos had one of his off days when Hearts travelled to Govan for a top-of-the-table league match earlier this month; the Rangers striker passed up three scoring opportunities and his side dropped two points as a result.

But he has responded well to that lacklustre display. He got on the end of a James Tavernier cross to nod in his 100th goal for the Glasgow giants and secure a 2-1 win over St Mirren in Paisley on Sunday. He was on target again this evening.

The Colombian rose well to meet a Tavernier free-kick and headed beyond Joe Lewis in the 20th minute to get his team, who were 2-0 down at the time, back in the game. He is back to his best. He was a deserved winner of the Man of the Match award. 

 

TITLE TROUBLES

Rangers may have been in first place in the Premiership for weeks now and might still be two points ahead of Celtic at the top of the table despite this disappointing result. But their form hasn’t been entirely convincing. And this was another concerning showing.

With their city rivals winning five on the spin and edging ever closer to them, they are now under mounting pressure. Gerrard will have been encouraged by the fightback tonight and the mentality his charges showed.

But they can’t afford any more slip-ups. Victory over Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday is now a must.