OPINION
Rangers registered a convincing 3-0 win over Livingston on Saturday at the Ibrox, and there were plenty of talking points to take away from the clash.
Daniel Candeias opened the scoring for the hosts, with Alfredo Morelos and Scott Arfield adding to the scoresheet to earn the Gers three points that propels them to second in the Scottish Premier League.
They now only remain two points behind league leaders Celtic, who also put three goals past Hamilton – but despite the victory, there were still some things for Steven Gerrard to address.
This is Futbol have picked out three things we learned about Rangers v Livingston below.
Rangers need to learn to defend set-pieces better
The Gers conceded a number of set-pieces in this match which almost gave the visitors a number of chances to get back into the game and this is something that Gerrard needs to address imminently before their next fixture. Rangers were lucky that Alan Lithgow, Scott Pitman and Craig Halkett were denied with their efforts, otherwise the scoreline would have been a lot different. The Gers need to stop being so reckless with their fouls, otherwise it is going to be something that costs them dearly later along the line.
Morelos was the star of the show
Alfredo Morelos came off the bench in this match, but what an impact he made as a substitute. He was the star of the show with his solo effort, collecting a pass from James Tavernier very cooly and calmly to put any of the supporters’ doubts to bed. The 5ft 10in [Transfermarkt] ace quickly put any bad performances to bed with this superb cameo display, which saw him provide an assist for Scott Arfield, who fired home Rangers’ third and final goal. He has shown that he displays all of the qualities needed in a top-class striker, and he certainly demonstrated to Gerrard that he should be started in their next fixture.
Lafferty must be axed imminently
Kyle Lafferty had the chance to double Rangers’ lead just before half-time, but he fluffed his lines and certainly showed that his lack of game time had affected his overall form. He has not achieved much this season and he has just proved to the manager why the need for a striker in January is of the most utmost importance. Things do not seem to be falling into place for the 6ft 4in [Transfermarkt] frontman at the moment, and he must do a lot better if he is to keep his first team place – however, Gerrard must wield the axe on him imminently as he is just going to hamper Rangers’ efforts this season.