Zenit struggled to a disappointing fifth-place finish under Italian Roberto Mancini last term, but have started the new campaign strongly with Sergei Semak at the helm.

They now lead Spartak Moscow by two points at the top of the early table.

“We lacked aggression in the first half, but after the break we added speed and precision to our play,” former Russia midfielder Semak said.

“Rubin are a very well-organised team and it’s very hard to create chances against them.”

After a goalless first half, Zenit improved, only for half-time substitute Erokhin to waste two good chances.

Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun, 23, who retired from international football after heavy criticism for his performances at the World Cup, had a goal for Rubin ruled out for offside.

Zenit were reduced to 10 men in the 71st minute when midfielder Daler Kuzyayev was shown a second yellow card, but the visitors grabbed a winner with 12 minutes to go when Erokhin converted from Artem Dzyuba’s cross.

Elsewhere on Monday, Krasnodar won 1-0 at Ufa thanks to an 86th-minute strike from Brazilian forward Wanderson, although their Ecuadorian left-back Cristian Ramírez was sent off in stoppage time.