Rangers thrash St Johnstone 4-0 in Ibrox storm to close within a point of Celtic
Kevin Kelsy scored twice and Ryan Naderi and Tochi Chukwuani also netted as Derek McInnes's side extended their unbeaten run to eight games.
Ibrox Stadium. File photo. · Photograph: Archibald99 (public domain)
Rangers moved to within a point of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a 4-0 win over St Johnstone at a rain-lashed Ibrox on Saturday.
Kevin Kelsy scored twice, with Ryan Naderi and substitute Tochi Chukwuani also on target, as Derek McInnes's side bounced back from dropping points at Dundee last weekend. Rangers are now unbeaten in eight matches.
Dominant first half
Rangers controlled the opening period, with only wayward finishing and some fine saves from St Johnstone goalkeeper Toby Steward keeping the score level.
The breakthrough came just before the half-hour. Kim Min-Su split the defence with a superb pass to Naderi, who unselfishly squared for Kelsy to fire home.
Kim then hit the outside of the post from 20 yards and Steward made an excellent save to deny Kelsy a second before the break. St Johnstone's best chance fell to Josh Fowler, who was clean through but hit the side-netting.
Second-half goals
The visitors pressed early in the second half, but Naderi settled the nerves by tapping in after Steward could only parry another Kim effort. Kelsy then stole in at the back post to turn in Emmanuel Fernandez's flick-on from a corner.
St Johnstone substitute Kai Fotheringham was sent off following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge on Nicolas Raskin, and Djeidi Gassama set up fellow substitute Chukwuani to complete the scoring.