Another game against Kilmarnock, another game where the men from Ayrshire got lucky if Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is to be believed.
Killie were well worth their point at Ibrox, coming away from Govan with a 1-1 draw. Despite Steve Clarke’s men playing well, and perhaps better than Rangers for large parts of the game, Gerrard still deflected the blame onto his opponents for his side’s poor result.
The Rangers manager was critical of Killie. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“Every time we went past them it was a blatant ball and there was time wasting on throw-in and goal-kicks – all the lot, which you would expect and is fine and is the reason why it becomes frustrating,” Gerrard told the Rangers website about Kilmarnock’s performance.
Rangers’ rookie boss continued to pile criticism on Clarke’s men, telling the Daily Record: “There was one team trying to play football, trying to create and doing all the right things.”
The Liverpool legend has been aggravated by the small team from Ayrshire. He has to face up to the facts that they have his number in league action this season.
Killie have frustrated Rangers. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
There is no denying in the cup Rangers have had the better of Kilmarnock. They’ve knocked them out of both competitions with an aggregate scoreline of 8-1. In the league, however, it’s the Ayrshire men who have came out on top. They are undefeated against Rangers in the league this season.
Killie should be proud of their efforts
In their first visit to Ibrox this season they claimed a 1-1 draw thanks to an early Greg Stewart strike. Then in January Rangers-bound Jordan Jones became the hero at Rugby park as his goal secured an impressive 2-1 victory for Clarke’s men.
At the weekend Killie implemented what has been so successful in the league against Rangers. Aggressive, attacking football, with the ability to be deadly on the counter-attack.
Rangers have dropped seven points against Killie. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The midfield trio of Alan Power, Gary Dicker and Youssouf Mulumbu won the battle in the centre of the park. This gave Rangers no chance of building any sort of fluid attacking play.
The Gers dominated possession, but that mattered little. The lethal counter-attacks Killie were launching were deadly, Conor McAleny finding the net at the end of a very productive move whilst Rangers were still up the park.
Rangers eventually found their equaliser, but afterwards Liam Millar was denied a clear goal scoring opportunity when Connor Goldson chopped him down as he burst through on goal. It makes Gerrard’s claim that Killie were only aiming “to chop men down” look quite silly.
Gerrard can’t handle dropping points against the Ayrshire men. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
With a good record in league action against the Govan outfit this season, Gerrard has to realise Killie are well worth their points when they play his side. Clarke’s men have travelled to Ibrox twice this term, and on both occasions, they’ve taken away precious points from him.
Kilmarnock should be proud of their efforts. They performed brilliantly once again, showing the grit that has stuck with them throughout the season. Rangers haven’t beaten Killie in the league all season. It’s time Gerrard developed some respect for his opposition.