Ianis Hagi's solution for Rangers to see off St Johnstone: Grinding, working and a little bit of magic

Ianis Hagi hit the game-winner in a tough 1-0 win for Rangers against in-form St Johnstone and revealed the key elements to the home side's formidable form this season.

Rangers' Ianis Hagi celebrates making it 1-0 during the Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and St Johnstone at Ibrox Stadium, on February 03, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

Rangers had a difficult night against Callum Davidson’s Perth side, spurning three first-half chances before finally going ahead through the Romanian forward on 71 minutes as he cut in from the right-wing and fired past Zander Clark from 20 yards.

It sent the league leaders 23 points ahead of second-placed Celtic and recorded a 17th clean sheet in the Premiership season for Steven Gerrard’s side, and Hagi explained how they have achieved such a record.

"Offensively we start from the goalkeeper and defensively we start from the striker – when we’re scoring, when we’re keeping a clean sheet I think it's all teamwork and we are really proud of what we've done up until now,” the 21-year old explained.

“We have, until now, had a really good season defensively so I think at both ends we won battles in the penalty boxes and won the game.”

After a difficult first half when Connor Goldson and Ryan Kent spurned gilt-edged chances Rangers lifted the tempo and earned the victory – after Steven Gerrard called for something special from his game changers like Hagi.

“In the first half we created some chances but at half-time the gaffer told us that we needed some magic – we knew that we needed a player who could make the difference. That's why I am happy that my shot went in I really trust my shots with the left or right – it's one of my qualities and if I’m on the pitch I try to exploit it,” he told Rangers TV.

"It was one of those nights when we have to be patient and tried to force the first goal and just keep the clean sheet as we have done the entire season.

“Throughout a season you can't win all the games 3-0, 4-0 and 5-0 you have to grind and you have to work for it."

Rangers now head to Hamilton on Sunday, kick off at 12pm.

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