A late Liam Craig penalty earned a commendable draw for St Johnstone for their tireless display making life difficult for the champions after Scott Wright's opener.
St Johnstone had an earlier penalty awarded, then overturned by referee Euan Anderson but an injury-time decision against Jack Simpson levelled the scores in Perth.
Simpson was one of seven changes for Rangers manager Steven Gerrard who also included James Tavernier in the starting line-up and was able to include Calvin Basey and Nathan Patterson with their suspension appeal yet to be concluded.
It took a while to get going despite St Johnstone applying early pressure to Jon McLaughlin’s goal but it was scoreless at the break. A neat finish from Scott Wright opened the scoring and seemed to have given the visitors the points until Saints last push for an equaliser saw Shaun Rooney toppled by Simpson and Liam Craig converted from the spot
Here is how the team rated in Perth this evening...
A message from the Editor:Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.
13. SUB - Joe Aribo - 6
On for David and showed some typical fancy footwork and cruised through the final half hour keeping possession tidy. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
14. SUB - Scott Arfield - 5
On for Wright and shored up the midfield work dropping in to combat Saints' late pressing moves seeking an equaliser. Photo: SNS Group
15. SUB - Jermain Defoe - 4
On for Hagi and gave the St Johnstone defenders a torrid end to the game, allowing Itten to move wider and drop deeper to link play more Photo: SNS Group
16. SUB - Calvin Bassey
On for Barisic at left-back for final ten minutes. Photo: Ian MacNicol