An incredible European win over Feyenoord must have galvanised Rangers ahead of their contest against St. Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. The Saints, struggling lower down the Premiership standings, were aiming for a result in their own backyard. But the high-flying Gers showcased their strength after a slow start and scored four times in the second half to secure a sound win in their quest for the title.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their commanding 4-0 win against St. Johnstone.
Allan McGregor: 7.5
Made a stunning diving stop to deny ex-Gers forward Michael O’Halloran late in the first half. Was alert between the sticks and earned a clean sheet once again exhibiting his majestic form.
James Tavernier: 8
Did not have much trouble at the back and therefore, often spent his time making adventurous runs from the right-hand flank. His pinpoint cross was headed home by Goldson to make it 2-0 just around the hour mark.
Connor Goldson: 8.5
Was having a nervy run of late. However, he responded sensationally with a towering defensive display and a goal to his name converting Tavernier’s cross with a thumping header.
Filip Helander: 7.5
His excellence in deep defence against Feyenoord led to successive starts for the Swedish centre-half alongside Goldson. Impressed once again with his game reading and sense of positioning along with timely challenges, interceptions, physical as well as aerial supremacy in and around the box.
Borna Barisic: 7
Made some overlapping runs and whipped in crosses from the wide areas but was troubled by O’Halloran at times. Overall, it has been a steady outing for the Croatia international.
Ryan Jack: 8
Dominated the show in the middle of the park as he never let the hosts have control of the midfield game. Assisted Morelos early in the second half to break the deadlock and then set it up for substitute Jermain Defoe in the closing minutes of the match.
Steven Davis: 7.5
Another neat display from the veteran as he kept things calm in midfield, carried the ball forward and utilised his experience while holding as well as releasing it for his teammates to build up moves upfront.
Joe Aribo: 7.5
The Nigeria international was unlucky not to register his name on the scoresheet. His close-range header hit the woodwork, but he found Defoe in the closing minutes who made no mistake in scoring his second after coming on as a second-half substitute.
Sheyi Ojo: 7
His solitary strike registered a famous win on Thursday night against the Dutch heavyweights. But the Liverpool loanee failed to find the net this afternoon despite causing menace in the Saints defence and testing Zander Clark in goal time and again. Was replaced by Greg Stewart late in the game.
Brandon Barker: 6.5
Had a few smart runs and swift moves from the wide positions. Failed to make any noteworthy contribution and was taken off around the hour mark to be replaced by Scott Arfield.
Alfredo Morelos: 8
Came close in the first half to find the net and finally broke the deadlock minutes after the break. The Colombian outmuscled the St. Johnstone defence and smashed a Jack long ball into the back of the net. Made way for Jermain Defoe late in the game.
Substitutes
Scott Arfield: 7
Forced Clark to make an outrageous save moments after coming on in place of Barker.
Jermain Defoe: 8
Took minutes to score a brace and double the scoreline to make the contest look thoroughly one-sided.
Greg Stewart: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
