Rangers 4-0 Dundee United: injured hosts claim clean sheet record

Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers set a new shutout record early in the season as they sailed to victory over Dundee United.

Ryan Kent and James Tavernier scored in the first half, and Kemar Roofe and Scott Arfield added after the break.

But the hosts lost four players to injuries during the afternoon.

Leon Balogun retired shortly before kickoff, with Ryan Jack, Brandon Barker and Alfredo Morelos following him through the game.

The Rangers maintain a three-point lead at the top of the table, while United’s third consecutive loss leaves them in the eighth.

It was an afternoon that he was supposed to break Celtic’s 114-year-old record for the number of clean sheets since the start of a season. And while it was easily accomplished, Rangers fans will be concerned about the collateral damage accumulated in the process.

Balogun was the first to fall. Named to the starting lineup, he was replaced before kick-off by Filip Helander. Just 11 minutes later, Jack also withdrew when he limped off the field.

Despite that setback, within two minutes Gerrard’s team was up front. A good double between Kent and Ianis Hagi opened the visiting defense for the first. A step sold his marker for some time, a low shot bought him a goal.

However, the curse of wounds would soon strike again. Not long after, Barker’s gallop in search of a loose ball saw him stop. His career ran, and in the 39th minute so was United’s.

Hagi was involved again when Borna Barisic found space down the left as the visitors contracted to a tight defense. Ryan Edwards dropped a ground ball at the front post, and Rangers captain Tavernier lunged for the back post.

The closest attempt to a United goal in the first half came moments later, when Jon McLaughlin missed a Peter Pawlett corner kick but Nicky Clark’s header was deflected.

While Gerrard would have been concerned about losing three players before the break, Morelos’s departure could well be the biggest blow. A high following of Edwards caught the Colombian, the man who replaced Barker, and he was eventually removed on a stretcher.

Despite that setback, the Rangers had enough to end the game. Substitute Arfield’s shot crossed the goal and Roofe slid the ball between United center-backs.

And there was still time for a fourth, Hagi again the provider, this time for Arfield to arch his effort away from diver Benjamin Siegrist.

Man of the Match – Ianis Hagi

What did we learn?

There is character and options in this Rangers team. Losing four players and remaining as dominant will certainly please Gerrard, as his team’s undefeated start to the campaign has lifted them to the top of the Premiership list.

However, with a midweek Europa League qualifying game against Lincoln Red Imps, the Rangers manager will be forgiven for feeling a bit worried. He has a lot to choose from, but the loss of Jack and Morelos will be a concern. The former has been a key player this season, and the latter was the Europa League’s top scorer last season. A nervous wait for the prognosis of the four will surely follow.

For United, it was always a tough task, but they failed to shine here. A tight defense was taken advantage of, particularly on the right, while Micky Mellon’s midfield simply couldn’t control the game.

The only positive is that Lawrence Shankland returns to the field, even as a substitute. With three losses on the rebound now, getting him to shoot surely should be a priority.

Whats Next?

The Rangers are in action in the Europa League on Thursday with their trip to face the Gibraltar minnows Lincoln Red Imps. For United, St Mirren’s visit awaits next Saturday in the Scottish Premiership.