Hagi strike seals century of wins for Gerrard
Romanian makes the difference against Saints to make it 100 not out for manager
STEVEN GERRARD celebrated a century of wins at Ibrox last night. Now he is half-adozen away from the Premiership title. This 1-0 victory over St Johnstone that brought up the 100 for Gerrard won’t go down amongst the most memorable of his tenure. In a few weeks, it will carry its own significance, though, as Rangers close in on their 55th league flag.
A fine strike from Ianis Hagi early in the second half was all that Rangers ultimately needed here as they restored their 23-point lead over Celtic at the top of the table. It wasn’t perfect and it might have been a bit nervy, but this was another thoroughly deserved win that maintained the unbeaten run in the Premiership.
Occasions such as this have been Rangers’ undoing in previous failed campaigns, but the way in which they now overcome these fixtures has been one of the hallmarks of the campaign. Finally, Gerrard’s side have shown they have the mark of champions.
Rangers had moved closer to the title without kicking a ball at the weekend and their return to action was another chance to inch towards the finishing line.
The advantage may have been reduced thanks to Celtic’s win over Kilmarnock on Tuesday evening, but it was their defeat to St Mirren on Saturday that had given Gerrard’s side another boost.
The mantra at Ibrox all season has been on one game at a time and while the misfortune of their Old Firm rivals may have caused much hilarity amongst supporters, events at Parkhead haven’t impacted on the way in which Rangers have gone about their business.
They took to the field here knowing that they were potentially just seven wins away from the league flag but there was never going to be even a glance further down the line than the challenge that awaited them here.
The test was, after all, a potentially difficult one to overcome.
Rangers had beaten the Saints 3-0 in both of their previous fixtures this term, but Gerrard wouldn’t have taken anything for granted this time out. If Rangers were to clinch the win to take them within touching distance of the silverware, they would have to earn it.
Come the interval, they should have been well on their way to doing just that, but three clear chances came and went as St Johnstone survived with their clean sheet intact.
The Saints only had one opening themselves as Craig Bryson forced a smart save from Allan McGregor but Davidson’s side were organised and disciplined. It wasn’t a great watch, but it was a competitive affair as a bonechilling wind swept around Ibrox.
The deadlock should really have been broken after 12 minutes but Ryan Kent somehow missed the target when it seemed easier to hit it. A trademark long diagonal ball from Connor Goldson was collected by Joe Aribo and the midfielder slipped it to Kent.
The winger did everything right as he found space and had time to pick a spot, but
he would fire wide of Zander Clark’s left-hand post. It was a really poor miss that set the tone for Rangers.
The second chance fell to Roofe. Aribo was once again the creator as he showed determination and lovely footwork down the left and his cross was deflected into the path of Roofe just six-yards from goal.
Somehow, he would direct his effort wide of target as St Johnstone survived another scare and Rangers wondered if it was going to be one of those nights.
It certainly wasn’t a classic one for Roofe and the striker was fortunate to only see yellow for a reckless challenge on Murray Davidson. After all the controversy surrounding Alfredo Morelos at Easter Road, Gerrard would have been relieved that referee
David Munro didn’t produce a red as his main striker – playing through the middle as Morelos started his three-game ban – remained on the park.
The last thing that Rangers needed was to go down to ten men and they continued to press and probe at the Saints defence without much joy. It was a frustrating watch at times.
Roofe would head wide of the target just before the break, but it was Goldson who spurned the third clearcut chance of the half as he diverted a James Tavernier free-kick wide of the near post. Like those before him, he really should have done better.
Having seen Roofe and Kent waste their moments, Hagi stepped up with one of magic. Just minutes after the restart, he finally broke St Johnstone’s resistance.
There was little danger when Ryan Jack knocked the ball out to him on the right, but a direct run took the Romanian into a shooting position on the edge of the area. St Johnstone would get what they deserved for failing to challenge him and a low, perfectly placed strike left Clark helpless as Hagi netted for the fifth time this term.
Rangers had the lead that they deserved and now they had to make sure of the win. Gerrard’s side continued to dominate possession and it was no surprise to see Cedric Itten replace a strangely outof-sorts Roofe with 25 minutes remaining.
It was the visitors who would threaten next, though. Both efforts came from Bryson and McGregor was equal to them on both occasions as he once again produced when called upon.
The goal to clinch it wouldn’t arrive, but neither would the one to deny Rangers. The final minutes were nervy, even more so given the importance of them.
Gerrard would have his century, though. Soon, Rangers will have their title.