Steven Gerrard had his first taste of domestic football as a manager as he took his Rangers side to face Aberdeen in their Scottish Premiership opener.Both sides had contrasting fortunes in the UEFA Europa League in midweek, the Gers got past Osijek to reach the fourth qualifying round against Maribor, whilst Aberdeen, despite showing a great account of themselves, were eliminated by Burnley.Gerrard's men got off to the worst possible start though at Pittodrie, as star striker Alfredo Morelos was sent off for aiming a kick at Scott McKenna after just 12 minutes.It seemed very harsh at the time, but Morelos gave the referee a decision to make and he subsequently gave him his marching orders.Despite having one-less man on the field though, James Tavernier gave Rangers the lead from the penalty spot with 30 minutes played.But after looking comfortable throughout the match, Aberdeen youngster Bruce Anderson snatched a late equaliser to prevent Gerrard from getting off to a winning start.Speaking following the conclusion of the 1-1 draw, the Liverpool legend was full of praise for his side, but reserved criticism for the opposition's methods of play."I thought we were magnificent," Gerrard gushed about his outfit's performance."We were very good with 11 men, I thought we were even better when we went to 10."Aberdeen didn't have any idea against us and for 93 minutes I thought it was perfect.

"Obviously I'm gutted for my players that we conceded so late on, but we showed today that we are a class above Aberdeen.

"I thought tactically when we went to 10 [men] we were very good," continued the Rangers boss.

"Aberdeen only had one idea - to lump it in the box."

Fighting talk from Gerrard after suffering late, late disappointment.

Whilst some non-Rangers fans could see these comments as bitter, Gers supporters are loving the confidence that Gerrard exudes.

The only way Gerrard could be anymore loved by the Ibrox faithful is by beating Celtic at least once this season.

And with the football shown by his side against Aberdeen, despite coming up short in the end, this could be the season that it happens for the Blues.