Vaclav Cerny scored in each half and returning Ianis Hagi was sent off to add some late drama to Rangers’ 2-0 victory over St Johnstone at Ibrox.
The Light Blues were thumped 4-1 at home by French side Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night and improvement was expected on their return to William Hill Premiership duty but they failed to sparkle.
Simo Valakari viewed his first game as Saints boss from the directors’ box while waiting for a work permit and his side worked hard to keep the Gers at bay until the 34th minute when an accomplished finish by the Czech Republic winger broke the deadlock and he added a second in the 58th minute before the drama with Hagi unfolded.
The Romania midfielder, back in the squad for the first time this season after a contract issue was resolved, came off the bench for the second half and was booked for a foul on Saints striker Benjamin Kimpioka in the 80th minute before a VAR check saw referee David Dickinson flash a red card, leaving the home side a man short for the final minutes.
Philippe Clement’s side saw out the game to go into the international break five points behind Celtic and Aberdeen but it was far from impressive, leaving aside Hagi’s indiscretion.
There was one enforced change from Thursday for Clement after midfielder Tom Lawrence sustained a hamstring injury which ruled him out, while Connor Barron dropped to the bench with Nico Raskin and Ross McCausland coming in.
Valakari watched from the main stand with interim bosses Andy Kirk and Alec Cleland continuing to take charge from the technical area.
Rangers enjoyed plenty of the ball in the early stages and striker Cyriel Dessers headed a corner from skipper James Tavernier over the crossbar in the eighth minute when he ought to have hit the target at least.
Kimpioka was doing a decent job occupying the Gers defence but the Govan side kept probing in attack.
Saints defender Jack Sanders then blocked a goal-bound drive from midfielder Mohamed Diomande as the home side kept up the pressure.
However, eventually Rangers got the breakthrough, Cerny sticking the ball through the legs of Sven Sprangler before guiding the ball from 20 yards past goalkeeper Ross Sinclair and into the far corner of the net.
The Czech Republic international, on loan from Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg, celebrated his goal then ran to the sidelines for a hug from Clement.
There was a huge cheer from the Gers fans when the popular Hagi took over from Ross McCausland at the start of the second-half with Connor Barron on for Diomande.
Hagi’s last game was in the League Cup against Morton in August, 2023 before he went on loan to Spanish side Alaves and the Gers fans were looking for inspiration from the playmaker.
And after Saints substitute Cammy MacPherson had conceded possession, he set up Cerny inside the box and he turned St Johnstone defender Lewis Neilson before driving low past Sinclair.
St Johnstone had plenty of attacking options on the pitch and – in the 67th minute – home goalkeeper Jack Butland had to save from Mackenzie Kirk after he had brushed past Ibrox defender Robin Propper, with Kimpioka waiting for a square ball.
Then came the late drama. Hagi was originally booked for a foul on Kimpioka but after being sent to his pitchside monitor, referee Dickinson upgraded the card to red and the Light Blues were left with 10 men.
Former Gers attacker Nicky Clark had the ball in the Rangers net in the 84th minute but was ruled offside, preventing a nervy finish for the home side.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. UCL situation now Manchester City's defense (22th) PSG 4-2 Man City (25th) El Cashico tonight PSG COME BACK TO SNATCH THREE VITAL POINTS VS. MAN CITY "Be careful, he is a hero" 53'—PSG 0-2 Man City FT—PSG 4-2 Man City Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, Bleacher...
The Red Devils are on the lookout for a new frontman, either this winter or in the off-season.They may be able to secure the Nigerian's signature through another transfer deal.Per Sky Sports, United's Alejandro Garnacho has reached an agreement to join Napoli.He wants to sign for the Italian club this winter, and the deal may yet include an Osimhen discount.According to Il Mattino, Napoli want to ...
Arsenal interested in Newcastle star Gordon in potential winter moveThe winger was wanted by Liverpool in the summer and pursued the move himself.However, the Magpies held firm and decided that he was not for sale at any price.Per The Athletic, Arsenal are merely keeping themselves informed about Gordon's situation.If Newcastle have any PSR issues in the future, they may pounce with a big offer.Bu...
Marcus Rashford's representatives have held face-to-face talks with Barcelona about the possibility of a move before the transfer deadline, sources have told ESPN.Rashford is available this month after being frozen out at Old Trafford by head coach Ruben Amorim.Sources said that United are willing to listen to loan offers, although they will demand that any interested club must pay at least a port...
But the Red Devils will need to flog at least one of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo to fund a striker swoop this month.Selling any of these three homegrown products would hugely benefit United from a PSR perspective.Rashford's £315,000 a week salary makes a move challenging, although he has received interest from Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.Chelsea and Napoli are kee...
Kolo Muani set to complete Juventus loanRandal Kolo Muani is reportedly set to complete a Juventus loan move after Paris Saint-Germain parted ways with Juan Bernat.Postecoglou admits Spurs may end transfer window without further additionsTottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged the possibility that the club may not bring in any new players before the transfer window closes. Speaking ahe...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. EPL Week 22 Ronaldo on this day Chelsea eyeing possible Garnacho move IT'S ALWAYS HIM! Which club should El Capitano - @sergioramos JOIN? It was special 2'—Benfica 1-0 Barcelona 13'—Benfica 1-1 Barcelona 22'—Benfica 2-1 Barcelona 30'—Benfica 3-1 Barcelona 64'—Benfica 3-2 Barcelona 68'—Benfica 4-2 Barcelona 78'—Benfica...
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Jack Grealish.Jack Grealish has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester UnitedManchester United are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Jack Grealish, who faces an uncertain future at Manchester City.The former Aston Villa forward has struggled for game time over the last few months and has only scored one goal for City in h...
KYLE WALKER is to join AC Milan after agreeing a 12-month loan deal, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City skipper, 34, is expected in Italy in the coming days before being unveiled to the Rossoneri.Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanHe was poised to join their fierce city rivals, Inter, after telling City of his desire to quit the Etihad but talks broke down over his wages.AC Milan have n...
Lecce's president revealed he met with Manchester United representatives regarding Patrick Dorgu but warned to keep their hands off the player.Man Utd officials met with Lecce for Dorgu Serie A side reportedly want €40m Club president insists player is not for saleWHAT HAPPENED?United are actively exploring options to strengthen their left wing-back position, a role head coach Ruben Amorim s...
- 1 Benjamin Sesko has already said yes to Arsenal
- 2 Joao Felix eyed by ‘very interested club’
- 3 Liverpool flop and ex-Page 3 girl were 'freaked out'
- 4 Shaun Murphy copies Lionel Messi as he sleeps with Masters trophy
- 5 Teen arrested after shock abuse against Kai Havertz's wife Sophia
- 6 Daily Laugh - Chelsea 's back !!
- 7 Man Utd 'consider Jack Grealish transfer'
- 8 Mourinho makes drastic career change and launches 'The Special One' wine
- 9 Ex-Bundesliga star's WAG has intimate tattoo of footballer husband
- 10 City, Frankfurt reach deal for Marmoush