Rangers emerged from the first round of Scottish Premiership fixtures with a four point advantage over Celtic topped off with a comfortable 2-0 win at Parkhead and everything is rosey in the garden of Ibrox.
Kenny Miller, speaking to Sky Sports News, and reported by The Scottish Sun, believes that Steven Gerrard’s side finally has what it takes to mount a serious and sustained challenge this season after a couple of false dawns, and that they were worthy Old Firm winners.
So what has Miller said?
When asked if he thinks that Rangers are now capable of going all the way, he said:
“I certainly hope so.
“Obviously Celtic have dominated for a number of years now and the important thing for Rangers is to show a level of consistency across the whole season instead of just half.
“I’m sure they can draw on the experiences of the last two seasons and really try and put a challenge together.
“As they did at this point last year, they look every bit title contenders.”
So is Miller correct?
There is certainly nothing to suggest otherwise, as Connor Goldson alluded to in his post-game interview, it hasn’t happened overnight, the longer pre-season and reduction in Europa League fixtures has allowed even greater time on the training ground for Michale Beale to drill Rangers into a well oiled machine.
Will Rangers now go on and win the league?
Yes
No
The last couple of seasons has seen Rangers drop off after the winter break for a variety of different reasons – mainly quality of squad – but this season is different, on Saturday there was no fewer than eight internationals sitting on the bench waiting to come on, depth that hasn’t been seen since Walter Smith was the boss.
Celtic haven’t laid a glove on Rangers in one-off fixtures for a while now, it is up to the coaching staff to make sure the same levels are found against the rest of the league.