In a gritty battle at McDiarmid Park, Rangers showcased their dominance yet again with a convincing 3-0 victory over St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership. The match was marked by Mohamed Diomande’s stellar performance, as he not only scored his debut goal for the club but also played a pivotal role in securing the win. Let’s delve into the action-packed encounter and Diomande’s standout moments.
Of course with this victory Rangers’ complete their ascent to the top of the league standings, surpassing their title rivals by two points, marks a pivotal moment in the Scottish Premiership race. The shift in position came after Celtic stumbled at Celtic Park, where they dropped two crucial points to Kilmarnock the day prior.
Rangers capitalised on this opportunity with a determined performance, securing all three points and reclaiming the top spot in the league standings. This turn of events not only underscores the fierce competition between the two Glasgow giants but also adds an extra layer of intensity to the title race as both teams vie for supremacy in Scottish football.
Diomande’s Debut Delight
Making his first league start for Rangers, Mohamed Diomande wasted no time in leaving his mark on the game. In an impressive display of skill and determination, the Ivorian midfielder found the back of the net with a stunning individual effort early in the match. His goal not only announced his arrival in Rangers colors but also set the tone for his exceptional performance throughout the game.
Mohamed Diomande’s impact extended beyond the score sheet, as he demonstrated a keen ability to dismantle opposition attacks with his defensive awareness and well-timed interceptions. Furthermore, his adept distribution skills proved pivotal in launching Rangers’ offensive manoeuvres, facilitating smooth transitions from defence to attack.
Captain Tavernier’s Penalty Precision
As the match progressed, Rangers continued to assert their dominance, with captain James Tavernier playing a crucial role in securing the victory. Tavernier displayed nerves of steel as he confidently converted two spot-kicks within a short span of time, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable finisher under pressure. His clinical penalties ensured that Rangers maintained their flawless record in 2024, adding to the team’s growing momentum in the league.
The referee’s decision-making came under scrutiny, particularly regarding the awarding of penalties. While the first penalty incident seemed obvious, the referee deferred to VAR for confirmation, highlighting a lack of assertiveness in his officiating. However, VAR’s intervention ultimately ensured the correct outcome.
Team Effort and Tactical Adaptations
Philippe Clement’s strategic decisions paid off as Rangers navigated the challenging pitch conditions with resilience and adaptability. Despite the surface not favoring slick football, Rangers remained composed and focused on executing their game plan. The inclusion of January additions, including Diomande and Oscar Cortes in the starting lineup, provided fresh energy and dynamics to the team, showcasing the depth of talent at Clement’s disposal.
The challenging pitch conditions at McDiarmid Park forced Rangers to adapt their playing style, favouring a more direct approach to navigate the unpredictable surface. With slick football proving difficult, Rangers opted for a pragmatic strategy, utilising long balls and quick transitions to advance up the field efficiently.
Dujon Sterling’s Game-Changing Presence
At halftime, manager Philippe Clement made a crucial substitution, replacing Scott Wright with Dujon Sterling. Sterling’s introduction injected power and pace into Rangers’ right wing, immediately making an impact on the game. Within moments of stepping onto the pitch, Sterling delivered a pinpoint cross to Fabio Silva, whose shot was narrowly saved, highlighting Sterling’s ability to create scoring opportunities.
Despite his defensive background, Sterling’s attacking instincts were evident as he found himself in promising positions in the opposition box. However, his finishing let him down on a couple of occasions, as he headed narrowly wide under pressure and failed to get a shot away after a bursting run into the box.
Nevertheless, Sterling’s relentless work rate and determination paid dividends for Rangers when he chased down a loose ball in the box, drawing a foul from the defender and earning his team a penalty. This pivotal moment showcased Sterling’s impact beyond his offensive contributions, as his tenacity ultimately led to Rangers’ breakthrough.
Scott Wright Struggles: No Surprise for Rangers Fans
Scott Wright’s inconsistent performances have become a concern for some Rangers fans, as his lacklustre display in the first half against St Johnstone is not an isolated incident. The winger’s struggle to make a meaningful impact on the pitch, despite his pace, has been a recurring issue, leaving supporters frustrated.
His difficulty in controlling the ball and winning duels has been evident in multiple matches, leading to questions about his effectiveness in the team. As Wright’s underwhelming performances persist, there is growing pressure on him to deliver consistently and justify his place in the squad.
Dessers’ Struggles in Front of Goal Raise Concerns for Rangers
While Rangers dominated proceedings for the majority of the match, there were moments of tension and excitement on both ends of the pitch. From Todd Cantwell’s creative free-kick attempts, Fabio Silva’s unlucky strikes, to those Dessers misses Rangers consistently posed a threat to St. Johnstone’s defence.
Cyriel Dessers’ introduction into the game at the 69th minute presented him with several golden opportunities to make a significant impact for Rangers. However, despite coming agonisingly close on multiple occasions, the striker was unable to convert his chances into goals.
Read More: Unveiling Rangers’ 20+ Goal Striker
His looping header hitting the crossbar shortly after his entry into the game hinted at his potential, but it was his missed opportunity at the back post, followed by a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, that left fans frustrated. Dessers’ decision to attempt to round the keeper instead of taking a shot when he had ample time to finish the move showcased a concerning trend for the striker, who appears to struggle with converting seemingly easier chances.
As Rangers fans ponder Dessers’ ability to deliver in crucial moments, there is a growing sense of apprehension about his reliability in high-pressure situations, fearing that missed opportunities could prove costly in pivotal matches.
Starting Lineup for St Johnstone v Rangers Match
Before the match we had predicted that the Rangers Manager would look to rest Ross McCausland as he has been playing most minutes for a number of weeks now. Our concern was that the natural replacement for McCausland is Scott Wright at the moment and we were worried he may struggle, which turned out to be the case. Barasic and Souttar started as apposed to our predicted Yilmaz and Bolagun suggestion. Also, Dessers remained on the bench until the 69th minute.
Player Ratings
| Player | Rating |
| Jack Butland | 7 |
| James Tavernier | 9 |
| Connor Goldson | 6 |
| John Souttar | 7 |
| Borna Barisic | 6 |
| John Lundstram | 7 |
| Mohammed Diomande | 9 |
| Todd Cantwell | 8 |
| Scott Wright | 5 |
| Oscar Cortes | 6 |
| Fabio Sliva | 7 |
Substitutions: Dujon Sterling (8), Tom Lawrence (6), Cyriel Dessers (6), Ross McCausland (6) Ridvan Yilmaz (5)
Man of the Match
Mohamed Diomande’s stellar performance undoubtedly earned him the title of Man of the Match. Making his first league start for Rangers, the Ivorian midfielder showcased his versatility and impact throughout the game. Not only did he open the scoring with a spectacular individual goal early in the match, but he also played a crucial role in breaking down opposition attacks and distributing the ball effectively to keep Rangers moving forward. Diomande’s relentless work rate, defensive contributions, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game earned him widespread praise from fans and pundits alike, solidifying his status as a key player for the team.
Football Fan Vlog Highlight
YouTube football fan blogger Blair McNally provided a unique perspective on the St Johnstone v Rangers match as he went pitch side to capture the electric atmosphere in the ground. McNally was particularly struck by the palpable sense of excitement and anticipation among the fans as it became increasingly evident that Rangers were on course to move to the top of the league. As the match progressed and Rangers asserted their dominance, McNally noted the growing party atmosphere in the stands, with chants and cheers reverberating throughout the stadium. Despite some strong language from the crowd in the heat of the moment, McNally couldn’t help but be impressed by the passion and enthusiasm of the supporters, showcasing the unwavering dedication and fever of Rangers fans.