Steven Gerrard’s class above comments after the last meeting between Rangers and Aberdeen caused quite the stir.
The Gers boss was furious that his side let in a last-minute equaliser in the opening-day draw at Pittodrie. Rangers were just moments away from a priceless three points, before Bruce Anderson struck late on.
It was a match where everyone watching would’ve admitted Rangers were the better side. In an unorthodox move by the new man, however, he came out and confirmed it. Touching on the game, Gerrard said that his side were a class above Aberdeen. He also stated that they couldn’t get near the Ibrox side.
We argued at the time that Gerrard was spot on with his comments, and it was certainly difficult to argue on the contrary. Now, however, those comments could be brought right back into the spotlight once more.
Rangers have a huge clash against Aberdeen right around the corner next Sunday. The eagerly-anticipated Betfred Cup semi-final between the sides will have plenty of subplots regardless. Gerrard’s previous comments, however, will be one of the main ones.
Huge pressure to perform?
You can argue that what the manager said has put huge pressure on Rangers to perform, but it shouldn’t matter. Rangers should always be looking to perform and show their class against rivals such as Aberdeen. If they need to be relaxed and have weight taken off their shoulders, then they’re at the wrong football club.
The big question, however, is whether Gerrard will be proved right. So far this season, Aberdeen have definitely failed to impress. They’re struggling to keep up with Hearts, Hibs, Rangers, and Celtic at the top of the table. They’re struggling to play the kind of football that’s earned them second place in each of the last two seasons also.
Big player departures and some uninspiring signings from Derek McInnes has led to a slight decline in what we should expect from the Dons. One thing is for sure, however, and that’s that they’ll be right up for this clash.
Just a couple of weeks ago, they came close to snatching a result at Celtic Park, and had their chances to take something. They’re still clearly capable of hurting the better sides in the division, and it’s a game Rangers can easily lose if they’re not on their game.
If Rangers play to their full potential, however, you have to fancy them. They’re playing some terrific football, and look much-improved even since opening day.
For everyone connected with the club, it’s important not just to get to the final of the Betfred Cup, but that Gerrard is proved correct in his verdict on class.
