Rangers returned to winning ways with a convincing 4‑0 victory over St Johnstone, a result that silenced critics after the club’s two‑point drop at Dundee. The win came in a match that saw the hosts dominate possession, create numerous chances and score from a variety of sources, proving the tactical shift to a two‑striker set‑up was paying dividends.
The game opened with Kevin Kelsy finding the net early, setting the tone for a Rangers side that never looked back. Kelsy, who had been linked with a move away from Ibrox, delivered a brace, while Ryan Naderi added a goal and an assist. Their partnership was a clear justification for manager Derek McInnes’s decision to bench Djeidi Gassama and field two forwards. With Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti still sidelined, the pair provided the spark Rangers needed to push the opposition into a defensive shell.
Statistically, Rangers were the clear superior side. They registered an expected goal tally of 4.57 against St Johnstone’s 0.58, and their 21 shots on goal included nine on target. Eight big chances were created for the Saints, who managed only two. A notable moment came from a corner in the 11th minute when Kelsy capitalised on a flick‑on from Emmanuel Fernandez to score the second goal, marking the first corner‑scored goal for Rangers this season. Former midfielder Andy Halliday praised the team’s performance on BBC Radio Scotland, noting that the abundance of chances in the first half alone could have produced a 4‑0 scoreline.
Former Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands echoed the sentiment on Sportsound, highlighting how goals and assists boost a striker’s confidence and overall play. He pointed out that Kelsy’s recent form would be a “world of good” for his confidence. Halliday also commented on the club’s set‑piece delivery, noting that while the team has had many corners and free‑kicks this season, the quality of delivery had been lacking until today’s successful corner.
McInnes described the match as “as good as we have been for a while,” underscoring the positive momentum heading into their next fixture against Hearts at Tynecastle. He acknowledged the difficulty of the venue, recalling the club’s unbeaten home record last season, but expressed confidence that the team’s recent form would translate into a strong performance. The Rangers will look to carry this energy into Wednesday’s Scottish Premiership clash, hoping to continue their winning run and secure valuable points in the title race.