Mizgan Masani
Rangers 4-0 St. Mirren: Penalties galore as Gers go within touching distance of Celtic
Rangers scored three of the four penalties awarded to sweep aside bottom club St. Mirren 4-0 at the Ibrox to go within three points of leaders Celtic in the table. James Tavernier scored a couple from the spot, while Jermaine Defoe netted the other and Ryan Kent scored a good goal.
Very early into the game in the third minute, Defoe was fouled in the box and the first penalty of the afternoon was given. Tavernier stepped up to give the hosts a lead. Right before half-time, the Gers were awarded another penalty as the on-loan striker from Bournemouth was fouled again.
Tavernier stepped up again but this time, he struck the frame of the goal, much to the delight of the away fans. However, the skipper won the third penalty of the day in the 55th minute and dispatched that himself to give his side a cushioning lead.
A fourth penalty was given to Steven Gerrard’s men in the 80th minute when Daniel Candeias was fouled. St Mirren players were protesting that the foul was outside the box, but it fell to the deaf ears of the referee.
Tavernier gave up his chance of scoring a hat-trick and allowed Defoe to take the spot-kick so that he can open his account for the new club. A couple of minutes later, the striker set up Ryan Kent to score a delicate chip past the Mirren keeper.
This win does keep Rangers in the title reckoning, but they have to be consistent from now until the end of the season to have any chance of toppling Celtic.
Here’s how their fans reacted on Twitter after this win:
Tbh am severely disappointed I had 5 penalties on ma coupon after talking to Dallas and Beaton in the lodge last night
— colin simpson (@Colinsimpson87) February 2, 2019
Respect to tav for giving Defoe the 4th pen. He had the chance to make it a hattrick 🇬🇧
— kyle_🇬🇧 (@1872_kyle) February 2, 2019
Not liking this diamond at all man. Defoe n Morelos playing who can score first. Ye canny have they 2 playing together. Both thirsty for goals. Was the same with. Cummings and Alfie together. You can tell Morelos does not like it either
— tommy mcconnell (@tommymcconnel11) February 2, 2019
Brilliant result 👏🔴⚪️🔵
— John (@JohnBoyy28) February 2, 2019
3pts happy days! We go again on Wednesday & again 3pts is a must. 🔴⚪🔵
— 👑 King Pin Dazza 👑 (@Kingpindazza) February 2, 2019
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