Rangers picked up a comfortable win over St Johnstone as goals from James Tavernier and Glen Kamara - helped by a red card to Saints' Nicky Clark - moved them back to within six points of Celtic.
The inclusion of Todd Cantwell, despite not having played since November, was an indication of how highly Michael Beale rates his first signing and the former Norwich playmaker started on the right of a front three, which means Fashion Sakala was benched. Alongside him was Ianis Hagi, a year and a week on from the ACL injury he suffered in last season’s Scottish Cup against Stirling Albion, and the Romanian got a huge ovation when his name was read out pre-match. This was Beale’s 10th game in charge and he was unbeaten in the nine previous, winning the nine previous.
Anything less than another three points would have been a major, almost certainly fatal, blow as they try to reel in Celtic’s nine-point lead. But St Johnstone arrived at Ibrox desperately in need of a result, having lost their previous six games including last week’s cup tie against Rangers. The home side started brightly with Cantwell constantly involved, demanding the ball and using it well and looking like he had a licence to roam,
It was Ryan Kent, though, who almost forced the breakthrough in the 12th minute with an electrifying burst and set up for Alfredo Morelos that forced Remi Matthews into a good save. The opener was delayed by only two minutes, though, and it came from the penalty spot.
It was yet another contentious hand ball in a season full of them. A cross from the right appeared to hit Malik Tillman’s back and cannon into James Brown’s arm, which was away from his body. Willie Collum pointed to the spot and James Tavernier made no mistake.
Morelos should have killed the game off in the 22nd minute after being played in on Matthews but the keeper’s outstretched left leg diverted to safety the Colombian’s shot. Saints had even more of a mountain to climb in the 34th minute when Nicky Clark was sent off after a VAR check on a challenge that left Ryan Jack needing lengthy treatment.
Boss Callum Davidson was yellow carded for his reaction to the decision. Jack was then booked a minute later for felling Adam Montgomery, prompting a furious reaction from the Saints players - and even when Collum was advised to look at the screen, he decided a yellow card was sufficient,
Yet Saints scorned a glorious chance in the final seconds of the six added on minutes at the end of the first half, Dan Phillips sent Drey Wright steamiing on goal and after rounding Allan McGregor, with the goal gaping, the midfielder tripped over his own feet and failed to convert. Cantwell had a chance to mark his debut with a goal just after the break but Borna Barisic’s cut-back was just behind him and his shot flew over the bar.
Rangers had been wasteful but Glen Kamara doubled their lead with a fine finish after Cantwell’s pass to Morelos was brilliantly flicked into his path in the 57th minute.
Hagi made his long awaited appearance, replacing Tillman in the 71st minute, showing one or flashes of class and setting up fellow sub Sakala for a shot that was deflected by Montgomery to force another fine save from Matthews in the closing minutes.
Cantwell shows his class
Todd Cantwell’s first appearance for Rangers was sprinkled with moments of class and definitely an appetite to try to make things happen. Right from the start, the ex-Norwich man was demanding the ball from his team-mates and trying to make things happen.
There will be tougher days ahead but Cantwell can be happy with his introduction to Scottish football. And with more game time under his belt, looks like he will be a big player for Michael Beale.
More VAR drama
Another day, another VAR controversy and Callum Davidson will be thinking that his side simply can’t catch a break. The penalty given against James Brown was one of those where the defender simply can’t get his hand out of the way and then VAR’s intervention deemed that Nicky Clark’s foul on Ryan Jack was worthy of a red. And when Collum went to the monitor to check if Jack’s foul on Montgomery should have been upped to a red, the Saints’ manager’s misery was complete.
One cause for Rangers concern
There was plenty of slick football from Rangers and from middle to front Beale now has plenty of options, but the conversation rate of chances created must still be far too low for the manager’s liking.
Some of that was down to the excellence of Remi Matthews in the St Johnstone goal but too often one pass too many was taken and the chance to clear was presented to the Saints defence. Alfredo Morelos, while working hard, is still lacking confidence in front of goal and Beale must be sorely tempted to bring in Antonio Colak for the trip to Tynecastle on Wednesday.
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