Gerrard: 'We had to grind but played some outstanding football in the first half' says Rangers boss

Steven Gerrard was pleased with the perseverance of his side as they saw out a 1-0 win over 10-man Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 01: Steven Gerrard, Manager of Rangers FC reacts during the Ladbrokes Premiership match between Aberdeen and Rangers at Pittodrie Stadium on August 01, 2020 in Aberdeen, Scotland. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/Pool via Getty Images)

Andrew Considine was sent off late for the home side for a tackle on Scott Arfield. Ryan Kent gave Rangers the win with a first-half strike on the counter attack after 20 minutes.

And the boss said: “It was a good team performance - of course you'd look to kill the game off with that second goal.

“But we've come here really organised and played some outstanding football in the first half – but in the second half we had to grind.

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 01: Ianis Hagi of Rangers FC appeals to the referee as he goes down during the Ladbrokes Premiership match between Aberdeen and Rangers at Pittodrie Stadium on August 01, 2020 in Aberdeen, Scotland. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Andrew Milligan/Pool via Getty Images)

"Aberdeen are not going to make it comfortable for you and Derek will get a reaction from them at half-time. At 1-0 Aberdeen are always still in the game but I'm pleased that we showed signs and were capable of staying in there and getting over the line.”

Rangers were particularly impressive in the first half and scored a well-worked goal through Kent after Alfredo Morelos’ through pass. The Dons seldom came close though Scott McKenna had an effort scrambled off the line in the second half, where new signing Leon Balogun collided with the post in the melee.

Gerrard told Sky Sports: “In an ideal world you want it to look great with our style all the time but that's not real. Over the course of 38 games there will be passages of play where the opposition will put you under pressure and try and take you out of your comfort zone.

“You have to stay tough, stay together and roll your sleeves up and put your body on the line – Leon epitomised that going into the post.

“Aberdeen didn't lay down and pushed us all the way. This is a big three points and we're up and running now, and pleased with the start.”