Rangers’ strength in depth and 2 more takeaways as they make it 40 undefeated in Livingston win

Rangers never really got out of first gear as they cruised past Livingston in front of a 23,000 crowd at Ibrox.

Steven Gerrard clearly had one eye on Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with his team selection with the likes of Borna Barisic, Allan McGregor and Fil Helander all rested.

But it didn’t stop them continuing where they left off last season as goals from Ianis Hagi, Scott Wright and Kemar Roofe started the season off with another three points.

Rangers started like champions should and after James Tavernier had an early chance, he then set up the opening goal after eight minutes.

His delivery from the right landed at the feet of Hagi and the Romanian sent three Livingston defenders the wrong way before lashing the ball into the top corner.

The playmaker didn’t manage to see out the first half though after he picked up an injury after a challenge from Adam Lewis, and he was replaced by Wright.

The game lost a bit of spark after that with Livingston defending brilliantly and the Ibrox side didn’t really create many chances for most of the game.

But they did finally get their second with 12 minutes to go as the ball fell to Wright in the box and he produced a stunning effort with the outside of his boot and into the corner of the net.

They then added a third near the end as Kemar Roofe got in on the act when Steven Davis’ ball in fell to him in the six yard box and it was a simple finish.

Rangers strength in depth

This Rangers side really have some incredible strength in depth when you think the match day squad today didn’t include players such as Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, Filip Helander, Scott Arfield, Niko Katic or Jermain Defoe in it. That’s seven players of great quality and even Cedric Itten, Nathan Patterson, Allan McGregor and Jack Simpson had to make do for unused sub spots.

It’s quite incredible when you look at it and that’s not even including Jordan Jones, Brandon Barker or Stephen Kelly who could all have impacts over the season.

There is a worry about being able to keep all of these players happy over the season but if Rangers are winning then most of them won’t be complaining.

It’s also a worry for the other teams in the Premiership when there’s so many options you never know what Rangers side are going to be playing.

Bassey stakes his claim

The left back is still behind Barisic if everyone is fully fit but he’s showing that he can do it when needed. His crossing ability isn’t quite at the level it needs to be but he causes so many problems with his running style and power.

He’s still young and inexperienced but Rangers have a player they can polish into a diamond with the right coaching and game time so they will need to ensure his pathway isn’t blocked by the Croatian.

Naturally, Barisic will play the majority of big games but when you look at his injury record and the problems he had over the summer, having a back up like Bassey is a great option to have.

The former Leicester youngster will continue to push for a regular starting spot and if and when Barisic eventually moves on, will be able to hold down that spot as his own.

40 not out

It’s a new season but the same result as Rangers win and keep a clean sheet at Ibrox. It’s now 40 games in the Premiership that Rangers remain unbeaten and 20 wins at Ibrox in a row.

It’s some more incredible numbers from Gerrard’s men and you wonder where the next team to beat Rangers will come from.

It wasn’t a vintage performance from the Ibrox side but they more than deserved a 3-0 win and will improve as the season goes on. There were times in this game where things didn’t quite click but with more game time and their big players back in action then you’d expect Rangers to have another big season.

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