Emmanuel Fernandez scrutinised after Rangers’ 5-1 Scottish League Cup win

Rangers beat St Mirren 5-1 at Ibrox on Sunday to reach the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals, but Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez was left under scrutiny after a difficult defensive display. The victory gave Derek McInnes his first competitive win in charge and ended Rangers’ uncertain start to the campaign.

Fernandez began in central defence and was booked before half-time. He later conceded a penalty, creating another dangerous moment for the home side, although goalkeeper Ivor Pandur prevented St Mirren from reducing the deficit further.

Killian Phillips initially converted from the spot, but referee John Beaton ordered the kick to be taken again because the ball had been struck before the whistle. Phillips took the second attempt, only for Pandur to save after reading the direction correctly.

Former Rangers striker Peter Lovenkrands highlighted Fernandez’s errors while acknowledging the team’s strong overall performance. The defender’s booking, penalty concession and untidy play were the main concerns in an afternoon when Rangers were far more effective in attack.

Ryan Naderi put Rangers ahead before Vanja Dragojevic added a second. Christopher Mochrie pulled one back for St Mirren before the interval, but Rangers restored control after the break through Djeidi Gassama, James Penrice and Ross McCausland.

The result followed a mixed sequence for Rangers that included draws with Dundee United and West Ham, wins over Saint-Étienne and Falkirk, and a defeat by Hibernian. It also offered relief after criticism of Fernandez following the 2-1 loss to Jagiellonia Białystok in the Europa League qualifiers, while former midfielder Andy Halliday has questioned his positioning and defensive decisions.

Fernandez remains an important option with Ben Godfrey unavailable and Olwethu Makhanya still being integrated into the team. He was Rangers’ Player of the Year last season, but the latest errors increase the pressure on him to regain consistency, with Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign also approaching.