St. Johnstone 1-2 Rangers: Gers record a fantastic comeback win
Rangers completed a remarkable comeback to record a 2-1 win away from home against St.Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
The home side started the game on a bright note and piled up the pressure on the visitors right from the kick-off. The hosts came close in the 21st-minute when Murray Davidson’s right-footed shot from the centre of the box sailed over the crossbar.
St. Johnstone kept probing away and had the better chances in the first half hour or so. Liam Craig came ever so close to opening the scoring but his header from the left of the six-yard box just missed the mark.
Steven Gerrard’s side tried to claw their way back into the game and Ross McCrorie had the first real chance for the Gers, only to see his right-footed drive sail just over the post. The visitors had a couple of good chances within the space of a minute.
Daniel Candeias came close with his shot after Alfredo Morelos’ attempt from the centre of the box was blocked by a player getting in the way of the shot.
However, it was the hosts who drew first blood just at the stroke of half-time, with Matthew Kennedy finding the top right corner with his brilliant left-footed shot to put St.Johnstone ahead.
The hosts once again came close at the start of the second half but Richard Foster’s left-footed drive was saved by Allan McGregor. Rangers didn’t look convincing but they soon found the equaliser, with Alfredo Morelos heading it into the bottom left from Glenn Middleton’s cross to make it 1-1 at the 65th-minute mark.
Both teams continued to play some free-flowing football and threw caution to the winds. Blair Alston’s shot was saved before Daniel Candeias’ effort was kept out by the Rangers goalkeeper.
Substitute Kyle Lafferty came close but his attempt to the bottom right was saved by the St.Johnstone goalkeeper. Blair Alston came close with his header off a counter-attack but it was Alfredo Morelos who had the final say on the night.
Read More: Forget Ejaria – Gerrard must sign this promising Everton starlet for Rangers in January
The Colombian found the top right corner with his volley off James Tavernier’s cross to secure all three points for the Gers with only two minutes of regulation time to go.
The victory ensured that Rangers kept within striking distance of rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.
Here’s how the Rangers fans reacted to the fantastic win:
ALFREDO ALFREDO ALFREDO….
What a finish that is…Unreal.#RangersFC— Campbell (@campbell1083) December 23, 2018
Brilliant by @morelos2106 what a cross by @James_Tavernier #RangersFC
— Gazborangers (@gazborangers) December 23, 2018
Good substitutions
Went for it and got it#RangersFC— David Allan (@DavidAllan94) December 23, 2018
Felt like Kyle Lafferty changed the game for Rangers when he came on. Perhaps a 4-4-2 is in order for the Hibs game? #RangersFC
— Bromo18 (@Bromo018) December 23, 2018
When your centre forward is so good he can score headers with his feet!! 🤷♀️💙 #Morelos #RangersFC @RangersFC https://t.co/fRs8XWs6fu
— Heather (@heather_shearer) December 23, 2018
Huge win for #RangersFC – looked destined for defeat and another frustratingly poor performance.#morellos to the rescue.
— e-chef (@e_chef_music) December 23, 2018
Jumping about my house, flipping things and going off ma nut at Alfredo’s winner, wouldn’t have it any other way 👀 #RangersFC
— Rennie (@jar72__) December 23, 2018
Yesss! What a win! Not an easy place to go especially when you have to chase the game! Not at our best again but the subs and 2 great goals from El Bufalo the difference! Job Done! 🇬🇧🔵🔴⚪ #RangersFC #SPFL #WATP #StJohnstoneRangers https://t.co/34GrMTUSvj
— Ryan Ward (@Ryan17ward) December 23, 2018
I nearly wrecked my Christmas tree but thank god for Morelos 😍🎅 #RangersFC 💙 and breathe 😮
— Catherine #WATP🏴🇬🇧 (@CatJam9) December 23, 2018