SIX down, one to go. The fixtures between Rangers and Kilmarnock won’t exactly be remembered as the magnificent seven come the end of the campaign but these two familiar foes now only have 90 minutes to play before they can finally bid each other farewell this season.
This was the third draw of the half-a-dozen encounters between them this term and it was another frustrating afternoon for Steven Gerrard as two more points were squandered in the Premiership.
Alfredo Morelos gave Ibrox hope as he pulled Rangers level in the second half but Connor McAleny’s early strike was enough to earn Steve Clarke’s side a point. It was one that they deserved.
RANGERS CAN’T HAVE A FALTERING FINISH TO THE SEASON
On paper, there are a number of games that should be eagerly anticipated for Rangers still to come in the closing weeks of the campaign but supporters have little enthusiasm for the final eight fixtures this term.
When Gerrard’s side netted 14 goals in three outings against Kilmarnock, Hamilton and Dundee, there were hopes that there would be plenty to play for in the final weeks as the Gers chased the Premiership title and a Scottish Cup success.
But Rangers are now without a win in four. Their top flight ambitions are all-but over and there will be no shot at glory at Hampden.
There may be little at stake, but Gerrard and his players can’t afford to stumble towards the finishing line.
It will be difficult for Gerrard to pick his side up at present, but Rangers have to get supporters back onside and show some signs of recovery in the coming weeks.
LACK OF SPARK IN THE FINAL THIRD. AGAIN
Just where would Rangers be without Alfredo Morelos? For a start, they would be a point worse off in the league because it was the Colombian that rescued Gerrard’s side once again on Saturday.
After collecting James Tavernier’s pass, he used his strength to spin away from Stuart Findlay and then beat keeper Daniel Bachmann with a sweetly struck strike. He tried to rally the home support and his team-mates, but to no avail.
It was one of the few chances that Morelos was able to carve out for himself and he was let down by the lack of service from those around him once again.
Daniel Candeias offered nothing in the first half, while his replacement Eros Grezda had endeavour but no cutting edge after the break.
Ryan Kent was dangerous in spells, but not often enough, and while Steven Davis looked brighter and sharper, there wasn’t enough guile from Rangers is the central areas.
Keeping the ball isn’t a problem for Rangers. Doing something with it certainly is right now.
IBROX ISN’T THE FORTRESS STEVEN GERRARD WANTED IT TO BE
When Gerrard was appointed in the summer, one of his first targets was to make Ibrox a place where opposition teams feared coming once again. Now, too many seemingly relish it.
Kilmarnock were the first side to take something on league duty in Govan back in October and the Light Blues’ armour on home soil has been chipped away at ever since.
READ MORE: Lennon: 10-point lead heaps pressure on Rangers for Old Firm
Killie have now drawn twice, while Hibernian and St Johnstone have also taken a point. Aberdeen, of course, have a perfect record from their two visits and the Europa League stalemates with Spartak Moscow and Villarreal proved costly.
As the Union Bears remained silent once again, the only noises around the stadium were moans and groans for much of the game on Saturday and that will have a negative impact on the players.
Gerrard tried to get the crowd going when Morelos netted the equaliser but there was no rousing finish from Rangers as boos that started at the break came to the fore once again at full-time.
TEAMS ARE TARGETING RANGERS PHYSICALLY
To win the war, first you have to win the battle. Right now, Rangers are certainly taking some unfriendly fire as opposition sides put themselves about.
Gerrard was unhappy with some of the challenges that Kilmarnock got away with on Saturday and it was a surprise that only four of Steve Clarke’s players picked up a booking from referee Greg Aitken. On the other hand, Connor Goldson was perhaps fortunate not to see red for his tackle on Liam Millar.
On Tuesday night, the crime count was eight yellows for Aberdeen, while four were handed out in the first quarter-final clash at Pittodrie. In between, Hibs had four bookings and Darren McGregor sent off.
It would be no surprise if managers were telling players to get in about Rangers right now because there is a lack of presence in Gerrard’s team at times.
When players cross the line and endanger their opponents, stern action should be taken. But Rangers shouldn’t be afraid to get stuck in themselves.
READ MORE: Chris Jack: Gerrard has made progress at Rangers - even if the numbers don't back it up
THIS WAS MORE LIKE IT FOR KILMARNOCK
Since beating Rangers back in January, Steve Clarke’s side have won only once – their victory at St Mirren last Monday – in nine outings.
This wasn’t three points, but it was a step in the right direction as they showed all the qualities that saw them earn such praise earlier in the campaign.
A top six berth has now been secured and Killie remain well in the hunt for third spot in the Premiership. Clarke will hope his side can finish with a flourish.
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