Vaclav Cerny scored a aim 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 dwelling to French aspect Lyon within the Europa League on Thursday evening and had been anticipated to enhance upon their return to the William Hill Premier League, however they did not carry out.
Simo Valakari watched his first sport as Saints boss from the dugout whereas awaiting work clearance as his aspect struggled to carry Gers shut till the thirty fourth The Czech Republic winger’s very good end broke the impasse within the second minute, including that Hagi’s drama unfolded within the second of the 58th minute.
Vaclav Cerny scored his second aim for Rangers at Ibrox
The Romanian midfielder, who returned to the workforce for the primary time this season after contract points had 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 despatched out a crimson card, holding the house aspect out for the ultimate minutes.
Rangers participant Inis Hagi is proven a crimson card by referee David Dickinson
Philippe Clement’s aspect had 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 in control of the technical areas.
Cerny (left) celebrates Hagi’s second aim to make it 2-0
Rangers loved loads of possession within the early phases, 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 not less than hit the goal. .
Campioca did properly to occupy the Gers defence, however Govan saved probing in assault.
Saints defender Jack Saunders then blocked midfielder Mohamed Diomande’s shot as the house aspect continued to press.
Ultimately, nonetheless, Rovers acquired the breakthrough when Cerny put the ball by way of 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 aim
The Czech worldwide, on mortgage from Bundesliga membership Wolfsburg, celebrated his aim earlier than working to the touchline for a hug from Clement.
The Gers followers erupted in large cheers firstly of the second half when the favored Hagi changed Ross McCausland and Barron got here on for Diomande .
Haji’s final sport was a League Cup tie towards Morton in August 2023 earlier than he was loaned to Spanish aspect 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 within the 67th minute dwelling goalkeeper Jack Butland needed to save after grazing previous Ibrox defender Robin Propper. Mackenzie Kirk, Kimpioka awaits 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 card, leaving the Gentle Blues right down to 10 gamers.
Former Gers striker Nicky Clark put the ball into the Rangers web within the 84th minute however was dominated out for offside, denying the house aspect a nervous effort.
