Glasgow Rangers have finally moved to the top of the SPFL with another routine Ibrox display in their 2-0 win against Kilmarnock.
Steven Gerrard had the unfortunate conundrum of deciding who should partner ever-present Connor Goldson at centre back with him eventually plumping for Sweden’s Filip Helander.
It was thought he’d start the game with Leon Balogun who has been in excellent form since he arrived, but it turned out to be an injury-enforced change to the line-up.
Gerrard’s side were in control throughout with 72% possession, but were finding it tough to break down Kilmarnock’s well rehearsed Rugby Park defence.
Rangers manufactured few first-half chances, but thankfully new striker Kemar Roofe and Ryan Kent scored the goals for the hard fought win.
Stevie G was appalled at the lack of attitude shown by Alfredo Morelos during the weeks training sessions, and dropped him completely.
The Killie defence must have been surprised to play against Roof, Cedric Itten, Brandon Barker and Kent. But they manfully put up a stern defence.
Rangers are now in first place over an impressive Hibernian side, after winning four games and that dreadful 0-0 on Livingston’s carpet pitch.
Due to Covid-19 virus, Celtic were forced to cancel their Hamilton and Aberdeen matches, then scored a late 1-0 winner against Dundee United.
Celtic player Boli Bolingoli made a hash of his travel arrangements to Spain. It turned out to be a major stumbling block in the Hoops 10IAR.
If the Gers had won at Livingston, the Ibrox club would have an eight point lead, instead of six against the Hoops who can now close that gap.
Kilmarnock’s plan was to play five at the back, four in midfield and try to score on the break or with a free kick or corner – thankfully, it didn’t work!
The Ayrshire clubs boring to watch tactics failed the minute Kent scored Rangers second goal to end the match as a contest. It deserves them right.
Rangers were struggling at times to create enough clear chances to put the game to bed, but they finally got their just rewards with Roofe’s opener.
The Ibrox side equalled a record of not losing a goal in their first five games since the days of captain David Meiklejohn of the 1920 – 30’s.
I was a very close friend of his son Allan, who like his dad, died too soon.
Injured Joe Aribo was sorely missed and should be available for the Hamilton game this Sunday, on another artificial surface.
New Gers goalie Jon McLaughlin, is looking like a safe pair of hands and is certainly giving Allan McGregor, competition for the regular jersey.
Rangers are still not finding it easy to create loads of chances against these SPFL packed defences, but they were ruthless in taking their two goals.
Amid fears of selling Morelos, Gerrard has brought two good strikers to Ibrox, plus Jermain Defoe should be back soon. Plenty of choice now!