Rangers avoid ‘doomsday’ as Tom English reacts to developments at Ibrox
BBC Scotland journalist Tom English claims Rangers avoided “doomsday” by avoiding defeat against Hibernian on Thursday evening.
Rangers found themselves 2-1 down at halftime to Hibernian on what was Michael Beale’s first game in the dugout. The 42-year-old was forced to inspire a second-half comeback in his first match, and thankfully goals from Ryan Jack and Alfredo Morelos did just that.
As a result, Gers closed the gap to Celtic to just six points, piling the pressure on Ange Postecoglou’s side ahead of their trip to third-placed Aberdeen on Saturday lunchtime.
Following the full-time whistle, English claimed Rangers would have lost all title hope had Beale’s first match ended in defeat.
“Had it stayed 2-1, even the most faithful would have abandoned all hope of catching Celtic – or “the other team” as Beale referred to them last week and again in pre-match,” wrote English on the BBC Sport website.
“Rangers turned it around and left Ibrox in raptures. Doomsday had been averted. In his 23rd competitive game as a manager, Beale won his 10th victory.
“It was deserved, but it was hard-won and that made a cold night red-hot. The Premiership returned and delivered a cracker.”
Game on
Beale’s appointment at Ibrox has caused a refreshing wave of excitement at optimism at Rangers. His previous title-winning credentials in Scotland has fans dreaming, and he got blood pumping in his first match in charge.
It certainly wasn’t pretty, but Beale navigated the squad brilliantly to secure all three points and keep the pressure on Celtic.
The league leaders now have to beat Aberdeen away from home if they are going to avoid the gap being narrowed.
Admittedly, Rangers themselves now have to prepare for a difficult trip to Aberdeen on Tuesday, but Beale will be hoping that the confidence and momentum from Thursday’s exhilarating win can push them to pick up another three points.
Following the Aberdeen clash, Rangers face Ross County and Motherwell before a blockbuster Old Firm derby at the start of January. Provided Beale can keep within touching distance in the title race until then, the first derby clash of 2023 is bound to deliver fireworks.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale reveals what he told his players at half-time before Thursday’s Hibernian comeback