Too soon to say an Ibrox corner has been turned
RANGERS have witnessed a few false dawns in recent years. There was that Hampden Scottish Cup semi-final win over Celtic under Mark Warburton. Gaining the upper hand on Brendan Rodgers’ side twice at Ibrox in March 2018 before losing 3-2 to ten men. The 1-0 victory over their city rivals last Christmas which promised the gift they cherished most. A 55th title. It didn’t happen, of course. And that’s why a promising start to the new season should come
attached to a note of caution. The 7-3 aggregate thrashing of Danes Midtjylland was a thrilling affair. At the same stage of Europa League qualifying this time last year, victory over Maribor of Slovenia was a tense, edgy business. In contrast, the Ibrox side are sweeping opponents aside this season with style and a minimum of fuss. Fifteen goals in the last four games is evidence of a clinical streak too often missing before. With nine goals in eight
games, Alfredo Morelos is on fire. The litmus test will be applied in the next two weeks. Two games against Legia Warsaw and one against Celtic loom on the horizon. And the way Steven Gerrard’s side are playing now, you wouldn’t bet against them. Neil Lennon knows how quickly things can turn, of course. Rangers look strong from middle to front. But they’ve yet to face a truly stern defensive test. And, as Celtic learned during a damaging Champions League
exit, that’s when the cracks tend to show up. It’s too soon to predict the turning of a corner. On and off the pitch, the Ibrox club face huge challenges and there’s nothing won in August. But should their team find a way to overcome Legia and Celtic, the calls for sackings across the city will become cacophonous. And, after all those false dawns, the mocking of Celtic supporters will give way to the sober realisation that Rangers might finally be coming.