Where do you start with Cyriel Dessers? The much maligned Rangers striker was the match winner once again at Hampden as he silenced the doubters, for now.
In the first half it was Danilo, making his first competitive start in 2024 for Philippe Clement, that was missing chances, one good one and the others he made through clever movement.
For the opening goal, Cyriel Dessers wasn’t quite as subtle, bulldozing his way through the St Johnstone defence before blasting his side in front via a VAR delay.
He then turned provider for Ross McCausland.
Cyriel Dessers continues fine Rangers form to silence critics
With three goals and one assist in five games, is it time to forget about selling Dessers?
Danilo had looked sharp in the first half, he turned a nothing cross into a near miss with a good header but the chance where he fired over after a cut back from Jefte should have found the back of the net.
Once he dusts the rustiness off he will hit the goal trail and be a key member of the squad.
What he did though, was allow Dessers to have a breather which meant he was sharper when the St Johnstone defenders were beginning to tire.
Speaking after the game, Desserswas happy with his afternoon’s work:
“When you are waiting for VAR you have to be patient. It was a tough moment as we were waiting to go 1-0 up at an important moment – I was happy we got the goal.
“Ross’ goal made it more comfortable. I am happy he scored but we have to kill these games off earlier.
“We have to be a bit sharper in the final third, get more chances to finish the game off. At 2-0 you become calm and let the ball do the work.
“I am pleased with my start to the season. I work hard for the team, I do the things the manager asks of me and then I know the goals will follow.
“That’s the case right now, I am happy for a goal and an assist for Ross as well.
“We work a lot on finishing and Ross has the right mentality and I am glad he got rewarded.”
Dessers and Danilo can ease demands for new number nine
Last season, Dessers arrived at Ibrox half fit after being injured at the end of the previous campaign, he was then thrown into a team lacking any sort of cohesion.
His slow start, with an on form Danilo sitting on the bench, saw the 29-year old come in for criticism and his £4.5m transfer fee almost written off.
After 30 goal contributions last season, there have been reports of interest in the Nigeria international but, with two weeks of the window left, he is still at Ibrox – and scoring goals.
Yes, he has also missed chances, but he has also provided a couple of big moments already.
What he has to do now, is produce them consistently and put demands for a new number 9 to bed.
