Simply because that when he's good he's sensational and way above anything else around here in Scotland.
Don't ever forget that he wouldn't be here at all if a lot of "haters" had got their way.
Honestly just read Keith Jacksons report on last night, And was amazed he actually gives Rangers credit. However HOW can any reporter report on last night without
glorifying Morelos. As i say another Hater. The Fcker would be all spunked out if it was Edouard. Instead focuses on Paterson.
Rangers produce magnificent Antwerp mayhem on a Europa League night never to be forgotten – Keith Jackson’s verdict
The Ibrox club delivered a brilliant offensive performance on another night to remember in their continental adventures.
It's an often overused saying among the wonderful absurdities thrown up by Scottish football’s never-ending soap opera: You couldn’t make it up.
But even by those far-fetched and fanciful standards, what happened at
Ibrox last night did beggar belief. In just 16 second-half seconds, Nathan Patterson transformed his reputation from Covid villain to European hero. He climbed off the bench after a controversial inclusion among
Steven Gerrard ’s subs to replace Leon Balogun, who was beginning to look like the weakest link in Rangers’ hopes of making it through to the last 16 of this season’s
Europa League.
Two touches of the ball later, Patterson was celebrating the greatest moment of his fledgling career. Less than two weeks after committing the monumental mistake which could have ruined it.
His first senior goal is likely to take some beating given its significance not just for Patterson but in the context of this bonkers two-legged tie. On a night which was supposed to be a low-key sequel to the seven-goal insanity of last week’s clash in Belgium, this second helping was next-level stuff. Seven more goals in total, twisting the plot line all over the place, but Patterson’s being the greatest story of the lot. The sight of the youngster on Gerrard’s bench along with lockdown cohorts
Bongani Zungu and Calvin Bassey was just the start of it.
But while that goes to show there’s one rule for some, there is one constant about Gerrard’s side almost every time they step out under the floodlights in this competition – when Ryan Kent plays, the opposition are almost always in trouble. Last night, it took around three minutes for the English livewire to get on to the ball for the first time. And from that moment the Belgians were in all sorts of bother. Every time Kent got the ball, he looked to turn and drive at Antwerp’s defence. Eight minutes in and after he had fired a couple of warning shots, he conjured the early breakthrough, cleverly anticipating Jeremy Gelin’s slack backpass and darting into position before it had left the Frenchman’s boot. Kent was on to it in a flash to make the interception, taking keeper Ortwin De Wolf out of the game in one move, before cutting the ball back perfectly for Alfredo Morelos to hit an empty net.
In the space of five dizzying minutes, Kent had pretty much tucked this Euro tie in the bag. Or so it seemed. It would have been done and dusted for sure had Ianis Hagi doubled the lead midway through the half after sneaking around the back of the Belgian defence. Although the Romanian thundered a shot at goal, De Wolf was able to beat it away from his near post. And yet, it didn’t seem to matter all that much given the extent of Rangers’ dominance. But when Antwerp finally found their attacking feet for the first time – almost half an hour in – they served up a reminder that there was work here for Gerrard and his players still to do.
The warning came down the right side of the home defence where Balogun was beaten by the powerful running of Jordan Lukaku. Aurelio Buta might have slashed wide on the volley from Lukaku’s cross but suddenly Antwerp’s tails were up. So when Lukaku skinned Balogun for a second time to set up Lior Refaelov for a tap-in, Gerrard sensed it was time to act. The change came at half-time. And before the second half had even got up and running, 19-year-old Patterson was off like a dog off the leash. He raced through on to a Morelos pass to slam home off the base of De Wolf’s right-hand post. Astonishing. Absolutely astonishing.
But it was just the start of another outstanding half of football. It should have settled down in 54 minutes when Rangers produced some stunningly slick passing to make it 3-1 on the night.
Glen Kamara’s pass picked out Hagi on the halfway line. A drop of the shoulder, a swivel of the hips and the 22-year-old played in Morelos who skipped around his marker before picking out Kent for a fabulous first-time finish.
This is the sort of cutting-edge stuff which makes Rangers look like they belong at this level. It ought to concern whoever comes up next in today’s draw. But there have been vulnerable moments too at the back.
When Connor Goldson and Allan McGregor got it horribly wrong, clattering into one another, they left an empty net for striker Didier Lamkel Ze to tap home into.
It was all getting a little bit nervy now. With 13 minutes left Steve Davis found the composure to send Morelos into the box and when his ankles were clipped, up stepped Borna Barisic to hammer home his third penalty of the tie.
Then, in the dying seconds of this magnificent mayhem, another spot-kick after Gers sub Scott Wright was sent sprawling.Another replacement, Cedric Itten, claimed the ball this time and slammed the tin lid on the tie and a night that may never be forgotten for all manner of reasons.
The mouth waters at what drama may still be to come.
:shh:
