Alfredo Morelos’ reaction to being subbed during Rangers’ 4-0 win over Aberdeen left manager Steven Gerrard baffled.
The Colombian hitman made way for Jermain Defoe midway through the second half of his side’s thumping victory at Ibrox.
Morelos wasn’t shy in showing his frustration, throwing his gloves to the floor.
Goals from Ryan Kent, Kemar Roofe, Scott Arfield and James Tavernier sent Gerrard’s side 11 points clear of rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
The league leaders now head to Lisbon to take on Benfica in a crunch Europa League clash on Thursday, which would have been in the manager’s thinking when he decided to take the striker off.
Asked why Morelos didn’t look happy at being withdrawn from the action, Gerrard replied: "Does he ever?
“I can't work it out. We're 4-0 up, he's played well, his team-mate is about to come on, we've got a big game on Thursday.
"I don't know, you'll have to ask Alfredo why he was a bit sad. I wasn't sad, I was very happy."
Regardless, Gerrard was more pleased with the performance he got from his side against what was a depleted Aberdeen team, especially after the Hoops slipped up the previous day away to Hibs.
And the Gers gaffer admitted he always keeps an eye on the league table, although insisted it’s too early to read anything into their lead with so much football still to be played.
"We played some incredible stuff again,” he said. “Some of our movement in the final third was exceptional. We are showing that relentlessness and really executing when we get in the right places.
"We were strong from start to finish and I managed to make five changes and look after people who have been doing a lot of travel. As far as I'm concerned, I'm extremely happy.
"I look at the league table every time we play," Gerrard said. "I'm not going to deny that. But I've never known a manager to get carried away in November.
"There is a lot of football to be played, a lot of challenges, a lot of big hurdles to get over. But I won't deny I'm happy. I'd much rather be where we are of course. But stay humble."
