Rangers 0-2 Aberdeen: Steven Gerrard set for trophy-less season at Ibrox as Gers crash out of William Hill Scottish Cup

Rangers 0-2 Aberdeen: Steven Gerrard set for trophy-less season at Ibrox as Gers crash out of William Hill Scottish Cup
Steven Gerrard seems set to finish his first season as Rangers boss empty-handed as his team crashed out of the William Hill Scottish Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen.With the Gers eight points adrift of Celtic in the Ladbrokes Premiership title race, Gerrard’s hopes of lifting a trophy at the end of his rookie campaign rested on steering his side through their quarter-final clash with Derek McInnes’ men.4

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard seems set to finish his first season empty-handed

But goals from Niall McGinn and Connor McLennan gave the Reds their third win over Gers in Glasgow this term and another trip to Hampden.The Dons defended magnificently at times as Scott McKenna and Andy Considine again kept Alfredo Morelos quiet.So frustrated was the Colombian that he got himself booked for diving for the second game running against the Pittodrie outfit to earn a ban that meant he would have missed the semi-final with Celtic had Rangers progressed.But that proved inconsequential as it is the Dons who now march on to face the Hoops next month.4

Scott McKenna netted at Ibrox

Aberdeen got off to a perfect start in the first tie at Pittodrie with an early goal and repeated the trick three minutes into the re-match.Glen Kamara tried a risky square ball across his defence to James Tavernier and watched with horror as it went wrong as McGinn nicked possession before calmly beating Allan McGregor.Ibrox was momentarily hushed but the Gers faithful shook off their shock to roar their side on. Scott Arfield looked to hit back for Gerrard’s team but his shot was blocked by Dons youngster Dean Campbell.The hosts’ desperation to get back on level terms saw them swarm over the Reds, refusing to give them a moment’s peace.4

Kyle Lafferty could not make an impact from the bench

But while Rangers’ work-rate was impressive, their quality in the final third was not. Gerrard could not hide his disgust as Daniel Candeias wasted a brilliant opening on the breakaway as the Portuguese inexplicably overcooked a cross for the unmarked Ryan Kent.And a look of frustration swept across the Light Blues boss again in the 33rd minute. Gerrard refused to contemplate leaving out Morelos despite his top-scorer walking a suspension tightrope after being booked for taking a dive at Andrew Considine’s feet in last month’s meeting.But the former Liverpool skipper was left to regret that call as an identical repeat of that Pittodrie scenario saw Morelos collect his second yellow of the competition.Ryan Jack almost fired Gers level eight minutes before the break as a Borna Barisic corner broke his way but his low drive thudded off the base of the post.4

Ryan Jack could not inspire Rangers

The home support unleashed a flurry of ticker-tape from the Broomloan Road end as they roared their team out for the second half.But McInnes’ men had a knack of getting a vital block in just whenever Gers thought an opening was coming their way, like when Scott McKenna stood strong to deny Tavernier on the turn.And it was the 975-strong band of Aberdeen supporters who were cheering in the 62nd minute as McLennan put them two up.Stevie May – deputising for the banned Sam Cosgrove – did brilliantly to hold up play as he waited for support, before picking the perfect moment to slip his young colleague in behind the Gers defence and McLennan did the rest with a cool finish past McGregor. Gerrard had no option but to go all in and immediately threw on Jermain Defoe and Kyle Lafferty to join Morelos in a three-man attack.But Considine produced a great block to deny Defoe while Lewis kept out a Morelos strike as Aberdeen held firm.

---

EFL clubs are set to approve new rules preventing a repeat of the 'Spygate' saga which embroiled Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa. Villa escaped from the Championship last month by beating
EFL to continue investigations into the club's conduct ahead
sportsalert.org/2019/02/08/efl-to-continue-investigations-into-the-clubs-conduct-ahead-of-championship-game-against-derby-last-month/
The English Football League says it will need more time to finish the investigation concerning the Leeds United 'Spygate' incident. United manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted to watching all of his side's rivals in the Championship in training after a member of his staff was caught by Deby last month, prompting the EFL and Football Association to launch an investigation.
Leeds United 'Spygate' latest: EFL to continue investigations

---

Kylian Mbappe hints at PSG exit, Alexis Sanchez's desperate bid to leave Manchester United, City identify Vincent Kompany replacement Man United transfer news LIVE: First summer deal close, Sanchez and Pogba future latest, Ziyech wanted
~ Tottenham vs Ajax: Glenn Hoddle admits he can't believe

---

Crystal Palace could see one of their misfits leave the club in the January transfer window. According to a report by Takvim, Fenerbahce are keen on taking Jairo Riedewald on loan as the player
Celta Vigo target move for Crystal Palace midfielder Jairo

---

LaLiga Team of the Season 2018/19: No Real Madrid players

---

Tottenham vs Liverpool: How Moussa Sissoko went from Spurs passenger to Champions League final driving force. The French midfielder has played a pivotal role for Mauricio Pochettino's side on
Where they stand: Bayern Munich and the UEFA Champions League

---

Rangers have boosted their Scottish Premiership title chances with the high-profile loan signing of Jermain Defoe. The former England striker has moved to Ibrox on an 18-month deal from Bournemouth.
Rangers target Jermain Defoe 'raring to go' as he prepares to

---

Transfer news and gossip: Juventus plot stunning Salah swoop

---

Crystal Palace defender Jairo Riedewald is being linked with a summer loan switch to Turkish side Fenerbahce. Reports in Turkey are claiming that the Super Lig outfit's sporting director Damien
Fenerbahce eye loan move for Jairo Riedewald - Read Crystal

---

Burnley 2-0 West Ham: Clarets back on song to punish off-colour Hammers Written by: fpnews Posted on: December 30, 2018 Burnley looked far more like their old selves as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over West Ham and eased their relegation worries.
Burnley 2-0 West Ham United: Clarets end losing streak with

---

Real Madrid to offer 3 players in exchange for superstar, Red Devils contact star goalkeeper's agent over potential move, and more Manchester United transfer news - 2 June 2019 RELATED STORY
Man Utd offered Inter Milan star Mauro Icardi - and make
sports-life-news.com/soccer/man-utd-offered-inter-milan-star-mauro-icardi-and-make-decision-on-transfer/
And now, Sky Sports Italia say that the Premier League giants have been offered Icardi by Inter. However, United have supposedly said no. They want £80million to part ways with Lukaku, recognising there is a lack of world-class strikers on the market. Inter tried to offer United long-term target Ivan Perisic.
Manchester United Transfer News: Inter Milan have reached an

---

In a match with nothing to play for, Manchester United still found a way to lose. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored on either side of halftime to give Cardiff City a comfortable 2-0 win on the final
Manchester United transfer news LIVE Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

---

Former England full-back Glen Johnson has announced his retirement. The ex-Chelsea, Liverpool and Stoke defender won 54 caps, and played in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and Euro 2012. He was also
Glen Johnson announces retirement - Sports Matters TV

---