Scotland overcame a false start against Armenia, running out 4-1 winners in their final Nations League clash of the summer.
That familiar sinking feeling was washing over the Tartan Army after just six minutes. Grant Hanley failed to cover himself in glory for the second game in a row, being outmuscled by Tigran Bersegyan on the far side.
Scott McTominay was caught sleeping in the middle, and the ball was cut back for Vahan Bichakhchyan to fire the hosts into the lead.
Eight minutes later, Scotland were thankfully level.
Jack Hendry clipped a ball into the box for Che Adams, who took a touch before attempting an overhead kick.
That didn't come off, but the ball fell kindly for Stuart Armstrong, who stroked home his third international goal to calm the nerves.
Hearts were in mouths when Armenia had the ball in the net again, but it was as clear an offside calls as you're likely to see, even without the unnecessary VAR check.
There was nothing calm about Scotland when Bersegyan got in behind and turned Hendry, leaving him on the deck, but the Club Brugge defender recovered well to make a vital tackle from his grounded position.
Things swung in Scotland's favour just 90 seconds before the break after Armenia were reduced to ten men.
Kavo Hovhannisyan put in a terrible tackle on Patterson before going head-to-head with McGinn, earning himself a stupid quickfire second yellow.
And Armstrong [punished Armenia again, showing great fee to set himself before firing into the far croner for his and Scotland's second to turn the game around on the stroke of half-time.
Less than five minutes after the re-start, it was game over. Both fullbacks combined as Patterson knocked Greg Taylor's cross into the middle for John McGinn, and the skipper took a touch on the run before firing home.
Che Adams removed any lingering doubt about an Armenia comeback three minutes later, Armstrong's pass and the striker's turn taking him in on goal before cutting onto his right and s;lamming home a first goal for club or country in 16 games.
Scotland saw the game out easily enough and there was even time for another Armenian red, Hovhannisayan's namesake Arman going over the top of the ball on Lewis Ferguson.
Sending off
Scotland may well have gone on to win against 11 men, but there's no doubt Hovhannisayan's moment of madness allowed them to breathe a little easier.
Despite drawing level, the Scots still looked slack and not exactly solid at the back.
So the right back's decision to fly in on Patterson then get indulge in some handbags with McGinn and end his evening early definitely made life easier, illustrated when Armstrong put Clarke's men ahead moments later.
There could be no doubt about the second red either, which was a poor challenge on Ferguson.
Scottish sloppiness
After the first half-an-hour, no-one would've seen a comfortable Scotland win coming.
Armenia seemed to get in behind with every attack and only some last ditch defending combined with poor decision making from them prevented any damage.
The back three looked ill at ease, and the time has surely come now to end the Scott McTominay as a centre back experient. In fairness to Clarke, it was a case of needs must tonight, but it's just. not the Manchester United man's position.
Grant Hanley's previously assured starting spot will also now be under threat after his last two displays, and those further forward were also guilty of not quite being at it on too many occasions, although grew into the game as the goals flowed.
Clarke's future
It was never seriously in doubt after Saturday, and only a complete disaster tonight would have well and truly seen the pitchforks come out.
Three points sees the Nations League campaign back on track for now.
But September's double header against Ukraine, either side of Ireland at Hampden will likely prove decisive.
After the surrender in the World Cup play-off semi-final, much better will demanded from Scotland, at least at Hampden.
Kieran Tierney's return should help, but another poor defeat and the questions will return.
As things stand however, Dublin is proving to be a blip in an impressive recent record.
