In a thrilling encounter, Rangers continued their impressive run of form by defeating St Johnstone 2-0, narrowing the gap between them and Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic to just two points. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key moments and players in this exciting match.
Cyriel Dessers Opens the Scoring
The game got off to an electrifying start as Cyriel Dessers, a first-half substitute for Rangers, showcased his scoring prowess by putting his team ahead. Rangers were initially limited to long-range efforts, with Kemar Roofe taking a shot that was blocked. Unfortunately for Roofe, he had to be substituted due to an injury, adding to his recent string of setbacks.
Despite St Johnstone’s resilient defense, Rangers finally found a breakthrough. A well-placed cross from James Tavernier was met by Dessers, who expertly slotted the ball through the legs of St Johnstone’s goalkeeper, Dimitar Mitov. This goal gave Rangers the lead and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Jaiyesimi Sees Red
St Johnstone’s task became even more challenging when Diallang Jaiyesimi was shown a red card for a late foul on John Lundstram. Initially, a yellow card was given, but VAR upgraded it to a red card upon review. This numerical disadvantage further hindered St Johnstone’s ability to mount a comeback.
Rangers Continue to Dominate
Rangers maintained their dominance in the second half, with Mitov making crucial saves to keep St Johnstone’s hopes alive. Dessers, who was a constant threat, tested the goalkeeper from the edge of the box, while Sam Lammers and Abdallah Sima had their attempts foiled.
Tavernier’s Late Penalty Seals the Deal
As the match approached its conclusion, Rangers sealed their victory with a late penalty. Scott Wright, a substitute, released Dessers on goal, and Mitov tripped him inside the penalty area. Captain James Tavernier stepped up and confidently converted the penalty from 12 yards, putting the game beyond St Johnstone’s reach.
Player of the Match: Kieran Dowell
Kieran Dowell made a significant impact for Rangers, showcasing vision and skill when allowed to play higher up the pitch. His contributions were crucial in breaking down St Johnstone’s defense and creating scoring opportunities.
Post-Match Reactions
Rangers manager Philippe Clement praised his team’s dominant performance, highlighting their ability to control the game, even against a well-organized defense. He emphasized the importance of the three points and the clean sheet.
St Johnstone manager Craig Levein acknowledged the difficulty his team faced after going down to 10 men early in the match. Despite the defeat, he commended his players for their competitive spirit and hard work.
What’s Next?
Rangers will face Motherwell in their next match, while St Johnstone’s last game before Christmas is against Kilmarnock. Both teams will be looking to continue their respective campaigns in the Scottish Premiership.
In summary, Rangers’ victory over St Johnstone was a crucial step in their pursuit of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic. The match featured standout performances, a red card controversy, and a late penalty, making it an exciting spectacle for fans of both teams and football enthusiasts in general.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Scottish Premiership
Q: Who scored the opening goal for Rangers in the match against St Johnstone?
A: Cyriel Dessers scored the opening goal for Rangers, putting them in the lead.
Q: What impact did Diallang Jaiyesimi’s red card have on St Johnstone’s chances?
A: Diallang Jaiyesimi’s red card made St Johnstone’s task significantly harder, reducing them to 10 men and hampering their ability to mount a comeback.
Q: How did James Tavernier contribute to Rangers’ victory?
A: James Tavernier played a crucial role by converting a late penalty, securing the win for Rangers.
Q: Who was named the Player of the Match in this game?
A: Kieran Dowell was named the Player of the Match for his impactful performance, showcasing vision and skill for Rangers.
Q: What did the managers of both teams have to say after the match?
A: Rangers manager Philippe Clement praised his team’s dominant performance, while St Johnstone manager Craig Levein acknowledged the challenge his team faced with the early red card and commended their effort.
More about Scottish Premiership
- Rangers Official Website
- St Johnstone Official Website
- Scottish Premiership Official Website
- Cyriel Dessers Profile
- James Tavernier Profile
- Kieran Dowell Profile
- Match Summary on BBC Sport (Replace “xxxxxx” with the actual match ID or URL)
6 comments
Goals, drama, football love! Scottish Prem, always thrilling!
Manager words, Clement happy, Levein props to St Johnstone, good match!
Rangers vs. Motherwell next, excited! Kilmarnock for St Johnstone, Xmas game!
Tavernier, MVP, clutch penalty, Dowell nice play, match fun!
Jaiyesimi’s red card ugh, St Johnstone unlucky, but Rangers strong, deserved win.
Rangers win, cool stuff, now closer to Celtic! Dessers awsum, scored, wow!