FIRST HALF DOMINANCE
The first 45 minutes was simply dominant stuff by Rangers as they registered 75 per cent possession and fired off 17 attempts on goal. Only three of those were on target though as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team were toothless in the final third as they looked for an opener. Antonio Colak failed to get into the game and attacking midfielders Ryan Kent, Fashion Sakala and Malik Tilman also appeared to lack ideas when in and around the box. St Johnstone defended well over the course of the opening period, but ultimately a lack of goal threat hurt Rangers. They then found themselves a goal down at the interval as James Brown scored a stunning goal for the hosts.
LACK OF URGENCY
There was an overall lack of urgency from Rangers in Perth. The Light Blues were under huge pressure to narrow the seven-point gap that Celtic stretched against Dundee United at Parkhead on Saturday. Rangers are already toiling in the title race, but they did not look like a team who were trailing their bitter rivals in the race for the title. Allan McGregor, Alfredo Morelos and captain James Tavernier looked like they were trying to urge their teammates into life, but they never really ignited in the first or second period. This is a worrying trait for a team who is stuttering its way through the league campaign already.
CORNER THREAT
Rangers registered 20 corners against Saints but never threatened once in all honesty. Their opponents looked determined to get to the ball first and they were so dominant in the air. Davidson’s team in contrast never landed one, but still took their chances when they arrived. Corners are clearly becoming an issue for Rangers and they need to take advantage of the opportunities to throw the ball into the box. With targets like Leon King, John Lundstram, Antonio Colak, James Sands and Ben Davies, there is simply no excuse.
