Ibrox View: Balogun class clear – Three things learned about Rangers in 1-0 win v Aberdeen
Rangers started their season perfectly on Saturday, cruising to a 1-0 win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
In what was a tough opening tie on paper, the Gers took control immediately and limited the Dons to four shots on goal in the entire game.
Ryan Kent scored the only goal of the clash, finishing calmly after being sent through on goal by the electric Alfredo Morelos.
Steven Gerrard will be delighted with his side’s start to the season but will know that they must continue to win each game that comes along if they wish to challenge Celtic.
Rangers stayed with their nearest-rivals for the majority of last season but collapsed towards the end of the campaign, something that can’t happen again this time around.
The Light Blues will have wanted more than the one goal, but all that mattered on the opening weekend was that they picked up those vital three points.
Here are three things learned about the Gers from the 1-0 win…
1. Leon Balogun shows class early
With Nikola Katic picking up an injury, it was vital that Gerrard was smart in the transfer window and brought in a replacement. Balogun was that man, arriving on a one-year deal only days before the trip to Pittodrie. The 32-year-old was superb and showed his class throughout the tie both in-and-out of possession. He made three clearances according to WhoScored, but his work on the ball would have impressed fans more. Balogun completed 69 passes in the game and was always looking to push his side forward when in possession. It’s still early in his Rangers career, but this was the perfect start from the Nigerian.
2. Gerrard doesn’t utilise five-sub rule
One of the newly introduced rules in football is that managers are now permitted to make five substitutions on matchday. Derek McInnes made four as his Aberdeen side tried to push for an equaliser, but that didn’t phase the away side. Gerrard somewhat surprisingly only made one change, bringing on Scott Arfield for the final 15 minutes. This could highlight just how hard this squad have been pushed in pre-season, and that their fitness levels are a class above their rivals – either way, it is a great sign.
3. Morelos finally has support
After weeks of speculation surrounding the future of Morelos, the Colombian led the line perfectly for his side on Saturday. One criticism of Rangers last season could have been their over-reliance on Morelos to score, but it was different against Aberdeen. Despite the forward not being everywhere, they still found a way to clinch the three points. It was Kent who got the goal, and if he can improve on his seven goals from last season, Rangers could be in a much better position come the end of the campaign.
In other Rangers news, Darren Fletcher has backed this Gers talent for big season in 20/21 after impressive showing v Aberdeen