With today’s win, Rangers did exactly what they had to. We can whine about the shambolic VAR use again, or the lack of clinical finishing which has dogged the side for a long time, or even the comical defending (or lack of) which led to Hibs’ goal, but ultimately this was a comfortable and well-deserved 3-1 over a potentially-tricky opponent.
We’d offer some ratings, and may still, but at this point, they don’t really matter – the only two matches now which matter are Celtic’s trip to Livi where they could drop points, and most definitely our own hosting of them next weekend which may well be a definitive afternoon in the race for the title.
To spin it positively, outwith the dreadful loss to Motherwell, Rangers haven’t dropped a single point in the league or failed to win domestically since Celtic at Parkhead in December.
Clement’s record domestically overall since that loss is staggering. 13 wins and just that loss to Motherwell is why next weekend really is close to winner takes all, if it’s Rangers.
This is the funny thing – Clement’s domestic results have been so good (just two domestic losses and that single draw) that not winning next weekend might not sound the death knell on the title, but a win would go a massive way towards securing it.
And Hibs was another win on the road to it – despite fans complaining about Wright, Barisic and Dessers in the starting XI, it was a professional win which did exactly what was needed.
A win was critical, and the side delivered.
Now attention is on the Tony Macaroni then Ibrox next week.
It really is very much game on as Rangers top the league and leave the ball in Celtic’s court.
A swing and a miss would be lovely.