Fortress Ibrox is becoming a phrase Rangers fans can start using once more.
Rangers mauled St Johnstone 5-1 at home in a successful outing for Steven Gerrard and his troops today. The result moved the Gers up to second place in the table as they leapfrogged hapless Celtic. Brendan Rodgers’ side lost 2-1 at Kilmarnock just hours before Rangers’ success.
Goals from James Tavernier, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield, Kyle Lafferty, and Daniel Candeias secured a huge win against Saints. Blair Alston netted a penalty before Candeias’ fifth to mark the only blot on the score-card for Rangers.
Yet, the win doesn’t just signal a return to second in the table. It also provides a return to the days when Ibrox was a place to be feared.
There can be no denying that Rangers have bounced back from the Celtic defeat tremendously. Back-to-back league victories against Dundee and Saints at Ibrox have sandwiched a huge draw in Villarreal. It’s the league victories that are most eye-catching, however.
Rangers have now scored nine goals in their last two Premiership matches. A 4-0 win against the Dees came before today’s 5-1 success. All of a sudden, Ibrox is finally becoming a place for teams to fear once more.
All of the great Gers sides of yesteryear had Ibrox as a fortress. Even Mark Warburton had Rangers unbeaten at home for a full year during his tenure. It’s one of the requirements for successful Rangers sides.
Comparing it to last season where nearly every side who wanted points were allowed to take what they wished from Govan, Rangers have made huge strides this term. Watching Rangers today was like watching a Walter Smith side who just refused to let teams come away from Ibrox with anything.
What Gerrard has done to the club since coming in has been reinvigorating for Scottish football and Rangers. Making Ibrox a fortress was one of his main priorities when he walked through the gates of the famoius stadium. So far, he’s unbeaten in seven matches there.
Rangers aren’t just beating teams at home, however, they’re destroying them. If they can now find that form away from home in the league, then they’ll be playing like champions.
With Celtic stuttering and Rangers flying, it remains hugely exciting times for everyone at Ibrox.
