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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Rangers 5 St Mirren 2 as Todd Cantwell steps up, Fashion Sakala impresses - 3 things we learned

Rangers came out on top in a seven-goal thriller as they responded perfectly to their defeat to Celtic.

After being pegged back twice by two stunners from Mark O'Hara, the Light Blues took control and fired three quick goals to run out 5-2 winners at Ibrox to send the home fans home delighted. James Tavernier was denied from the penalty spot early on after a stunning save from Trevor Carson before Todd Cantwell opened the scoring. Mark O'Hara then fired an incredible leveller to send the teams in level at the break.

Fashion Sakala was then on target for the home side with a lovely header before O'Hara expertly finished again. Alfredo Morelos - largely quiet - then notched a quick-fire double before Scott Arfield rounded off the scoring for the home side to record an emphatic win. Here's three thing we learned from Ibrox.

Fashion Sakala was a danger throughout for Rangers and headed home an excellent second goal for the home side (PA Wire)

READ MORE: Rangers captain James Tavernier surprises kids at Castlemilk community football pitch

Playing for positions

Rangers have a huge semi-final with Celtic on the horizon and the players all have the chance to earn a jersey.

This win over St Mirren will bring back the feel good factor following last weekend's loss to the Hoops with a tough test away to Aberdeen next weekend. The Dons are in red-hot form and it will present a further test and opportunity for Michael Beale's men.

Ryan Kent was ruled out today, handing Fashion JR a chance in the attacking positions while John Souttar was in for a second start on the trot due to Connor Goldson's absence. John Lundstram was a third man handed a start over Ryan Jack, again ruled out.

Competition is high and with the big Hampden game in two weeks, every single player will have an eye on a starting berth.

Making an impact

Michael Beale's two January recruits are beginning to put a stamp on the team.

Nicolas Raskin has impressed fans and pundits alike with his performances and is always on the move.

Todd Cantwell has started to pick up his numbers with a second goal for the club to his name and chipping in with assists. He was the star of the show for the Ibrox men in this one.

Beale will be delighted with the impact the duo are making after quickly settling in. Both are seen as big players for the years ahead in the new era.

Fashion Sakala is another who had a big afternoon while Alfredo Morelos grabbed a double.

Winning response

Rangers bounced back from last week's defeat to Celtic with victory over St Mirren.

Michael Beale is yet to lose to any other side bar the Hoops - a record he will be desperate to put right at Hampden.

The gap has been slashed at the top to nine points with Ange Postecoglou's men at Rugby Park tomorrow to face Kilmarnock.

Beale wants to finish the season on a high and a winning run starting from today until the summer would see silverware arrive.

READ NEXT:

- Ally McCoist names four Rangers transfers Michael Beale needs more than Ross Wilson replacement

- Connor Goldson Rangers injury update from Michael Beale as Celtic Scottish Cup clash looms

- Andy Walker claims Rangers getting 'too much praise' as pundits debunk Celtic defeat 'narrative'

- Michael Beale admits 'good ally' in Ross Wilson lost as Rangers boss claims summer recruitment 'finalised'

- Rangers' Craig McPherson learns Celtic Fran Alonso 'headbutt' fate as SFA hand out punishment

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