BACK TO OLD HAUNTS
Game’s a bogey as Gerrard’s strugglers ship points to Dons again
Steven Gerrard’s bogey team turned up at Ibrox to haunt him again.
And Rangers fans must now be scared that their title hopes are disappearing in front of their eyes.
Not for the first time since he arrived as manager, Gerrard came unstuck against Aberdeen.
And it was the same story yesterday in Govan as Derek McInnes’ side did a job on Gers to put a serious dent in their Premiership challenge.
Last season Gerrard couldn’t shake the Dons off.
In seven meetings, Rangers won only twice and were knocked out of the League Cup and Scottish Cup in the process.
This term Gers have shipped four points against them already – with yesterday’s result leaving the Ibrox men four points adrift of leaders Celtic who travel to Hamilton today.
It was the first time Gerrard’s team haven’t won at home since their Old Firm defeat back in September.
But the gaf fer could have no complaints as the visitors – in terms of chances created – deserved their share of the spoils.
Gerrard said: “As a whole there wasn’t too much wrong with our performance. We threw everything we had at it.
“But we are missing a spark in the final third. Not just today but over the four games since we have come back.
“Having said that we still had some big moments in the game.
“I understand the supporters getting frustrated.
“The fans have been through a lot and are desperate for success.
“Does it help if there is moans and groans? Of course it doesn’t but we have to accept that and get on with it.
“It’s difficult to put my finger on why we haven’t really performed since the winter break. I am struggling to do so right now. We’ve looked into it and it is not fitness.”
McInnes can take satisfaction in proving to the Pittodrie supporters – a section of whom wanted him out last weekend – that he’s still a top boss.
But at the start there was a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation among the Rangers fans, with two new signings in the door.
Deadline-day loan stars Ianis Hagi and Florian Kamberi had to settle for a place on Gerrard’s bench along with comeback skipper James Tavernier.
Alfredo Morelos was back in place of crocked striker Jermain Defoe while
Joe Aribo got the nod ahead of Sheyi Ojo.
Aberdeen – who were in danger of going four games without a win in the league for the first time in just over four years – also had a transfer window acquisition waiting in the wings.
Venezuelan ful l- back Ronald Hernandez was a sub after his move from Staebek as gaffer McInnes stuck with the same team that drew 0- 0 last week with St Mirren.
And early on, the Dons carved out two terrific chances to open the scoring.
Niall McGinn was at the heart of both – first skinning Niko Katic on the right flank before delivering a delicious ball into the box.
Sam Cosgrove only had to connect with it f lush and he’d surely have scored – but the big striker kicked fresh air and the opportunity was gone.
Then when McGinn’s free-kick wasn’t cleared by the Rangers defence, Lewis Ferguson’s looping header forced Allan McGregor into a brilliant fingertip save.
Rangers had a reasonable chunk of possession – but were doing very little with it. In the opening period they didn’t look like a team hunting down a title.
Certainly, Gerrard would have been wondering where the urgency and hunger were from his side.
Instead, Matty Kennedy went close again for the visitors, curling a shot past the post. And just before the halfhour, Cosgrove wasted a golden chance.
Katic, who looked off the pace, dithered on the ball and the frontman nicked it off him to go clean through on goal.
But a heavy f inal touch enticed McGregor to race off his line and save at his feet.
Rangers’ players had to wake up and they finally got supporters off their seats with a Steven Davis rocket from 20 yards that was clawed wide by Dons keeper Joe Lewis.
But yet again, Gers were toiling to break down a low block defence and create anything of substance.
Set pieces looked their best bet and Lewis denied them a breakthrough just before half-time.
Davis’ corner was met by Scott Arfield at the near post but his glancing header was kept out by the Englishman.
And Lewis was at it again after the interval, this time denying Morelos.
Gers were trying to up the tempo but their best chance came from a raking pass from Connor Goldson to find the Colombian.
His first touch was good but the shot was too straight when he really should have buried it. Gerrard moaned: “99 times out of 100 he would win us the game in that situation.”
At least Rangers were showing a bit of desire in the second half.
Borna Barisic hit a curler with his right-foot that Lewis beat away.
But Aberdeen were still a threat and Ash Taylor and sub Jon Gallagher both had McGregor scrambling.
The home crowd were desperate for the introduction of Hagi or Kamberi. But instead, it was Sheyi Ojo thrown on for the ineffective Glen Kamara.
But McInnes’ team looked more likely to find a winner and McGregor had to produce a stunning point-blank save from Taylor’s bullet header.
Hagi was eventually given the call in 77 minutes and tried to show for the ball at every turn. But as much as they huffed and puffed Rangers couldn’t penetrate Aberdeen who were well worthy of their point.
And Gerrard was left wondering again whether these players really have enough about them to take Celtic’s title off them.