“You can have it all, but how much do you want it.”
The only thing supersonic about Rangers overall performance last night was the extent of the dramatic late collapse.
In the post-mortem amongst the fans overnight, there has been plenty of talk about St Johnsone wanting it more.
It’s a well trotted out cliche, especially after defeat, but it isn’t true on the basis of what we saw at Ibrox last night.
Callum Davidson’s Saints came with a plan to compete, to frustrate, to disrupt and to be difficult – and it worked.
The inept performance of referee Alan Muir was also a contributing factor to St Johnstone’s victory.
Chris Kane should not have been on the pitch to benefit as Zander Clark was given the freedom of Ibrox to assist the equaliser.
The same could be said for David Wotherspoon for his very rash lunge at Ianis Hagi.
Then there was the bad decision against Kemar Roofe in the corner from Muir.
Excuses
All of the above don’t explain the lack of effective game management from Rangers, following a very good goal from James Tavernier.
Joe Aribo assisted very well to find his captain in a great position in the box – movement and a fine finish more akin of a seasoned striker.
The Gers ony had to see out a few minutes but failed miserably.
Looking back there was Alfredo Morelos’ two guilt-edged chances – the first kissing the post but the second was a sitter.
Should he have been taken off by the boss, Steven Gerrard? Another potential mistake.
Then there was the ‘criminal’ defensive negligence in the box that left the visitors keeper unmarked.
At this time, Allan McGregor was too busy and engaged with Chris Kane who had simultaneously pinned Borna Barisic.
So many reasons but the responsibility lies squarely with the team who didn’t get the job done.
Did they want it enough? Possibly not.
There was a lack of quality about Rangers play last night, there was a dearth of conviction and command in the players application.
The midfield battle was not won often enough.
To their credit, St Johnstone, despite hanging on at times, were not quite on the ropes and they remained in the game right to the end.
When the chance came along, they took it.
Another cup exit, another what-if.
No cups in six attempts for Steven Gerrard – nowhere near good enough. Unacceptable.
That doesn’t contradict the fact that the Premiership crown was the priority this season and it was accomplished in style – in March!
The dust hasn’t quite settled but by Wednesday we can all look forward to the next game – the final Old Firm of the season.
‘Some might say’ next season starts on Sunday.
🎥 REACTION: Steven Gerrard answers questions from the media. pic.twitter.com/Cywq3uexg8
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 25, 2021