Rangers earned an excellent 4-2 win over Aberdeen on Wednesday night.
Jermain Defoe has told Sky Sports that Steven Gerrard urged his side to keep their heads and stop Aberdeen from scoring at half-time – two things which Rangers failed to do.
Going into the break 3-1 to the good at Pittodrie thanks to a brace from Alfredo Morelos and a James Tavernier penalty cancelling out Sam Cosgrove’s strike, Rangers looked comfortable.
But the first 10 minutes threatened Rangers’ chances of earning three points. Cosgrove scored a penalty just two minutes after Gerrard ordered his side not to concede again – before Alfredo Morelos got sent off for an incident with Scott McKenna.
The Aberdeen defender also saw red for the altercation near the corner flag. Defoe says Gerrard had told his side to maintain their composure and prevent another Dons goal, but within 10 minutes, his team talk had gone out the window.
“He told us to keep out heads,” Defoe said. “From where I was sitting, I didn’t really see what happened [McKenna/Morelos incident], but it’s important to keep your head. The crowd here make it difficult for the opposition to come here.
“Just to be composed and if we can get another goal, then great. But also not to concede again. He said it’s a 45-minute game, don’t concede and we’ll win. I’ve not seen the penalty back, but it was nice to win and get the three points.”
The win sees Rangers finally beat Aberdeen after four attempts this season, losing twice in the league and the League Cup semi-final. Morelos has now seen red in three of those matches.
The Gers are now five points clear of third-placed Aberdeen in second place, but remain six behind leaders Celtic who comfortably beat Hibernian at Parkhead by two goals to nil.
Gerrard’s men return to action on Saturday evening as they go up against Steve Clarke’s Kilmarnock in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup at Rugby Park.
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