MANAGERWAS MOANRANGER
FROM BACK PAGE maximum points from the first three games but Gerrard insisted his team’s second-half display after Joe Aribo added to Borna Barisic and Ryan Kent’s strikes in the 49th minute wasn’t good enough.
And he is demanding his players hit the heights for 90 minutes to capitalise on an excellent start that sees them five points clear of Celtic with the prospect of being 11 ahead before the champs kick another ball.
Gerrard said: “They were three good goals – a piece of magic from Borna, a great team goal for the second and a good set piece for the third.
“But we got really sloppy at 3-0. We let the game die instead of maintaining our standards. Over the course of the 90 minutes we turned the ball over too much. So there’s still a lot to work on.
“You probably think I’m a moaner but even though we won the game comfortably 3-0 we can still learn a lot collectively and as individuals.
“Tonight was our fourth game in 11 days and I made a lot of subs in the second half so I’ll take my part in the game going flat and sloppy. I’m not complaining, I’m happy.
“But we can’t pick and choose when we want our standards to be good. We complicated a game which should have been easily managed.
“The players know that a Rangers team 3-0 up has to show a little bit more style and class. I thought we were very sloppy.”
Gerrard played down the significance of hitting top spot so early in the season.
He added:“I don’t think it’s important. What’s important is we are winning matches. We’re keeping clean sheets.
“There were signs tonight that we’re not where we need to be. But I’m pleased in the main at where we sit. It’s very early days and there is tons of football to be played. All we need to do is focus on the next game.”
It looks increasingly likely Alfredo Morelos will still be around for that match against Livingston, with Lille, who had wanted him, on the verge of splashing £25million on Canadian international Jonathan David from Gent.
Morelos, speaking to a TV station in his homeland before the match, said: “I have a very beautiful relationship with Steven Gerrard. He has always supported me through thick and thin, trusting me, always protecting me from the headlines.
“It’s very important to me that the manager has confidence in me.
“We are waiting to see what happens. I want to make it clear my head is at Rangers though. Right now, my options are open, there are options for more leagues, so let’s hope that everything works out in the best way. There have been big teams from the big leagues enquiring about me – clubs from England, France and Spain.
“But no one has reached an agreement with Rangers yet and that’s the important thing. Steven Gerrard himself has said that nothing will be done unless an agreement is reached.”
Gerrard also confirmed Hibs and Hull have shown interest in midfielders Ross McCrorie and Greg Docherty.
He said: “Hull are in for Greg and he’s had permission to talk to them. There is interest from Hibs in terms of Ross and those talks are ongoing.
“They won’t be going on loan. They’ve had two loans and have gone down that road. If we get bids that we like and are good enough and big enough we’ll consider them. But they won’t be going on loan.”
Saints manager Callum Davidson said: “I was really pleased with the first half – or should I say first 45 minutes, because we lost a goal in the 46th.
“What I would say is my players never gave up.
“You could see that they were running about and creating chances right up until the end.”