Gio van Bronckhorst's job is hanging by a thread after Rangers lost 2-1 to St Johnstone in Perth.
The Gers are now seven points behind rivals Celtic after one win in their five matches in all competitions. Last weekend's convincing victory over Aberdeen proved to be brief respite for van Bronckhorst, and his team never appeared capable of taking maximum points in Perth after falling behind to James Brown's stunning opener. Nicky Clark got what eventually proved to be the winner, with James Tavernier 's strike a mere consolation on a damaging day for the Light Blues.
Elliott Parish was by far the busiest goalkeeper during the opening 20 minutes, denying John Lundstram at his near post. He then had the woodwork to thank as Fashion Sakala’s header came back off the crossbar. Despite enjoying the vast majority of possession, Rangers failed to really test the hosts and were punished five minutes before half-time. In virtually their first foray forward, Stevie May tried to curl one into the corner from the edge of the box, but his effort was blocked.
It rolled perfectly for Brown however, and he lashed a stinging effort past Allan McGregor into the top corner. It felt good for Callum Davidson, who celebrated his side taking an unlikely lead.
Things got even better for the Saints shortly after the hour mark. May turned King easily on the byline and delivered to the near post. Former Ibrox striker Nicky Clark was the sharpest man in the penalty box, and he produced a deft finish with the outside of his right boot to double his side’s lead and plunge his former club further into the mire.
Rangers were in desperate need of something and the captain handed them a lifeline on 74 minutes. Andy Condsidine headed a corner away to the edge of the box, where Tavernier was on hand to take a touch and drive towards goal. Parish got a hand to it after it flew through a ruck of bodies, but couldn’t keep the ball out of the net.
John Lundstram was inches away from a quick-fire equaliser, crashing a long-range effort off the bar. Tavernier then saw a back post header saved at close range as the visitors upped the ante in search of a leveller.
Title race over?
Yes, there are still three Old Firm games to be played this season but it’s hard to see Rangers keeping pace after their results and displays over recent weeks.
Reinforcements are needed in January, but recruitment has been less than impressive since winning the title. Van Bronckhorst might not get another window to strengthen and Ross Wilson could well find himself on the hunt for a new manager before he can start looking to bring new faces into the building.
Time up for Gio?
Having led Rangers to the unwanted record of being the worst team to ever compete in the Champions League group stage, Gio van Bronckhorst is now seven points behind Celtic in the title race and his side are showing no signs of being able to make up any sort of ground. They were well beaten in Perth with the Dutchman seemingly unable to affect much of a change in his players’ performances.
“Sacked in the morning” rang out from the home fans and it’s hard to see how van Bronckhorst turns this around. His out of form stars are struggling and the injuries he needs to clear up are unlikely to do so quick enough. His best hope now may be to cling on until the break for the World Cup break and start fast when the action resumes, although the damage may already be done.
Gritty Saints
That’s three wins on the bounce for the Perth team since losing to Livingston last month. They came from behind against 10-man Hibs in the first VAR outing before beating Kilmarnock 1-0 at home.
This is easily their most impressive win of the season, however. The three points lift them up to fifth in the Premiership table, just three off Aberdeen in third. It’s a far cray from last season when they couldn't buy a win and had to endure a playoff against Inverness to stay in the top flight. This year however, they could have European football in their sights in what is a tightly packed division.
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