Charlie Nicholas impressed by Rangers mentality in 21/22
Rangers came from behind to secure a 4-2 win over Ross County at Ibrox at the weekend, and their newfound mentality has impressed Charlie Nicholas.
Steven Gerrard’s side found themselves a goal down barely five minutes into the game, but they made light work of the rock-bottom team in the Premiership table in the end.
Having produced similar comebacks all season long, the Light Blues remind Nicholas of Celtic during their nine-in-a-row run, and the Sky Sports pundit believes that makes them favourites for the title despite his old side’s resurgence.
He wrote in his Daily Express column: “Rangers might not be better than last season but they definitely look to be mentally stronger. Look at the number of times they have come from behind this season.
“We used to call it character football. Last season, when Rangers went ahead they were blowing teams away and that was that. Now a lot of the time they have come from a goal or so behind.
“That tells me that they are not playing as well as they did last season and it also has to be said that Celtic are better. There is something there and this group seems stronger and to have more character.
“There seems to be a strong personality within that Ibrox squad where they believe they can dig themselves out of a hole. That wouldn’t have happened a couple of years ago. That is why Rangers are still favourites for the title.
“I am still a fan of Ange Postecoglou’s attacking play but Rangers have this will and dig that gets them out of difficult situations. Rangers are coming up with answers. It was a trait Celtic had during their nine-in-a-row push. They didn’t always play well but they got results when it mattered.”
Elite mentality
The defending champions had to come from behind against Brondby last Thursday to keep their Europa League dream alive in a pulsating 1-1 draw, while they kept their unbeaten record at Ibrox intact against Aberdeen despite going 2-0 down 16 minutes into the game.
The Bears came from a goal down to win against Hibernian and St. Mirren, and their strong mentality has helped them improve massively this term.
It is the hallmark of an elite side, and Gerrard would be proud of that particular growth.
While he would prefer if his team always start games on the front foot, that they are managing to react instantly to every setback so far is impressive.
With Celtic breathing down their neck, Rangers simply cannot afford to suffer a dip in form if they want to retain the title.
They will need to keep delivering every week to keep their domestic aspirations alive, and it is definitely going to be a season-long fierce battle between the Old Firm rivals.
In other Rangers news, the Bears are plotting January swoop for teenage striking sensation, five PL clubs in pursuit too.