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...
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5. Connor Goldson - 7
Constant presence didn't have the armband but did have the responsibility in holding the unfamiliar defence together. Solid at the back but Saints didn't allow him to step out from the back as much. Photo: IAN MACNICOL
6. Steven Davis - 7
Just keeps going. Laid on the opener for Wright by shutting down Rooney in midfield and despite plenty of recent minutes, shows no sign of slowing down before being rested for last 20 minutes after calmly picking his passes. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
7. Ianis Hagi - 6
Wide on the right of Rangers' four-man midfield in the first half where he couldn't impact the game much. Overall quiet despite being full of running at a ground he has excelled at in the past. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
8. Glen Kamara - 7
Midfielder dictated the intensity and lifted it as the first half progressed before an all-action second half. Booked for losing his cool in clash with Rooney but so composed on the ball. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group