Make no mistake, Rangers laid down a major marker today. On the day Celtic struggled to overcome bottom-feeding St Johnstone, Rangers strolled through the on-form St Mirren like a hot knife through butter.

Ibrox Noise brings you our ratings for a very accomplished afternoon in Govan:

McGregor:

He just brings so much. He wasn’t really needed today, but his leadership at the back has already made defence look so much more solid. 7

Tavernier:

A typical penalty from the captain, and a solid array of decent crosses – wasn’t overly tested at the rear, but much of his good work was advanced anyway. 8

Goldson:

A decent afternoon from the vice-captain who is benefitting from McGregor’s return more than anyone. He looks more confident and assured and the horrific form from earlier this season is starting to fade. 7

Davies:

We’re struggling to buy this guy. He’s not really standing out for us, he’s just there. He’s reminding us of what James Sands plays like in midfield. Tidy, but nothing exemplary. 6

Barisic:

Sort of made the assist for Colak’s first, and otherwise had a good afternoon with crosses and runs forward. Didn’t really link with Matondo but no one really did. 7

Lundstram:

Brilliant afternoon from the midfielder who some had started to pick on this season, not understanding it was his (hopefully) former partner Davis the problem. Paired with Jack, Lunny thrived and was one of the MOTMs. 8

Jack:

Why does he keep being removed? He’s starting to look a lot, LOT fitter now, and he’s getting in more defensive work too. Starting to cover Tav again like the old days. He can last the 90 for goodness sake. 8

Matondo:

Sadly not his day – he did work hard but very little went through him, and he’s not catching fire yet. But unlucky not to score. 6

Sakala:

His best performance in the shirt since joining, he thrived on the right wing even if St Mirren barely put a glove on him. But then, he was just too quick. A stunning goal and a mesmerising assist meant Sakala is now the best Rangers player of all time. If you listen to some. No, he had a great afternoon and deserves the praise. 9

Arfield:

Bright. Worked well even if the link play was a little quiet, but he got a fair chunk of the ball and made a few things happen. 7

Colak:

Absolutely, absurdly, literally incredible. His opening goal was pure poacher’s instinct and the second was a staggering finish after composed setup play. This guy is the most in-form striker in the UK if not for that Norwegian chap down south. 10

Subs:

Yilmaz:

This guy made a good impact and might consider himself in the picture to start some going forward. 7

King:

Always reliable, made a few good interventions and always takes his chance. 6

Morelos:

Great assist in seeing Sakala but otherwise had little impact. Although what more impact did he need? 7

Kent:

Weak cameo, no better than Matondo who he replaced. Managed one shot, which was blocked, and that was it. 3

Kamara:

Looks so unmotivated now we cannot see the point bringing him on. 2

Manager:

Gio rang a bunch of changes at Ibrox and it really worked for him. Sure, we can’t understand why he didn’t bring on Ridvan sooner, why he took Colak off while on his hattrick or why Kamara came on, but the team did play for him and looked the best-oiled we’ve seen this season. This was Rangers’ best overall display this campaign and that falls on Gio, so he can’t complain at all. 10