Rangers ‘3-0 win over Livingston is not exactly a result that will jump off the page when you read Saturday’s points, but that’s not to say we didn’ t learn much about Steven Gerrard’s side.
The reigning Scottish Premier League looked like they were going to riot after Ianis Hagi opened the scoring with just eight minutes on the clock, but the visitors dug in and with just 15 minutes to play David Martindale’s side looked like they could snatch a late point .
FULL TIME: Rangers 3-0 Livingston
? Three goals and three points to start the season.
? Visit our Match Hub for any reaction after the match: https://t.co/C2OwG6L81b pic.twitter.com/M7CZXzUJdU
– Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 31, 2021
Scott Wright’s determined effort to get a goal back for a Livingston equalizer after 90 minutes kept the visitors in the game after Kemar Roofe struck from the left with a real cannonball.
With Ger’s title defense underway, here’s everything we learned from their victory on opening day.
Steven Davis ran the show on Saturday / Lewis Storey / Getty Images
Even at the age of 36, Steven Davis can pull the strings in midfield.
One of the reasons the home team had to wait so long to put the game to bed was because their back line was far too busy to be tough in possession and leave the ball sideways – until Davis took over.
The former Southampton man started demanding the ball from his midfielders before dragging up the side of the pitch with progressive running, and suddenly the Rangers ended up 3-0.
Davis’ range of passes was a pleasure to watch and despite his status as one of the league’s veterans, he still has the class to make a difference.
Scott Wright was excellent against Livingston / Matthew Ashton – AMA / Getty Images
Wright’s career with Rangers has so far seen him used sparingly by Gerrard and his playing time has mainly been limited to cameo roles from the bench.
He was named a replacement once again for his team’s first league game of the season, but an injury to Hagi caused him to give his chance – a chance he took with both hands.
Scotland’s U-21 international’s pace and work ethic were excellent, and he produced the game’s excellent moments when he fired the ball with the outside of his boot in the far corner to double Rangers’ advantage.
Gerrard has plenty of options in the big areas, but Wright may prove to be one of his stars this season.
? Welcome Sakala?
? #RangersFC is today very happy to announce that a pre-contract has been agreed with Fashion Sakala, and he will join from Belgian KV Oostende during the summer, provided that international approval and work permit is obtained.
– Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 4, 2021
He may have scored against Real Madrid in Rangers’ last friendly before the season, but Fashion Sakala’s first appearance in the Scottish Premier League suggests he may need some time to adjust.
The Zambia international was a regular goal scorer in the Belgian leagues, but after starting strong against Livingston, he just started to look a little lost.
At the second half he could barely get a touch of the ball and if anything he was just in the way of his teammates. His record before he moved to Scotland suggests that there is a decent striker in there but Gerrard may need to be patient with him.
Ange Postecoglou has a big job on his hands / Steve Welsh / Getty Images
The Rangers may not have secured the three points until late in the match, but their overall performance indicates that Celtic are looking for a real battle if they are to wrestle back their crown.
Gers dominated the game from start to finish – enjoying 78% possession – and on another day they could have quite easily filled their shoes.
Obviously, the champions were expected to beat Livingston at home, but there was not much valuable from their display to encourage Celtic to return to their perch at the end of the season.
It was great to hear the fans in Ibrox / Mark Runnacles / Getty Images
It’s obviously given, but it’s so true.
Ibrox may not have full capacity on Saturday, but the 23,000 who were let into the ground more than compensated for the empty seats.
The roar of the crowd as the Scottish champions took the lead early was brilliant to hear and they did not stop singing the whole game.
It’s a bit cliché but football is really not the same without fans and hopefully we will see Ibrox and every other stadium in the country back to full capacity in the not too distant future.
