Rangers Secure Top Spot, but Challenges Remain
Rangers have taken the top spot in the Scottish Premiership after a convincing 3-0 victory over St Johnstone. Manager Philippe Clement expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance, stating that they are now playing as a “collective” rather than “islands.” This win has opened up a two-point gap between Rangers and defending champions Celtic.
A Long Way to Go
Despite their current position at the top, Clement reminded his players that there is still a long way to go in the season. He emphasized that they have three competitions to play for and that they should not become complacent. Clement acknowledged the progress his team has made, comparing their current unity to the disjointedness they experienced at the beginning of the season.
An Impressive Turnaround
Rangers’ journey to the top has not been without its challenges. After a loss to Aberdeen in September, which turned out to be Michael Beale’s last game in charge, the team found themselves seven points behind. However, under the guidance of manager Philippe Clement, they have turned things around and have been consistently performing well.
Tight Competition at the Top
With 12 league games left to play, the race for the top spot is still very tight. Rangers have scored two fewer goals than Celtic but have conceded five fewer. This means that every game is crucial, and Rangers cannot afford to slip up if they want to maintain their lead.
Match Analysis
The game against St Johnstone started slowly, with no significant attempts on goal in the first 36 minutes. However, Rangers broke the deadlock when Mohamed Diomande scored a stunning goal. As the game progressed, Rangers grew in confidence and territorial advantage. James Tavernier converted two VAR-awarded penalties to seal the victory for Rangers.
Looking Ahead
While Rangers are currently in a strong position, they cannot afford to be complacent. They still have two more Old Firm derbies against Celtic, and the defending champions have vast experience in winning league titles. Rangers must continue to perform at their best if they want to secure the title.
St Johnstone, on the other hand, still have work to do to preserve their top-flight status. While they competed well against Rangers, they need to start converting their chances into goals if they want to climb up the table.
Player of the Match
Mohamed Diomande was named the Player of the Match for his impressive goal and overall performance. Clement praised Diomande’s talent and mentality, highlighting his importance to the team.
Final Thoughts
Rangers’ victory over St Johnstone has solidified their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership. However, there are still challenges ahead, and they must remain focused and determined if they want to secure the title. With the experience of defending champions Celtic and the tight competition at the top, Rangers cannot afford to let their guard down. It will be an exciting end to the season as the race for the title continues to heat up.