### Scottish Premiership Round 4 Recap: Rangers Secure Championship with Thrilling Victory Over St. Johnstone
In a thrilling encounter that capped off the Scottish Premiership Round 4, Rangers secured their place as league champions with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over St. Johnstone at Ibrox Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The match began with both teams showing promise in the first half. Rangers had several chances to break the deadlock, but it was St. Johnstone who struck first in the 16th minute when goalkeeper Craig Gordon made a crucial save from Alex McLeish's free-kick attempt. The visitors were frustrated by the Rangers' pressure and struggled to find an equalizer.
However, Rangers came back into the game in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Rangers midfielder Steven Naismith delivered a perfectly placed cross for substitute striker Paul Hartley to head home, giving the hosts the lead. The score remained 1-0 until the 78th minute when Rangers extended their advantage. Scott Sinclair pounced on a loose ball from the penalty spot, calmly slotting past Gordon to put the visitors up 2-0.
The final goal arrived in the 91st minute when substitute striker Jack Colback found himself unmarked in the box and curled a stunning right-footed shot past Gordon to seal the win. The performance was one of the most dominant displays of attacking football seen this season, with Rangers dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities for goals.
St. Johnstone, despite their best efforts, could not keep pace with Rangers' superior play. Their defense was porous, allowing multiple scoring opportunities and failing to create any counterattacks of note. This defeat leaves St. Johnstone outside the top four, which is now the norm after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Rangers' victory also solidifies their position as the reigning champions of the Scottish Premiership, having maintained their dominance throughout the season. With the upcoming matches against Celtic and Aberdeen, Rangers will look to extend their winning streak and continue their quest for another title.
This result marks a significant milestone for Rangers, as they become the first team to defend their championship since Celtic did so in 2019. The club's success this season has been nothing short of remarkable, with their performances often being compared to those of the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.
As the season progresses, fans can expect more high-quality football from Rangers, with the potential to challenge for the Premier League title next season if they maintain their form and consistency. The victory over St. Johnstone further cements their status as one of the top clubs in Scotland and sets the stage for a challenging tournament in the coming months.