Rangers produced another second-half revival as Fashion Sakala was at the centre of a quick-fire 2-0 win against Dundee United.
It was a testing first half on Tayside for Michael Beale's men who felt the force of a confident United side, before Liam Fox's men had the better of the chances to open the scoring through Steven Fletcher and Liam Smith amid a pedestrian Rangers showing. An uneventful 45 minutes came to a close before the second half brought a more inspired away performance with Fashion Sakala going close after the restart.
The Zambian then struck when it mattered, latching on to a Ryan Jack assist to give the United keeper no chance before moments later it was Malik Tillman who smashed home after Sakala had forced a save with the ball falling kindly to the Bayern Munich loanee.
It was domination from there on in for the away side as the gap on rivals Celtic was cut back to nine points with attention now turning to Hampden Park for the Viaplay Cup semi-finals next weekend.
Jon McLaughlin - 6
Wasn't short of action in the opening stages, got an outstretched hand out when it mattered.
James Tavernier - 7
A few testing encounters with Middleton early on and lost the ball uncharacteristically. His driving run handed the chance for the second goal and he looked way more comfortable in the second half.
Connor Goldson - 8
Strong under the threat of Fletcher but had to cover dangerous areas at times. United struggled to pin anything on him in the second half.
Ben Davies - 6
Could have been stronger in 1v1 situations but wasn't caught out. He is growing in to the role with Goldson by his side.
Borna Barisic - 7
Offered enough but his final ball was lacking in the first half. In the second half his distribution was far more effective.
Ryan Jack - 8
A bit pedestrian in the first half but did show calm. Nice light assist for Sakala that got Rangers going and played his role in the second too. A controlled performance on his return to starting eleven.
John Lundstram - 7
Some good long balls to set Sakala and co free but his play became loose as the first half went on. More freedom to dish the ball around in the second half.
Ryan Kent - 7
Lots of energy early on but couldn't quite be incisive in the first half. Some nice service to Sakala and co in the second half without much direct goalmouth impact.
Fashion Sakala - 9
Causing United bother down the right, fighting for every ball, had a big chance at the start of the second but made up for it with a strong finish. His red-hot form continued in all-round splendid showing.
Malik Tillman - 9
Nice touch and movement but not in the areas that mattered in first half. He was in pole position to slot home for the second - a strong finish and great positional awareness from the youngster.
Antonio Colak - 5
Hit and miss in the first half with his touch letting him down when he was given service. Replaced at half time. Not his best showing.
Subs:
Alfredo Morelos - 6
Rangers looked buoyed by his presence and he brought physicality and good link-up.
Scott Arfield - 5
Strength and distribution was without question coming off the bench.
Kemar Roofe - 3
Crucial minutes for the previously long-crocked forward.
Scott Wright - 2
On to see out injury time.
Adam Devine - 2
On for the final moments.
READ NEXT:
- John Souttar 'really rated' by Rangers boss Michael Beale and has 'no point to prove'
- Rangers tipped to be 'keeping an eye' on Hearts' Lawrence Shankland as Ibrox hero lauds hitman
- Fashion Sakala's Rangers penalty glee caught in clip as unique angle vs Celtic shows smiling star
