Rangers fought back in Paisley to rescue a point thanks to a VAR awarded penalty - but the 1-1 draw leaves their Premiership title ambitions further at peril.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst sides last away outing against the Perth Saints saw them fall seven points behind rivals Celtic. Today, the gap could become nine as this time it was the Paisley Saints who piled on the misery. A scrappy first half saw Rangers survive waves of pressure as Stephen Robinson’s men fired numerous warnings. After the break they followed up on that early pressure as they struck first. A long throw into the box by Gallagher caused chaos as McGregor could only parry Ayunga’s effort back into the path of the Saints striker who smashed home.
Rangers were left searching for an equaliser but struggled to break down a stubborn Saints side. But they were given a lifeline in the shape of VAR when Ryan Kent’s yellow card for diving was overturned and James Tavernier stepped up to fire home a penalty equaliser. Here are three things we learned from the encounter.
READ MORE: Giovanni van Bronckhorst needs 'proper backing' from Rangers board for transfers says Barry Ferguson
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VAR to the rescue
A stuttering Rangers performance looked to see them doomed to a second serving of dropped points in seven days.
Chances were few and far between for the Light Blues as they were blocked out by a stubborn Saints defence.
With the points slipping away, Ryan Kent ran into the box where he appeared to go down under a challenge. At first Kevin Clancy opted to book the Englishmen. But VAR intervened and after a lengthy check awarded a penalty.
It was was a lifeline for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men who looked to have run of ideas. James Tavernier slotted home to rescue a point.
Saints struggle
Rangers will be sick of the sight of playing against the Saints of the league. Two away games against the Perthshire and Renfrewshire clubs have left them staring down the barrel.
Two damaging results have seriously dented any title hopes with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men left with a mountain to climb.
What will be more concerning is the performances at grounds where three points is crucial to lift the Championship come May.
Wright on the right
Rangers have long been calling for consistency on the right-wing. A merry-go-round of Fashion Sakala, Rabbi Matondo, Tillman, Arfield and Scott Wright has left the position up for grabs, with no one willing to make it their own.
Today, Wright was given the nod again with Sakala out injured. The attacker has been much maligned after hitting form towards the tail end of last season, including a fine goal to help his side claim the Scottish Cup. He showed glimpses of that player. Driving into the box and really looked like Rangers main threat at times.
But a quieter second half from the wide man summed up the need for reinforcements as Rangers continue to lack a spark in the areas that matter
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