Steven Gerrard predicts 'twists and turns' in title race despite Rangers' commanding 16-point lead at the top

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has warned his players they still have a winding road ahead of them if they hope to successfully plot a path to securing the Scottish Premiership title.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard applauds his team's efforts as they beat St Johnstone 3-0 at McDiarmid Park to stay 16 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

Gerrard was hugely satisfied with the 3-0 win over St Johnstone in Perth which keeps Rangers 16 points clear at the top of the table at the halfway point of their campaign.

But he continues to caution against complacency in his squad’s ranks as they now switch their attention to the Boxing Day meeting with third-placed Hibs at Ibrox.

“We're very pleased with our form, we're very pleased with the run we're on in the league,” said Gerrard.

“With 19 games gone, to return 53 points is a really good effort from the players.

“But it's only halfway and there's a lot of football to be played, a lot of games, a lot of twists and turns.

“The important thing for me is to keep these players focused on the next challenge and that will be tough, because it's against Hibs.

“I think the first challenge is to keep people fit and healthy and in a good place and in good form.

“This is a different situation with Covid and this type of stuff, so we need to guard against anything that can come our way.

“But if we keep everyone fit and fresh, we're a good team and we'll win football matches. That's the challenge for me, just go game to game. Don't get too ahead of ourselves and stay balanced. The games are coming thick and fast and we have to be ready.”

Goals from Kemar Roofe, Glen Kamara and Ianis Hagi secured an 11th consecutive league win for Rangers against a Saints side reduced to 10 men in the closing stages when Michael O’Halloran was sent off.

“I'm pleased we competed well all over the pitch,” said Gerrard. “We really stood up to the physicality of St Johnstone.

“They are a well organised team, we had to first and foremost match that and at the right times we were very clinical and showed our quality.

“We could have scored a few more goals but all in all I'm delighted with the performance.

“This was a tricky game for us just before Christmas so fair play to the players.”

How the Rangers players rated in 3-0 win over St Johnstone

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