Gerrard 'frustrated and concerned' as Rangers drop points

Rangers have dropped another vital two points in the Scottish Premiership title race after a 2-2 draw with St Johnstone.

Callum Hendry gave the hosts the lead after eight minutes in Perth and they held that lead into the break.

On-loan Hibs star Florian Kamberi levelled the scoring five minutes into the second half before Joe Aribo put the visitors in front on the 71st minute.

But just when Steven Gerrard’s men thought they were looking good for all three points, Stevie May equalised with ten minutes to go.

After the game the Rangers manager said: “I am going to play the same record for you. I should be sitting here waxing lyrical about Flo Kamberi and Joe Aribo, and maybe Alfredo if he took his chance. From an attacking point of view, second half I thought we were outstanding.

“But we keep shooting ourselves in the foot by conceding silly, silly goals and we forgot the real good, strong basics of defending. It has cost us on two occasions, and nearly three, only for Allan McGregor to pull off a world-class save.

“I’m frustrated and concerned with us defensively because it has happened too many times now. That is Aberdeen, Killie, Braga, Hearts, St Johnstone. That is too many times for this football club. I am going to have to find solutions.”

Gerrard also agreed there was a nervousness about his defence.

He said: “Basically just not doing the basics of defending well enough – that is what it is down to,”.

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright started with Hendry and May up front and encouraged both of them to run on to long balls down the sides.

“We took a bit of a gamble,” he said. “It leaves you short in midfield but we worked hard on trying to be narrow and compact.

“When you play two up, it is difficult. A lot of centre-halves nowadays are not used to it, they are used to just one striker to deal with.

“No defender likes to be turned and running back towards their own goal.

“The way Rangers and a lot of the top teams play, by pressing their full-backs high, they are often prepared to leave two versus two. It was something we thought we could get a bit of joy off and pleased that that happened.”

The draw means Rangers are now 12 points behind league leaders Celtic with a game in hand.

The Scottish champions beat Kilmarnock 3-1 at Celtic Park to extend their lead to 12 points.