sport news St Mirren 1-2 Rangers: Philippe Clement praises his side's fighting spirit as ... trends now
Philippe Clement praised Rangers for keeping their title challenge alive - despite leaving their ‘sexy’ football at home.
On course to drop points in a fourth successive league match, the Ibrox boss had Cyriel Dessers to thank for netting the late goal which earned them a narrow win at St Mirren.
Ahead through James Bolton’s own goal, the visitors were pegged back before the interval through Mikael Mandron’s header.
But Rangers ensured they remain alive in the race when Dessers nodded home his 20th goal of the season with just 16 minutes remaining.
Clement conceded that his side’s display was not from the top drawer – but felt their battling qualities made all the difference.
Cyriel Dessers produced what could prove to be a vital goal in Rangers' win at St Mirren
Mikael Mandron equalised for the hosts just minutes after Rangers had taken the lead
‘That they did what they need to do and that is winning games,’ said the Belgian.
‘That is the first thing. Was it our most sexy game? No.
‘But it is also the circumstances and all respect to St Mirren also. They are aggressive, they are powerful in the duels, the pitch is also smaller and that creates more duels.
‘We had to dig in, we knew that from before, but the team did. We get the result. I don’t think if you don’t lead with 2-0 or 3-0 that one team will have an easy game here.
‘That is because of the quality and mentality of St Mirren, of their players and their manager. It is about taking the three points, and with a very good second goal also.’
Clement stressed that winning by any means possible is all that really matters especially at this time of the season.
‘Of course. It is all season like that,’ he added. ‘Football is about the results in the end.
‘Nobody remembers that we won 4-0 against Hibs in October with really good football, or other games. At the end it is about the points.
‘We had a lot of good games like that, but you need in a season (some) games that you win with resilience or mentality or digging in together and fighting.
‘There is not one team in the world who only wins games in a very beautiful way, like the team did already several times. For sure, not teams who win trophies.
‘You need both and they showed the right
