With a positive change in the second half against St Johnstone, Giovanni van Bronckhorst effectively ensured that his Rangers team would turn the screw against their opponents.
4-0 did not flatter the Gers with a steady performance providing the ideal preparation ahead of a much greater task to overcome PSV Eindhoven in Tuesday’s Champions League Playoff round, first leg.
The Saints had no response in competitive terms and could only muster one attempt on target over the course of the whole game.
Arguably, the moment that really changed the game was the triple sub made by GvB around the 67 minute mark when Malik Tillman, Antonio Colak and Scott Wright were replaced by Scott Arfield, Alfredo Morelos and Tom Lawrence.
Two of that incoming trio would go on to grab themselves a goal but crucially, Rangers added a second attacking midfielder to increase the danger when they were already on top.
Gio says James Sands was ill yesterday which is why he missed out. However he has felt better today so should be fine for Tuesday.
— Heart & Hand Podcast (@ibroxrocks) August 13, 2022
Ryan Jack was brought back to the starting line-up but it was more about game time than impact. He will be a contender against PSV in what will be a much more closely contested fixture but you have to question his role for the likes of St Johnstone coming to Ibrox.
Callum Davidson’s team were very defensive as expected and it was clear that Rangers could well afford to have another attacker on the pitch. The breakthrough did come on 32 minutes from Tillman’s excellent header but that was the first effort on target for the home team.
The last half hour saw Colak’s fine finish being complimented by the third and fourth from Arfield and Lawrence, respectively, but there could have been one or two more.
With Morelos and James Tavernier also buzzing around the attacking third, the benefit from the extra man was clear to see.
For such games at Ibrox, there is no need to play with a second ‘sitter’ in midfield. The rewards can be reaped with playing forward and runs beyond the play. Go on Gio, make it happen!