Some Ibrox fans returned to reality last night as they watched another horror cup exit under Steven Gerrard.
In three full seasons the current Ibrox boss has lost one cup final, lost a semi and not been at the races in four other cup competitions as St Johnstone aim for a cup double in Callum Davidson’s first season in management.
The Scottish Cup defeat from St Johnstone had all the characteristics of previous exits, when the pressure is on the players buckle led by the trembling figure of James Tavernier.
St Johnstone, who are unlikely to have anyone on a basic wage of more than £2,000/week matched Gerrard’s side in every aspect. Saints had the best of the first half, the home side were stronger after the break but no goals were scored.
Game management is a popular theme for Gerrard. At 1-0 up and with 119 minutes on the clock Kemar Roofe could have headed for the corner flag, instead he lost possession, St Johnstone pushed forward and gained a penalty at the other end of the pitch.
A 6 ft 4 lime clad, bearded goalkeeper shouldn’t have been too difficult to spot standing on the six yard box but Zander Clark rose unchallenged to head the equaliser off the foot of Chris Kane.
Tav and Roofe fell to pieces in the shoot-out, Borna Barisic blessed himself but he couldn’t help his team-mates as the Saints crashed in four out of four to leave Gerrard on the outside looking in on the cup semi-final draw.
Young Nathan Patterson missed the match through suspension after a night out two months ago.
Couldn’t even be arsed listening to his excuses. He made a big deal about saving players for this game and it’s slapped him in the arse. Do better Gerrard.
— Alan Paton (@Alan_Paton2020) April 26, 2021
Don’t wanty hear it thanks
— Scott (@scottl1872) April 25, 2021
Dreadful
— Catankerous Dave (@FeedMeSeamore) April 25, 2021
Not good enough Rangers. You have downed tools after wining the league! I’m beyond livid.
— ??????? trevnod ??????? (@trevnod) April 25, 2021
Stop playing hagi and roofe
— Craig Ferguson (@Craigfeguson) April 26, 2021
Huge portion of the blame goes to Gerrard the Morelos for roofe sub was an absolute shocker
— Glasgow Growth ? (@Glasgow_Growth) April 25, 2021
Just call it a night Mr Rangers
— ? (@FiftyFiveTitIes) April 25, 2021
