Scott McKenna (right) heads Scotland into a 2-0 lead at home to Armenia
Scott McKenna (right) heads Scotland into a 2-0 lead at home to Armenia

Scotland scored two goals in their Nations League opener against Armenia.

On the heels of the World Cup play-off defeat to Ukraine, Steve Clark's side were absolutely dominant.

The first two goals were scored at the halfway point after Stuart Armstrong and Andy Robertson had missed.

The second goal would not come.

  • Reaction & as it happened

With the rain falling, Scotland created a flurry of chances in the first few minutes and Robertson's low strike was saved by David Yurchenko.

The Celtic full-back was at the center of the early promise, setting up both chances with his strong running on the right.

McGinn crashed a venomous free- kick a few feet too high as the one-way traffic continued.

On their way to victory of Republic of Ireland in hot conditions, Armenia sat back and surrendered possession. The visitors' back five rarely ventured more than a few yards from the penalty box in the rain.

It was difficult to find a way through the congestion, so when Armstrong crossed for Ralston to head in his first international goal, it was a relief.

The Bournemouth forward clattered a half-volley into the stands when the net was gaping after Che Adams knocked the ball into his path.

McKenna was too strong for his opponent as he waited for a McGinn corner to dip on to his head to score the second goal.

On the stroke of half-time, the hulking Forest defender was denied a second by the VAR when he was in an area where he shouldn't have been.

Scotland were not as fast out of the blocks in the second half, with Christie missing a headed chance just before the hour.

A player reborn under the high-energy coaching of a boss. This was the 23 year old's 49th game of the term, having made one solitary appearance in 2020.

First starts for your country are not much better. He was a blur of motion up the flank and did not relent as some of his team-mates decided to rest after the break.

There was a broad smile on Ralston's face as he left the field, and it wasn't just because of the heavy rain.

McGinn thundered a rising shot against the bar and Scott McTominay's shot went wide before McGinn's rocket whistled over.

Armenia, ranked 53 places below Scotland in 92nd, had two chances to break away, but both ended in comfortable saves for Craig Gordon.

Man of the match - Anthony Ralston

Anthony Ralston enjoyed a great evening on his first Scotland start
Ralston was full of running for Scotland and capped a memorable evening with the opening goal

What did we learn?

It was important for Scotland to get off to a winning start despite the fact that they face a sterner test in this group.

Scotland raced out of the traps and finished the contest before the half-time break.

It would have been nice for the crowd to get another goal, but the response from the side was great.

Six changes to the starting line-up shows a squad depth that will be important over the next two matches.

What next?

Scotland will travel to Dublin on Saturday.

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