Rangers finally managed to record their first away win in the Scottish Premiership this term, as they beat Hamilton Academical 4-1 in Lanarkshire.

The scoreline flattered Steven Gerrard’s men as their performance was disjointed as they struggled to break down the Accies defence. But in all honesty it doesn’t matter how they won, just as long as they did!

Too many people have stated that it was easy on the eye and that The Gers were lucky to get the victory. Kilmarnock striker turned part time pundit Kris Boyd stated that Gerrard wouldn’t have been overly pleased with the way the game went despite the result.

The Gers gaffer kind of backed that up but he also stated he was happy to get that first away win in the league:

“I’m not too pleased with the display. I thought that we were average today at best, but in terms of the result very pleased.”

Every manager should want to see the best from his players in each and every game but the most important thing for Rangers right now is getting wins on the board.

They’ve been tremendous in Europe and domestically they have made Ibrox a real fortress but their away form has been pretty poor. Before today’s triumph they had lost two and drawn the other two in their four  Premiership away fixtures. It’s down to their away form that they find themselves in fifth place and sitting five points behind league leaders Hearts.

They gave a good account of themselves at Motherwell and at Aberdeen earlier in the campaign but they still left Fir Park and Pittodrie with draws. It’s much better that they give an uninspiring display and pick up all three points, than playing well and getting just one point.

The longer that winless away run continued the more it would have strangled Gerrard and his players, it would’ve become a major problem!

Plus we shouldn’t forget that Rangers did actually do some things well this afternoon.

Alfredo Morelos had another good game. He was strong when leading the line, got on the scoresheet, won a penalty and created a lovely assist for Ryan Kent to score the opener.

Captain James Tavernier was a leader on the pitch and his side needed that. His two calmly taken penalties were just what the Gers supported needed as the game neared it’s conclusion.

The whole team showed great character to not let the chance of their first away league win slip away after they conceded a late equaliser. They were determined to get the ball into Hamilton’s penalty area and take their chances when they came about.

Don’t get me wrong, Gerrard still has to address a few issues.

I’m not sure his constant changes in defence is what the starting line-up needs. I think he still has to stick to a winning team from time to time and the away performances will need to be improved upon.

But maybe just maybe, those three points in Hamilton will be the catalyst that Rangers need to show the players that they can win away from Ibrox, that they can see out a result and that they can win when they aren’t at their best.

We might see a team playing under less pressure the next time Rangers play away from home in the Scottish Premiership and we might see them gain another away victory too!

Posted on October 21st, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article