Rangers secured a vital 2-0 victory over St. Johnstone in the Premier Sports Cup, easing their way into the quarter-finals. It was a win that couldn’t have come at a better time, given the cloud of negative news surrounding the club in recent weeks. However, while the result was welcome, the performance left much to be desired. Let’s dive into the key talking points from the match.
A Win Was Essential
Coming into this match, Rangers were under immense pressure. The season has been marred by inconsistent performances on the pitch and turmoil off it. A defeat against St. Johnstone would have only added fuel to the fire, so the 2-0 win was not just necessary—it was essential. Despite the victory, it’s clear the team is still far from the levels we expect at Ibrox. The start of the match was particularly worrying, with captain James Tavernier looking off the pace, and this seemed to seep into the rest of the squad.
Danilo’s Return: A Promising Sign
It was a relief to see Danilo make his first competitive start of the season. His movement was sharp, and he got into promising positions several times in the first half. However, it was evident that he lacked match sharpness, which could explain why he didn’t manage to convert any of his chances. With more minutes under his belt, we’re confident Danilo will start to find the back of the net regularly.
Dessers: A Man Under Pressure
Cyriel Dessers has faced his fair share of criticism since joining Rangers, especially after a lackluster display against Dynamo Kyiv. But credit where it’s due—he keeps his head up, works hard, and finds a way to score. Coming on for Danilo at halftime, Dessers made an immediate impact, netting the opener after a VAR review. The striker might not have had the easiest start to his Rangers career, but he’s showing signs of the resilience needed to succeed at Ibrox.
And speaking of Dessers, there’s been some fun speculation among fans—did he treat Danilo to that fresh haircut we saw on the pitch? If so, maybe it’s Dessers’ way of boosting the confidence of his striking partner or maybe he just wants him to look sharp!
Jefte: The Standout Performer
For many fans, Jefte was the man of the match. He was solid defensively, which was a relief given the concerns about his pre-season form. Going forward, he was quick, aggressive, and delivered several dangerous crosses. It’s performances like these that remind us why he was brought to the club.
Cerny and Matondo: A Mixed Bag
Vaclav Cerny had a game of near misses. He found himself in good positions but failed to capitalise, either striking straight at the keeper or missing the target altogether. It was frustrating to watch because you could see the potential, but the final product just wasn’t there.
Rabbi Matondo, on the other hand, used his pace effectively and worked hard throughout the match. However, like Cerny, his final decision-making let him down at crucial moments. While this was one of Matondo’s better performances, he still lots of room to improve in his consistency.
Injuries and Tactical Shifts
Robin Propper’s injury was a concerning sight, especially given our defensive frailties this season. However, manager Philippe Clement seemed to play down the severity of the injury post-match, so we’ll have to wait and see. In Propper’s absence, Ben Davies came on and did a decent job at the back.
Connor Barron’s introduction in the second half was a game-changer. His presence on the pitch seemed to boost the team’s confidence, and he played a crucial role in shifting the momentum in Rangers’ favour. Barron continues to impress, and it’s exciting to see his development.
McCausland’s Impact and Fraser’s 1st Game of the Season
Ross McCausland came on late in the game and took full advantage of a tired St. Johnstone defense. His positive play down the right side opened up opportunities, and he was rewarded with a well-taken goal to seal the victory. McCausland’s composure in front of goal is something that will serve him well as he continues to get more minutes.
Robbie Fraser also made a brief appearance, and despite a shaky start, he settled in nicely. His chipped pass and crossing ability were highlights of his short time on the pitch. We’re keen to see more of Fraser as the season progresses.
VAR Controversy and Attendance Woes
The VAR review for Dessers’ goal caused quite a stir. The referee seemed to signal for a foul in the build-up, leaving everyone confused. However, after a lengthy check, the goal stood, much to the fury of St. Johnstone’s players and manager. It was a classic case of the referee making a meal of a situation, but as they say, play to the whistle!
On a less positive note, the attendance at Hampden was disappointing. With all the negativity surrounding the club, combined with the timing and early round of the competition, it’s not surprising that fewer fans showed up. It looked like there were less than 20,000 in the stadium—a stark reminder of the current mood among the support.
Unacceptable Fan Behaviour
Unfortunately, the match was marred by an incident outside Hampden before kickoff, where a Rangers fan was filmed knocked down a St. Johnstone Fan Liaison Officer and snatched a drum. The individuals involved were quickly apprehended by the police and are due in court next week. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and brings shame to the club. We hope the club takes steps to show their class and extend an olive branch to St. Johnstone.
Looking Ahead
Rangers are through to the quarter-finals, but it’s clear there’s still work to be done. The performance wasn’t up to the standard we expect, but the result is what matters in cup competitions. As we wait to see who our next opponents will be, let’s hope the team can build on this win and start to turn things around both on and off the pitch.
As always, we’ll be watching closely and cheering on the Gers—here’s to hoping for brighter days ahead at Ibrox!