Gerrard has guided Rangers to sixth in the Scottish Premiership after seven matches.
Kris Commons has labelled Rangers manager Steven Gerrard’s disappointing start to life in the Scottish Premiership as “not good enough” in his Daily Mail column and compared it to Pedro Caixinha’s efforts last season.
Gerrard, 38, has vastly improved Rangers on the pitch, helping them reach the Europa League group stages and the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup. But it is in the league where Rangers are struggling.
The Gers suffered their second defeat under Gerrard on Sunday afternoon to newly-promoted Livingston and now sit way back in sixth place, two points behind fifth-placed Celtic.
Hearts, Hibernian, Livi and Kilmarnock all sit ahead of the two old Firm sides and Commons believes Rangers are wasting an opportunity with Celtic also stuttering. He says Gerrard’s start is no different to Caixinha’s last term.
“It’s there to be won and Rangers keep tripping themselves up on the road. Steven Gerrard has done a fine job since he arrived, but he’s not exempt from criticism,” Commons said.
“Under his command, Rangers have failed to win away from home in the league this season. They have 11 points from their first seven games – the same total as Pedro Caixinha had at this stage last season.
“That’s not good enough. Not when the Rangers supporters have the scent of Celtic’s blood in their nostrils for the first time in years.”
Gerrard has watched on as his side threw away a lead against Motherwell to draw 3-3, while Aberdeen scored an injury-time winner to draw 1-1. Now, the Gers have also been beaten by Celtic and Livi.
But their focus switches to Europe as Rangers play host to Rapid Vienna in their second Europa League group stage match, as they look to build on what was perhaps Gerrard’s best result as manager – a 2-2 draw away at Villarreal.
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