Michael Beale continued his unbeaten start as manager as Rangers produced one of the most comfortable football results of the weekend in the Scottish Premiership. After James Brown was given a penalty for handball and St. Johnstone was reduced to 10 men after Nicky Clark was sent for a foul on Ryan Jack, Rangers took the lead thanks to James Tavernier’s penalty. After a VAR check, he instantly escaped receiving a red card for a late challenge, and Glen Kamara then gave Rangers the win in the second half. After their victory at Dundee United, Beale has now led them to nine victories since taking over, although they are still nine points behind Celtic. St. Johnstone is now sixth in the Scottish Premiership despite suffering seven straight losses.
Todd Cantwell, who hadn’t played since November 12, was forced into the starting lineup in place of Fashion Sakala, while Kamara took John Lundstram’s spot. The 24-year-old midfielder who was acquired from Norwich saw a lot of action early on. Alfredo Morelos was given a clear shot at goal by Malik Tillman for the home team in the sixth minute, but Remi Matthews of St Johnstone denied him. Alfredo Morelos was denied again six minutes later as the Saints’ defence was breached once more.
Tavernier easily blasted the ball high past Matthews to score the Rangers’ penalty after the ball came off Tillman’s back and struck defender Brown in the arm. Morelos was given a clear look at goal by Kamara in the 22nd minute, but the McDiarmid Park goalkeeper persisted in his one-on-one struggle with the striker. As a result, he denied yet another attempt from Morelos. Rangers continued to apply pressure, and an unguarded Kamara took a deft pass from Morelos and beat Matthews from 14 yards away to essentially seal the victory. As the Perth players fought on, Andy Considine’s header required a brilliant save from McGregor in the 62nd minute after Sakala took over for Cantwell.
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