Steven Gerrard working wonders with Rangers
Rangers are yet to lift the Scottish Premiership in the span of 10 years with Celtic dominating the league for a decade. Steven Gerrard was appointed as the Gers manager in July 2018 to bring a change in their fortunes but that has not helped them so far.
The Gers started the season on a high note as they challenged their arch-rivals for the majority of the season but have stooped too low after since their defeat to Heart of Midlothian in January. As they lost 3 games and drew twice in the last 8 fixtures, Neil Lennon’s side extended their lead with 13 points atop the table.
Most of the players who were brilliant before the turn of the New Year have shown inconsistency in their performance after a long winter break. And several other factors played an influential role in the Gers losing out on the title race.
Let’s take a look at 3 key things Gerrard must do to end Celtic’s dominance next season.
Alfredo Morelos took over from Jermain Defoe after the English veteran was forced to be on the sidelines due to injury. The Colombian international is the top scorer with 29 goals across all competitions for the Gers but he seems to have lost his knack of scoring in recent weeks.
He hasn’t scored in the last 8 league games and from the game against Kilmarnock, where Morelos last scored in the league, Rangers haven’t netted 3 or more goals in a single game. Whereas prior to that game, they had 5 or more goals on several occasions.
Morelos has also been subject to a lot of antics in the past few months and Gerrard has to make a decision on the striker, especially with the arrival of Florian Kamberi. And if this is sorted out, the Gers could have a problem-free first-choice striker for next season.
The manager has done brilliantly by opting the 4-3-3 formation for the majority of the season but there have been questions about it. Gerrard should consider changing the formation to 3-5-2, one which has helped the Hoops in recent times.
The 3-5-2 formation would help the Gers pose an attacking threat, with the wing-backs in a slightly higher role. Left-back Borna Barisic, who has provided 8 assists, would be more effective from a higher position and the same applies to James Tavernier.
The manager has a huge squad with 27 players at his disposal but the likes of Brandon Baker, Sheyi Ojo, Matt Polster, Jordan Jones and Jon Flanagan haven’t contributed much.
However, the core players have done well as they have beaten Celtic twice this season and could do well if they are guided in the same way. And the manager should find some possible way to get rid of the deadwood and bring established players who can add quality to the squad.
