Gerrard has turned his troops into Let’s Go-getters in title hunt
Steven Gerra rd had two words for the fans in May after being unveiled as the new Rangers boss. “Let’s go!” There might have been urgency within Gerrard but the harsh truth is this has been a slow burner of a campaign for Rangers.
Now, finally, they have stepped forward to promise something their supporters have been waiting for – a genuine title challenge.
Gerrard is able to offer more than just a sound bite as this match proved. Something of substance is at play under his command.
As for Celtic, their day started with smoke bombs and ended with a stink bombs. This was a rare error-ridden display hampered by a game plan with faults both in system and personnel.
With only 750 Celtic supporters herded into a corner of Ibrox, this was no ticket for a faint hearted Hoops fan.
There’s a school of thought that playing in a cauldron of hate, undermanned in the support stakes and facing all of that hostility can lead to self- doubt and mistakes.
That was to be the case at Ibrox. A lack of
intensity to their play and the inability to hit a striker and hold up play proved their downfall.
That was allied to gifting possession and Dedryck Boyata having a shocker.
He was far from alone. Bossed and bullied by Andy Hal liday, Ross McCrorie and Ryan Jack in midfield, Celtic had precious little authority.
The early moments were all encouraging for the Light Blues.
Gerrard was granted his wish as bravery and belief was everywhere.
His team embodied their gaffer’s style of play to a man.
Relentless pressure was coming Celtic’s way and Daniel Candeias and Connor Goldson were denied by Craig Gordon in what looked like massive moments.
Rangers may have feared it wasn’t going to be their day when Scott Brown headed an attempted clearance against his own crossbar. Sublime inspiration and f lair from Ryan Kent proved key and Jack’s finish was helped into the net via Brown’s heel. Rangers had made their momentum count, a lead was more than merited.
But for Gordon and some careless finishing it would have been many, many more for Rangers. This wasn’t just the rarest of Old Firm wins, for Rangers it was something so much more.
It was proof of a closing of the gulf between the sides and a massive statement of intent as Gerrard came good on his promise.
A title race in the making? Let’s go.