STEVEN GERRARD’s Rangers team of the 2020/21 campaign have cemented their place into the history books after achieving a seventh consecutive clean sheet of the season on Saturday. 

The shutout meant the Light Blues got one over on their noisy neighbours from across the city as this current Ibrox outfit eclipsed a record set by Willie Maley’s Hoops from back in 1906. 

Gerrard’s men celebrated in style come the full-time whistle of their game with Dundee United at the weekend and they were quite right to enjoy their fine achievement. 

In all honesty, the Gers backline was not overly tested by Micky Mellon’s team, but they looked determined, right up to the final whistle, to ensure a ball was not crossing their own line. 

On the attacking front, Rangers looked a threat every time they arrowed towards goal. Ryan Kent, James Tavernier, Kemar Roofe and Scott Arfield were all on target in the comfortable win. 

But despite the obvious landmark achievement and forward-thinking prowess of the Ibrox squad, what did we learn from an entertaining 90 minutes in the Scottish Premiership?

Age is just a number  

Steven Davis may have been the oldest player on the park on Saturday, but he was the best player on the park by a country mile. The Northern Ireland international bossed the middle of the park and was a calming influence for his whole team. His ability to step on the ball and dictate play is a special attribute and Rangers must use his title winning experience to their advantage. 

Fitness must have come into the consideration of Steven Gerrard when he was picking his starting team for this one, especially considering that Davis had travelled and played in both of Northern Ireland’s matches over the international period. You wouldn't have known it by the 35-year-old's performance though. He was full of energy and rightly claimed the man of the match award.

Morelos showing fight 

Alfredo Morelos was introduced from the substitutes’ bench after Brandon Barker picked up a hamstring injury in the first half of this Scottish Premiership clash. The Colombian striker looked leaner than before the international break, which reaffirmed Steven Gerrard’s comments about him undertaking extra fitness work during his time off.  

Morelos also looked hungry to be involved and there were no signs of his sulking attitude when he took to the field, despite being left out the starting line-up. His link up play was impressive and there were early signs of a possible partnership forming with Kemar Roofe. 

Unfortunately for Morelos, his match was brought to an end prematurely due to a horror tackle from Ryan Edwards. Rangers will be hoping the injury is not as bad as first feared, with the 24-year-old leaving the field of play on a stretcher.  

Strong in defence 

Taking into account the great Scottish teams of the past that have performed in the top flight since Celtic set the clean sheet record of old in 1906, Rangers must be congratulated on a tremendous achievement. 

Gerrard’s side have performed expertly at the back so far this season and this newly set record can only brew confidence. The middle pairing of the backline has been forced to change several times this season due to injuries, but each time a new face steps into the line-up they seem to step up to the mark. 

Saturday was another prime example as Leon Balogun was forced to sit the match out after feeling a quad strain in the warm-up. Filip Helander strolled into his shoes and commanded comfortably alongside his teammate Connor Goldson. With Hibs up next in the league, it will be interesting to see how the Gers defence deals with an increase of fire power. 

United need Shankland 

Sticking with fire power and Dundee United lacked it on Saturday. Nicky Clark led the line well for Mellon’s team, but he simply did not have the support to hurt his former club. Lawrence Shankland was a welcome addition back in the United squad, but he failed to make an impact as he was subbed on in the second half. The Scotland international looked off the pace and that is, of course, expected after missing the past six weeks through injury.  

Saturday’s United performance epitomised just how important he is to his team though with their lack of attacking threat. Tannadice boss Mellon will be hoping to get him up to speed as soon as possible.  

Kent must stay 

Ryan Kent was once again in sparkling form for Rangers on Saturday. The 23-year-old tormented the Dundee United defence throughout the 90 minutes - they simply could not handle him. The tricky footwork in the build-up to Kent’s opener will have Tannadice defender Ryan Edwards having nightmares for weeks to come, but he won’t be last to be bamboozled by those feet this season. 

The former Liverpool winger has been linked with a move to Leeds United this summer, but he has already come out and said that he is happy playing his football in Glasgow. Kent’s displays so far this season would certainly back that up and the club must do everything in their power to keep the winger past the transfer window. He will be key if Rangers want to continue their serious challenge for the Scottish Premiership crown.