---
title: "Opinion: Steven Gerrard blew the Old Firm derby"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2019/09/03/opinion-steven-gerrard-blew-the-old-firm-derby"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Articles and Opinions"
published: "2019-09-03T12:36:00Z"
modified: "2019-09-03T12:50:20Z"
---

# Opinion: Steven Gerrard blew the Old Firm derby

Rangers entered the [first Old Firm](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49463324) game of the season riding on the crest of a wave – they had just sealed their place in the [Europa League](https://www.skysports.com/rangers-results) group stages and arrived at Ibrox with a [100% record](https://www.skysports.com/rangers-results) in the league.

However, when the lineups were announced at[11:00 am](https://twitter.com/RangersFC/status/1168097992555077633/photo/1), there were no sign of [any wingers](https://twitter.com/RangersFC/status/1168097992555077633/photo/1) in Steven Gerrard’s side, and instead, it looked as if Rangers were lining up in a [4-3-2-1](https://twitter.com/RangersFC/status/1168097992555077633/photo/1) formation.

This seemed odd considering Celtic’s [two full-backs](https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17873918.steven-gerrard-got-team-tactics-wrong---six-talking-points-ibrox/) had struggled in[recent weeks](https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17873918.steven-gerrard-got-team-tactics-wrong---six-talking-points-ibrox/). Rangers have started the season brilliantly especially going forward – they have scored a [staggering 33 goals](https://www.skysports.com/rangers-results)already, but yesterday they really struggled.

Fraser Forster only had to [make two saves](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49463324) all game and Gerrard’s idea of playing with [no width](https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17873918.steven-gerrard-got-team-tactics-wrong---six-talking-points-ibrox/) did not go well.

With all of the play in [the centre](https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17873918.steven-gerrard-got-team-tactics-wrong---six-talking-points-ibrox/) Celtic were compact and [sprung forward](https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17873918.steven-gerrard-got-team-tactics-wrong---six-talking-points-ibrox/) at will – they just sat in and waited for [the Gers’ attack](https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17873918.steven-gerrard-got-team-tactics-wrong---six-talking-points-ibrox/) to break down.

The only outlet was [James Tavernier](https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17873918.steven-gerrard-got-team-tactics-wrong---six-talking-points-ibrox/), but [he was awful](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1172565/Rangers-player-ratings-Celtic-Tavernier-Goldson-poor-Old-Firm). On the other side, [Jon Flanagan](https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17873918.steven-gerrard-got-team-tactics-wrong---six-talking-points-ibrox/) did not get forward because he is naturally right-footed – so could [not offer anything](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1172565/Rangers-player-ratings-Celtic-Tavernier-Goldson-poor-Old-Firm) on the left of the field.

In the second half, Gerrard realised the error of his ways and [introduced Sheyi Ojo](https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17873918.steven-gerrard-got-team-tactics-wrong---six-talking-points-ibrox/) and [Jordan Jones](https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/17873918.steven-gerrard-got-team-tactics-wrong---six-talking-points-ibrox/), but the game did not change.

Another error Gerrard made was his decision not to start [Alfredo Morelos](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/4670267/steven-gerrard-alfredo-morelos-jermain-defoe-rangers-celtic-old-firm/) – the Colombian is a [livewire](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/alfredo-morelos-verdict-rangers-striker-can-be-unplayable-this-season-if-he-continues-to-mature-claims-steven-gerrard-1-4980933), and he could have [made a difference](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1172469/Rangers-news-Alfredo-Morelos-Jermaine-Defoe-Steven-Gerrard-Barry-Ferguson) in a physical game.

Jermain Defoe is a [quality striker](https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/big-interview-exclusive-rod-wallace-reckons-jermain-defoe-can-be-rangers-top-striker-and-fire-them-to-his-first-title/), but in a game like the Old Firm, perhaps [Morelos’ physical style](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1172469/Rangers-news-Alfredo-Morelos-Jermaine-Defoe-Steven-Gerrard-Barry-Ferguson)could have changed the game.

Overall, then the Old Firm was lost by Gerrard’s poor tactical decisions.