Celtic have thrown down a gauntlet to Rangers

As Aberdeen get predictably humbled in their own backyard to Celtic, once again the spotlight goes on Rangers.

This time last week Rangers as good as fell at the hands of lowly Hearts, so there is zero room for complacency for Steven Gerrard’s side this week – frankly there wasn’t last week either, yet with the incentive last Sunday of returning to the top of the table, Rangers fell dismally short of both desire, and quality.

It was, in brief, despite the side performing better in the second half, an absolute disgrace where a bottom-feeding side showed more hunger and urgency than the visitors who were supposedly eager to go back top.

And this afternoon, by the time we assume Celtic rout Aberdeen, Rangers will be formally three points behind, and under serious pressure to reclaim those v Steve Robinson’s men who have had a very, very strong start to this season, last weekend’s loss notwithstanding.

Sitting in a very proud fourth place, after 9 matches, the Fir Park side have lost just 2 in 7, the rest being wins. In Rangers’ favour none of Motherwell’s wins have been against sides with any credibility, but they did go to Tynecastle and win out 2-3 compared with Rangers’ wretched result at the same venue.

So there is just no room for any showing up and winning by default.

Rangers must earn this victory – must respect this team who are in solid form, and after last weekend put a serious dampener in title credentials, secure the 3 points to prove that was a mere aberration.

Failure to win today and it’s clear this squad lacks the mental faculties and strength to be champions at present – Celtic have laid down the gauntlet (two weeks in a row) and to win the title Rangers must respond in kind. They didn’t last week, and we hope this was a one off.

Three points await lads.

Take them.