Rangers’ first title in 10 years was confirmed on Sunday as their Old Firm rivals failed to beat Dundee United away from home, and Steven Gerrard deserves immense credit for the way he has transformed the Ibrox outfit in his time with the club.
The Liverpool legend was appointed Rangers boss in the summer of 2018, replacing Graeme Murty, who was placed in interim charge following the sacking of Pedro Caixinha.
It is easy to see the impact the 40-year-old has had during his two years with the club, as during his first season in charge, Rangers would finish just nine points behind their Celtic, whilst they would lose just once at Ibrox.
Strong home form has been a staple of Rangers’ identity during Gerrard’s time in charge, as last season saw them lose just twice there, whilst they have won every single game at home so far this season.
It is often said that titles are won with a strong defence and the improvements in Rangers’ defence under Gerrard has been superb, as they conceded 27 goals in 2018/19, 19 goals in 2019/20, and have shipped just nine goals in the league so far this season.
Is Gerrard the main reason for the title win?
Yes
No
For context, under Caixinha and Murty in 2017/18, Rangers would finish third behind their Old Firm rivals and Aberdeen, conceding 50 goals across the season.
Whilst a lot of credit has to go to Rangers’ superb defence this season, with the likes of Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and Leon Balogun all impressing in central-defence, the way in which the Gers have been instructed by Gerrard and his coaching team has clearly had a huge influence.
The weekend’s results also means that Rangers should receive a guard of honour when they visit Celtic Park next week, which will no doubt delight Rangers players and fans alike, as they prevent their rivals from winning ten titles in a row this season.
Given their sheer dominance, added to the plethora of problems at Celtic, the players in Green and White facing the humiliation of clapping the champions onto the pitch next week will be a perfect illustration of how this season has gone for both teams.
Although few would have predicted it to be so comfortable, the results in the past few seasons under Gerrard have suggested that this title win was always on the cards.
And, in other news… 125 touches, 92% pass accuracy: £7.5k-p/w Rangers beast ran the show at Ibrox