Mark Warburton insisted his Rangers side have no excuses for not beating St Johnstone at home on Wednesday.
The Rangers boss admitted "it was an opportunity missed" as Joe Garner clawed the home side back from behind to draw 1-1 at Ibrox under the lights.
Gers could have moved third, which is where St Johnstone sit, and saw the gap to Celtic increased by their rivals emphatic away win at Ross County.
Warburton, who has been forced to defend himself since the League Cup defeat to Celtic on Sunday, said: "It was a decent first half. We went down to a very good goal, then worked hard to get the goal back.
"But the second half was below our standard. We didn't continue our first half and we gave the ball away cheaply. We weren't brave getting out. Despite the possession stats, we didn't play the way we wanted to.
"Sunday's game didn't affect us. They played Sunday too so there are no excuses that way. The semi-final was an emotionally draining game but it's part of playing for a club like this.
"It's a demanding crowd because they're used to success. The players have to recognise it's an expectant crowd - and quite rightly. We have to respect that and learn from that tonight.
"We know what the crowd wants; they're magnificent. If we can play our game and move the ball quickly we'll create chances but tonight we fell below our standards."
St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright was delighted with his team as they moved into the European slots, but admitted there is a long way to go.
"It was a good start and an excellent performance," he said. "It's never easy coming here.
"We're happy to take a point but we could have taken all three as we had a few good chances in the second half.
"We knew we'd stay above Rangers with a positive result. We're content with the return but there are no prizes given out so we're not going to get carried away with it."