THEY say a Celtic or Rangers manager is only ever three games away from losing his job. So Steven Gerrard would have been a mightily relieved man when Ianis Hagi netted with just six minutes of regulation time remaining to ensure his side recorded a narrow and nerve-wracking 2-1 win. He would have come under enormous pressure if his team had dropped another two points.
A draw would also have left the Ibrox club nine points behind Celtic at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership and, even with their game in hand and another two Old Firm games still to play this season, made their chances of pipping their city rivals to the Scottish title this season next to non-existent.
So how did Rangers and Gerrard manage to avoid disaster? Were Hibernian hard done by? And what does it all mean going forward? Here are five talking points from a dramatic evening in Govan.
RUTHLESS GERRARD
The Rangers manager responded to the goalless draw to Aberdeen on Saturday and his team falling seven points behind Celtic at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership table by making changes. Out went Matt Polster, Nikola Katic and Glen Kamara and in came James Tavernier, George Edmundson and Ianis Hagi.
Steven Gerrard has, after the defeat to Hearts away and the draw to Aberdeen at home, come in for some scathing criticism from supporters in recent days. The Liverpool and England great is clearly unafraid to take drastic action when required.
His team was significantly better than they have been in the past fortnight, in the second-half especially, even if they left it late to clinch the victory as a result of his ruthlessness and willingness to start Hagi.
RANGERS STOPPED THE ROT
They left it late and gave their supporters a far more anxious evening than they would have liked. But, after those Hearts and Aberdeen results, getting the victory was all that really mattered for Rangers. They achieved their objective in the end.
They were far from perfect. There is still plenty of room for improvement. But the way they responded to falling behind and dug out what was crucial result will lift their confidence no end. They remain seven points behind the top flight leaders and have a lot of work to do to catch and overtake them. But could this be a turning point in their season? Time will tell.
TAVERNIER MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE
The Rangers right back and captain made his first competitive appearance of 2020 after recovering from the appendix surgery he underwent last month. He made his presence felt immediately by teeing up Alfredo Morelos for a shot at goal in the third minute. The Englishman posed far more of a threat going forward than either Jon Flanagan or Matt Polster had in his absence. He showed what the home team have been missing when he set up the equaliser just before half-time with a free-kick.
HAGI IS A CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK
The Romanian playmaker, who arrived from Genk on loan before the January transfer window closed last week, made his first start as Glen Kamara was relegated to the bench. Steven Gerrard was clearly hoping the Romanian, the son of the great Gheorghe, could provide much needed-creativity in the final third. His new boy did exactly that.
He looked good in possession, passed it well and threw himself into a couple of meaty tackles for good measure. The 21-year-old was unlucky not to net early in the second-half when he got on the end of a Borna Barisic cross and volleyed just wide. But he atoned with six minutes remaining when he scored the winner from an acute angle. His finish was outstanding.
He received a standing ovation when Glen Kamara came on for him and then picked up the Man of the Match award. His display augurs well for the future.
HIBS WERE UNLUCKY
Jack Ross is, slowly but surely, making his presence felt at East Road. His side was undefeated in five games in 2020 going into this match and it was easy to see why. They were well organised and contained their hosts well for long periods. They had their chances, too. Rangers goalkeeper Alan McGregor denied Joe Newell and Martin Boyle in the first-half before Paul Hanlon finally beat him at a Scott Allan free-kick.
Adam Jackson, Paul McGinn, and Steven Whittaker came in for David Gray, Daryl Horgan, and Darren McGregor. But Hibs still gave a decent account of themselves against opponents who were under pressure and desperate for a result. A draw wouldn't have flattered them.
Stevie Mallan, Jason Naismith and Ryan Porteous are all out for the capital club just now. If they can get some bodies back then a European place, not just a top six spot, is not beyond them on this evidence.
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