Willie Collum was centre stage at Ibrox as he awarded Rangers a penalty, sent off Nicky Clark and didn’t dismiss Ryan Jack in a match Rangers thoroughly deserved to win 2-0.
James Tavernier slotted the spotkick in 13 minutes after Collum immediately pointed to the spot when Borna Barisic’s cross hit Liam Gordon’s arm with Glen Kamara scoring a terrific goal in 58 minutes to make the game safe for Rangers.
The game got away from Saints when they had Clark sent off in 34 minutes – but Ryan Jack escaped a dismissal five minutes later for a similar challenge. Clark went in high over the ball on Jack and was shown the red card by Willie Collum which was confirmed by VAR official Nick Walsh.
READ MORE: Three things we spotted at Rangers training as Todd Cantwell sparks debut hype with injured star back
Then Jack went flying in on Adam Montgomery as he attacked the Saints box and Collum showed a yellow card. He was asked to review the incident by Walsh and stuck to his original decision. Callum Davidson reacted furiously and landed a yellow.
Matthews made two sensational saves either side of half-time, pushing away a Tavernier free kick and then brilliantly blocking a Kent shot.
However, he had no chance in 58 minutes when Todd Cantwell’s ball forward was flicked on by Alfredo Morelos and Glen Kamara expertly tucked a right foot into the right corner.
How they rated:
Allan McGregor 7
Very little to do but nearly left red-faced in first half injury time when Drey Wright was clean through and ran round him but fell over.
James Tavernier 7
Superb penalty to give Rangers the lead and unlucky with a free kick that was well saved by Matthews.
Connor Goldson 8
So organised and strong at the back but not overly tested, especially as Saints’ main striker was sent off.
Ben Davies 7
Equally calm and composed. Saints had a little spell after they lost the second goal but he was influential in keeping things intact.
Borna Barisic 7
Some delicious deliveries again from the left side and looked more solid defensively in what proved to be a comfortable day.
Ryan Jack 6
In the thick of the battle and perhaps fortunate not to be sent off for a late challenge which came so soon after he was a victim.
Glen Kamara 7
Some lovely passing and composed play. A brilliant finish to secure the win that Rangers needed.
Todd Cantwell 7
Unsurprisingly energetic on his first start but showed some quality too especially in the build-up to the second goal.
Malik Tillman 6
Wasn’t quite his day overall but showed some lovely touches at times and linked well with Cantwell.
Ryan Kent 7
Too hot for Saints on a number of occasions with his pace and skill and sensibly taken off in 72 minutes with Hearts coming up on Wednesday.
Alfredo Morelos 7
Worked very hard and set up Kamara for the second goal. Might have scored a couple in the first half.
Subs
John Lundstram 7 – Sensibly sent on for Jack at half-time and eased through the second 45 with his clever passing.
Fashion Sakala 6 – Replaced Cantwell after an hour and might have done better when played in by Lundstram.
Ianis Hagi 6 – Rousing reception for the Romanian on his return and showed some classy touches
Scott Wright 5 – No real impact in the last 20 minutes
Antonio Colak 5 – No real chances but useful game time with bigger challenges ahead.
READ NEXT:
- Michael Beale's Rangers Celtic 'mind games' a cry for help as pundit shares transfer theory
- Billy Gilmour's four word Todd Cantwell Rangers transfer message after 'battle fever on' rally cry
