GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM | Rangers moved to within two points of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic with a comfortable 2-0 win over 10-man St Johnstone at Ibrox on Wednesday.
Philippe Clement, who picked up his first trophy as Rangers boss on Sunday after the 1-0 League Cup final win over Aberdeen, watched helplessly as luckless striker Kemar Roofe went off early with a fresh injury.
However, replacement Cyriel Dessers fired the Light Blues ahead in the 28th minute before St Johnstone forward Diallang Jaiyesimi was sent off shortly afterwards for a hefty challenge on midfielder John Lundstram following a VAR intervention.
Dominant Rangers doubled their lead in the 84th minute with a penalty from skipper James Tavernier, who had scored the winner at Hampden Park at the weekend, and Rangers moved tantalisingly close to Celtic with a game in hand.
Rangers had the bulk of possession but the away side's defence looked organised and disciplined until Oludare Olufunwa missed a cross from Tavernier, which allowed Dessers to knock the ball past goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov.
Minutes later, Jaiyesimi crunched Lundstram and VAR checked for serious foul play after referee Alan Muir gave the Englishman a yellow card.
The official checked the pitchside monitor and upgraded the yellow to a red.
Mitov saved a drive from Dessers in the 36th minute and Tavernier fired wide of the far post in added time but there was no sustained pressure on the St Johnstone goal.
Mitov made a series of fine saves from Sam Lammers, twice, and Dessers in the second half.
There were further efforts from Todd Cantwell and Tavernier before Mitov brought down Dessers inside the box, with the Rangers captain slamming the spot-kick low into the corner.
