# Rangers Secure Top Spot with 3-0 Win Over St Johnstone

In a dominant display, Rangers cruised to a 3-0 victory over St Johnstone in their Scottish Premiership match on Saturday, solidifying their position at the summit of the table. The win, coupled with their previous results, means Rangers are now firmly in control at the top with a seven-point lead.

The match was a clinical performance from Rangers, who dictated play from the offset. Their pressure told early when St Johnstone’s defense, already reeling from a first-half injury to goalkeeper Žygimantas Tazopoulos, fell apart. Rangers took full advantage, with Alfredo Morelos netting a brace and Ryan Jack adding a third.

Morelos, who has been in superb form this season, opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a well-taken goal, finishing a neat pass from Ian Hedgespeth. The second goal came just before halftime, as Morelos capitalized on a defensive error, slotting the ball past the stranded Tazopoulos.

St Johnstone, despite their early struggles, showed moments of attacking intent, particularly through the pace of Jamie Murphy. However, their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by a solid Rangers backline, led by the ever-present James Tavernier. The right-back was a constant threat going forward, and his cross-field vision and passing played a pivotal role in creating the first goal.

The second half saw Rangers extend their lead. A well-worked move saw Jack slot home from 18 yards, making it 3-0. St Johnstone, now down to 10 men after Tazopoulos’ injury, never really threatened an equalizer, and Rangers managed the game comfortably.

Key Players:

- **Alfredo Morelos**: The Colombian striker was again the difference, with two goals and a constant threat up front.

- **James Tavernier**: The right-back was pivotal in both goals, contributing with an assist and an all-action performance.

- **Ryan Jack**: His third goal of the season, coupled with his work rate, shows why he is a valuable asset to Rangers.

Impact on the Table:

With this win, Rangers have opened up a significant gap at the top. They are now on 12 points, while Celtic are second with 10. The Bhoys will need to respond when they face Rangers in the next fixture, but for now, Steven Gerrard’s side are in a strong position to maintain their dominance.

This victory not only highlighted Rangers’ attacking prowess but also their growing mental strength, especially when facing adversity. St Johnstone will need to regroup quickly, but for Rangers, this is another step towards their ultimate goal of securing the title.

The match also underscored the importance of early season consistency, with Rangers now looking like serious contenders for the league crown. With the table still early in the season, the race for the top is far from over, but Rangers are currently setting the pace.

In closing, this 3-0 win was a statement performance from Rangers, and they’ll take plenty of confidence into their next game. For now, the top spot is theirs to hold onto, but the challenge is far from over.