Gerrard’s delight at most important three points
RANGERS 3 Kent (14), Morelos (16), Hagi (46) ST MIRREN 0
Steven Gerrard acclaimed it as the most important three points of his time as Rangers manager.
The Ibrox men now have both hands on the championship trophy – they’re just waiting for the right moment to lift it.
That could happen today if Celtic fail to beat Dundee United.
If not, then a point in the Old Firm game at Parkhead on March 21 will make it official.
It was another thoroughly professional performance against St Mirren, full of attacking movement and energy.
Gerrard accepts he is about to claim his first title as a manager.
His response when asked about his emotional state tells you all you need to know about the excitement about to erupt at Rangers.
He said: “Bubbling. I’m obviously really, really happy and proud.
“I can certainly relate to the emotions that I’ve had as a player.
“At the same time, I want to stay controlled and humble because obviously it’s not confirmed yet but I think everyone knows it’s 99.99% done.
“This victory puts us millimetres away from being champions.
“On a monumental day for the club, this is probably the most important three points we have delivered.
“What we saw was a team now in a place where it can play with control, maturity and style.”
There’s also steely determination that has been introduced at Ibrox by Gerrard.
It’s a mind-set he probably hoped would take root slightly earlier, but it is most definitely there now.
The Englishman will take the plaudits when Rangers lift their first title for 10 years, but you cannot underestimate the contribution of his back-room staff.
They were pulling the strings from the dugout yesterday, with Gerrard watching from the stand as he served a one-match ban after his on-field confrontation with John Beaton.
This victory made it 16 out of 16 for Rangers at home, with only two goals conceded.
The resolve to keep demanding more was summed up by their start to the second half.
They were 2-0 ahead at the break and cruising to victory. That might have been enough for some. There’s an away Europa League tie against Slavia Prague on Thursday and taking it easy might’ve been a temptation.
That didn’t happen. Instead, the Light Blues had added another goal within 30 seconds of the re-start.
Ryan Kent crossed from the left wing and Ianis Hagi was given time to take a touch and pick his spot past the goalie from 12 yards.
That strike killed off any hopes St Mirren had of a comeback.
Rangers really secured the points as soon as Ryan Kent had swivelled and smacked the ball past Anwick after 14 minutes.
Morelos doubled the lead a couple of minutes later by running on to a Kamara pass and firing home from a tight angle.
Saints will be disappointed they didn’t manage to put the Rangers goal
under more of a threat, but scoring goals is one of their problems.
A Jonathan Obika shot that brought out a great save from Allan Mcgregor was the closest they came.
The Rangers players have spent many weeks taking the lead from their manager by refusing to accept they were inevitably on the way to becoming champions. That has ended.
The final whistle saw them run to the corner of the ground to take the acclaim of fans that had gathered outside the Ibrox gates.
Gerrard begins preparations for the Europa League last-16 tie this morning, but he admitted they will be wondering if the title might be confirmed by two o’clock.
He said: “We’ll come in for a recovery session and have lunch together. I’m sure the game will be on in the background.
“We’ll see what happens, but the priority is getting the players ready physically and mentally for Thursday.
“It’s going to be a tough challenge, probably our most difficult of the season so far.”