Rangers moved to the summit of the Scottish Premiership for the first time since April with a routine 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Ibrox. Ryan Naderi's double and a Kevin Kelsy strike put the hosts three ahead by half-time, taking them one point clear of Celtic, who face Motherwell at Fir Park.
First-half blitz settles contest
Derek McInnes' side made it seven consecutive wins, with the international break failing to disrupt their momentum. Kilmarnock showed early confidence, forcing a corner and enjoying spells of possession, but Rangers carved out their first opportunity in the 11th minute when Djeidi Gassama drove at the visitors' defence and saw a shot deflected wide.
The opener arrived in the 15th minute as Naderi nodded home from close range following a James Penrice delivery. Kelsy doubled the lead in the 24th minute, sliding a shot home after recovering from a slip and beating a couple of defenders. Gassama then turned provider, driving in a low cross which Naderi bundled past goalkeeper Calum Ferrie via his shoulder just before the break.
Second-half response
Tyreece John-Jules thought he had pulled one back in the 58th minute but was denied by an offside flag, and he came close again moments later with a shot against a post. Rangers struggled to add to their advantage in the second half, with the home support growing restless, but Kilmarnock rarely threatened a comeback.
Nicky Clescenco scored a last-minute consolation for the visitors, blotting the home side's clean sheet.
Naderi and Kelsy impress
Naderi, who made his international debut for the Czech Republic against England in midweek, now has three goals in two games. Kelsy, also buoyed by scoring his first goal for Venezuela in midweek, showed power, pace and finishing prowess as the pair's partnership continues to develop. Their form has been key for McInnes as he copes with the long-term injury absence of captain Lawrence Shankland.
McInnes named the same starting line-up which had won back-to-back games against Celtic. Rangers have lost just one league goal at home since their second match at the start of August.
Killie struggles continue
With first-choice goalkeeper Max Stryek absent, Calum Ferrie was the only senior stopper available and faced a thankless task. Kilmarnock's failure to land former Dundee United keeper Dave Richards left Ferrie exposed, with a backline all too easily breached by deliveries into the box.
Killie boss Neil McCann had built momentum with a win at Hibs and a draw against Hearts before the break, but this was a reality check. Joe Hugill, Erik Ring and Tyreece John-Jules all squandered decent shooting opportunities. The Ayrshire side remain bottom of the Premiership, with their biggest failing being an inability to deal with crosses into the box.
