St Johnstone 0-3 Rangers: Three things we learned

By Alexander Cruickshanks

Three points in Perth for Rangers (Image: Getty Images)

Rangers put three past St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park to overtake Celtic and go top of the league. Let’s take a look at what stood out:

Rangers are in the driving seat

The Gers find themselves top of the pile (Image: Getty Images)

After Celtic’s 1-1 draw the previous day, against Kilmarnock, a huge opportunity presented itself for Philippe Clement and his team to go top of the table. It wasn’t smooth sailing by any means for the Gers, but they got the job done.

It was a fairly uneventful first half with the Saints defending well preventing any clear-cut chances for Rangers. However, in the 37th minute, the ball broke on the edge of the box for Mohammed Diomande who struck it beautifully beating Dimitar Mitov in the St Johnstone goal.

The second half was a better display from Rangers with big chances coming for Cyriel Dessers and Dujon Sterling. The game was eventually put to bed after Sterling was fouled in the box and after a lengthy VAR review, it was a penalty to Rangers. James Tavernier scored from the spot putting his side 2-0 up in the 79th minute. And just eight minutes later, he had another. A handball went against the Saints and Tavernier dispatched his second penalty and his 120th Rangers goal. This victory, while not a perfect display, was massive as it put Rangers at the summit of the league and in an incredible position to win more silverware this season.

Tavernier hits 120

Rangers’ free-scoring full-back hit a major milestone (Image: Getty Images)

Since 2000, Rangers have had many brilliant scorers. A lot of goals have been scored in that period by individual players. Former Scotland international Kenny Miller has 116, Alfredo Morelos has 124 and Kris Boyd tops the charts with 138. All of these strikers had prolific periods at Rangers and their fair share of success. Tavernier hit 120 today just four off his former teammate Morelos and four ahead of another former teammate Miller. Tavernier is a right-back. Time and time again, he has put up incredible numbers as a right-back, leading by example and always being there when Rangers need him. A phenomenon that continues to etch his name into the history of Rangers and Scottish football.

There is a title race for the first time in years

Who will come out on top in the battle for Premiership supremacy come May? (Image: Getty Images)

When Clement arrived as Rangers manager, the Teddy Bears were seven points adrift in second and the league title was all but written off. Fast forward to now, Rangers have the League Cup in their trophy cabinet and are two points ahead of their bitter rivals Celtic. Although it seems Celtic have capitulated, the turnaround at Rangers has been remarkable. Clement’s domestic record as Rangers manager is 22 games, 20 wins, one draw and one loss. Before his appointment, Rangers had already lost three league games and all hope was lost. Now, the feeling around Rangers is one of joy and ambition. This title race could go right down to the wire.