The Scottish Premiership fixture between Rangers F.C. and St. Johnstone on January 12, 2025, was a highly anticipated encounter in the 2024/25 season.
Taking place at Ibrox Stadium, this match carried significant weight as Rangers aimed to strengthen their position at the top of the table, while St. Johnstone sought to defy expectations and secure a vital result.
Pre-Match Expectations and Tactical Setups
With both teams having their own motivations for success, the managers opted for strong starting lineups. Philippe Clement, Rangers’ head coach, set up his side in an attacking 4-3-3 formation, intending to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game. On the other hand, Simo Valakari’s St. Johnstone lined up in a disciplined 4-4-2 structure, focusing on defensive stability and counter-attacking opportunities.
Rangers F.C. Starting Lineup (4-3-3 Formation)
Goalkeeper:
- Jack Butland
Defenders:
- James Tavernier (Captain)
- Connor Goldson
- Ben Davies
- Ridvan Yilmaz
Midfielders:
- Nicolas Raskin
- John Lundstram
- Sam Lammers
Forwards:
- Danilo Pereira da Silva
- Kemar Roofe
- Tom Lawrence
Rangers’ squad reflected a blend of experience and attacking intent, with captain James Tavernier providing leadership at the back while the midfield trio of Raskin, Lundstram, and Lammers focused on ball retention and creative play. Upfront, the attacking trio of Danilo, Roofe, and Lawrence was expected to exploit spaces in St. Johnstone’s defensive line.
St. Johnstone Starting Lineup (4-4-2 Formation)
Goalkeeper:
- Dimitar Mitov
Defenders:
- Oludare Olufunwa
- Liam Gordon (Captain)
- Andrew Considine
- Luke Robinson
Midfielders:
- Daniel Phillips
- Graham Carey
- Max Kucheriavyi
- Matthew Smith
Forwards:
- Dara Costelloe
- Christopher Kane
St. Johnstone’s setup prioritized defensive structure while relying on midfielders Phillips and Carey to transition play forward. The strike partnership of Costelloe and Kane aimed to exploit any defensive lapses in Rangers’ backline.
First Half: Rangers’ Explosive Start
The match kicked off with Rangers immediately taking control. The home side wasted no time in asserting dominance, pressing high and dictating the tempo. St. Johnstone struggled to maintain possession as Rangers capitalized on their attacking prowess early on.
By the 10th minute, Rangers had already found the breakthrough. Hamza Igamane capitalized on a defensive miscommunication and slotted the ball past Mitov to give Rangers an early 1-0 lead. Just ten minutes later, Vaclav Cerny doubled the advantage with a well-placed finish, leaving St. Johnstone’s defense struggling to cope.
Rangers continued their relentless pressure, and in the 26th minute, Mohamed Diomande extended the lead to 3-0 with a thunderous strike from outside the box. St. Johnstone attempted to regroup and slow the pace of the game, but the damage had already been done. However, just before halftime, St. Johnstone managed to pull a goal back through a well-placed header, offering them a glimmer of hope.
Second Half: Tactical Adjustments and Controversy
Despite trailing 3-1, St. Johnstone returned to the pitch with a renewed sense of purpose. Manager Simo Valakari made key tactical changes, urging his team to push further up the pitch while maintaining defensive discipline.
Rangers, however, continued to dominate possession, utilizing the width of the pitch effectively. Full-backs James Tavernier and Ridvan Yilmaz played crucial roles in supporting attacking transitions, overlapping with the wingers and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. Rangers’ midfield, led by Raskin and Lundstram, continued to dictate play, intercepting passes and launching counterattacks.
One of the major talking points of the game came in the 55th minute when a section of Rangers fans staged a walkout protest. Despite the team’s commanding performance, fan dissatisfaction with the club’s management was evident, highlighting ongoing tensions behind the scenes. Manager Philippe Clement later addressed this in his post-match press conference, emphasizing the importance of unity among supporters and the club.
Key Tactical Insights and Player Performances
Several aspects of the match stood out from a tactical perspective:
Rangers’ Early Intensity: The home side’s aggressive pressing in the opening minutes forced errors from St. Johnstone, leading to quick goals that shaped the game’s outcome.
St. Johnstone’s Struggles in Possession: The visitors found it difficult to progress the ball through midfield, often resorting to long passes that Rangers’ defense handled comfortably.
Midfield Control: Raskin and Lundstram were instrumental in winning second balls and breaking up play, allowing Rangers to maintain their attacking rhythm.
Full-Back Influence: Tavernier and Yilmaz contributed significantly to both defensive duties and attacking build-ups, making them pivotal to Rangers’ approach.
Individually, Hamza Igamane, Vaclav Cerny, and Mohamed Diomande were standout performers for Rangers, each registering a goal and influencing attacking transitions. For St. Johnstone, Daniel Phillips and Christopher Kane put in notable shifts, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Post-Match Reactions and Implications
Following the final whistle, Rangers emerged with a convincing 3-1 victory, reinforcing their dominance in the Scottish Premiership. The result allowed them to maintain their lead at the top of the table, sending a strong message to their title rivals. Manager Philippe Clement praised his team’s clinical finishing and defensive discipline while also acknowledging the concerns of the protesting fans.
On the other side, St. Johnstone’s manager, Simo Valakari, admitted that his team was caught off guard by Rangers’ early onslaught but commended his players’ efforts in the second half. He emphasized the need to regroup and learn from the defeat as they prepared for future fixtures.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
For Rangers, this victory served as an important confidence boost as they continued their push for the Scottish Premiership title. With upcoming fixtures against strong opposition, maintaining consistency would be crucial. The team would also need to address concerns regarding fan unrest, ensuring a unified front both on and off the pitch.
As for St. Johnstone, they would need to focus on defensive improvements and build upon their second-half performance. With key matches on the horizon, picking up points would be essential to avoiding a relegation battle and securing a respectable league finish.
To Conclude
The clash between Rangers and St. Johnstone was a testament to the intensity of Scottish football. While Rangers’ dominant first-half display secured them the win, St. Johnstone’s resilience in the latter stages showed their potential.
As the season progressed, both teams would take valuable lessons from this encounter, shaping their approaches in the crucial months ahead.
FAQs
Q: Where can I find detailed information about past lineups and match statistics between Rangers and St. Johnstone?
For comprehensive details on past lineups, match statistics, and player performances, reputable sports websites such as Sky Sports and Eurosport offer in-depth coverage. These platforms provide historical data, including starting lineups, substitutions, and tactical analyses for matches between Rangers and St. Johnstone.
Q: How do managers decide on their starting lineups for matches like Rangers vs. St. Johnstone?
Managers consider various factors when selecting their starting lineups, including player form, fitness levels, tactical strategies, and the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. They may also account for previous encounters, current standings, and specific match objectives. Adjustments are often made based on injuries, suspensions, and the need to rotate the squad due to fixture congestion.
Q: Have there been any notable player performances in recent Rangers vs. St. Johnstone matches?
In the January 12, 2025, match, Rangers’ forward Hamza Igamane made a significant impact by scoring the opening goal. His performance, along with contributions from teammates Vaclav Cerny and Mohamed Diomande, was instrumental in securing the 3-1 victory. For St. Johnstone, a late goal provided a consolation in an otherwise challenging game.
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