Vaclav Cerny scored a purpose in every half and the returning Ianis Hagi was despatched off for Rangers at Ibrox The two-0 win over St Johnstone added some drama.
The Gentle Blues suffered a 4-1 defeat at residence to French facet Lyon within the Europa League on Thursday evening and have been anticipated to enhance upon their return to the William Hill Premier League, however they didn’t carry out.
Simo Valakari watched his first recreation as Saints boss from the dugout whereas awaiting work clearance as his facet struggled to carry Gers shut till the thirty fourth The Czech Republic winger’s excellent end broke the impasse within the second minute, including that Hagi’s drama unfolded within the second of the 58th minute.
Vaclav Cerny scores his second purpose for Rangers at Ibrox
The Romanian midfielder, who returned to the staff for the primary time this season after contract points have been resolved, got here on as a second-half substitute and was booked within the eightieth minute for a foul on Saints striker Benjamin Kimpioka, which was subsequently seen by a VAR examine Referee David Dickinson issued a crimson card, which stored the house facet sidelined within the last minutes.
Rangers participant Inis Hagi is proven a crimson card by referee David Dickinson
Philippe Clement’s facet have been 5 factors behind Celtic and Aberdeen heading into the worldwide break, however barring Hagi’s indiscretion that was removed from spectacular.
Clement was pressured to make one substitution from Thursday with midfielder Tom Lawrence unavailable as a consequence of a hamstring harm, whereas Connor Barron joined Nico Raskin and Ross Led by McCausland on the bench.
Valakari watched from the principle stand, with interim bosses Andy Kirk and Alec Cleland remaining answerable for the technical areas.
Cerny (left) celebrates his second purpose with Hadji to make it 2-0
Rangers loved loads of possession within the early levels, with striker Cyril Desers heading over the crossbar from a nook kick from captain James Tavernier within the eighth minute when he ought to have at the least hit the goal. .
Campioca did properly to occupy the Gers defence, however Govan stored probing in assault.
Saints defender Jack Saunders then blocked midfielder Mohamed Diomande’s shot as the house facet continued to press.
Finally, nevertheless, Rovers acquired the breakthrough when Cerny put the ball via the legs of Sven Sprangler earlier than guiding it previous goalkeeper Ross Sinclair and into the far nook of the online from 20 yards.
Cerny celebrates purpose
The Czech worldwide, on mortgage from Bundesliga membership Wolfsburg, celebrated his purpose earlier than working to the touchline for a hug from Clement.
The Gers followers erupted in large cheers at first of the second half when the favored Hagi changed Ross McCausland and Barron got here on for Diomande .
Haji’s final recreation was a League Cup tie in opposition to Morton in August 2023 earlier than he was loaned to Spanish facet Alaves, with Gers followers seeking to the playmaker for inspiration.
After Saints substitute Cammy MacPherson misplaced the ball, he handed the ball to Cerny within the penalty space earlier than turning and breaking previous St Johnstone defender Lewis Nelson. Neilson, then fired low previous Sinclair.
St Johnstone had loads of attacking choices on the pitch and residential goalkeeper Jack Butland was denied within the 67th minute after grazing previous Ibrox defender Robin Propper. With out the save on Mackenzie Kirk, Kimpioka was ready for a sq. ball.
After which there’s the late drama. Haji was initially booked for a foul on Kimpioka, however after being despatched to the pitchside monitor, referee Dickinson upgraded the cardboard to a crimson, leaving the Gentle Blues right down to 10 gamers.
Former Gers striker Nicky Clark put the ball into the Rangers internet within the 84th minute however was dominated out for offside, denying the house facet a nervous effort.
