Despite a disastrous inception of 2016-17 season (suffering a shambolic Europa League qualifying Round 1 exit against Luxembourg minnows Progres Niedercorn), Pedro Caixinha’s Rangers FC regained confidence following a few favourable outcomes in pre-season as his nine new signings settled in well at Premiership in order to demolish age-old rivals Celtic’s dominance and prevent them from winning seven back to back league titles.
Their SPFL campaign started this afternoon against Motherwell at Fir Park and the Gers secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory in response to the Hoops’ dominating 4-1 triumph against Hearts in yesterday’s league opener. The Glasgow giants need to work on a few things, but they might just have the result to build upon and produce a superlative season.
Below are the Rangers players rated from the fixture.
Wes Foderingham: 7.5
The custodian conceded late into the first half and misjudged a few outings at times, but his match-winning save towards the end secured all three points for the visitors.
Lee Hodson: 6
Was handed a start ahead of James Tavernier following an impressive pre-season campaign and had a decent first half with defensive duties, overlap runs and crosses. Was replaced by Tavernier just over an hour mark minutes after Graham Dorrans restored the lead with his second of the afternoon.
Fabio Cardoso: 6
The Portuguese centre-back did well to earn a spot-kick around an hour mark which was converted by Graham Dorrans to restore the lead. But he struggled defensively, especially towards the end when the Steelmen eased past the Gers’ back-line in search of an equalizer.
Bruno Alves: 6.5
The veteran Portuguese international led his back-line with quality as well as experience. Also, his cross was headed into the path of Graham Dorrans by Kenny Miller, and the former Norwich City midfielder made no mistake to find the back of the net in early minutes. However, Alves is yet to settle into the squad and form a defensive understanding with fellow countryman Cardoso.
Lee Wallace: 6
Was impressive throughout the first half as he linked up beautifully with Josh Windass down the left-hand flank and whipped in a few crosses for marksman Eduardo Herrera. But the left-back had was disappointing since halftime as he failed to prevent crosses from his side that often caused trouble for Foderingham.
Ryan Jack: 6.5
The former Aberdeen skipper impressed with his holding and passing skills, helped his side to form attacks from the middle of the park but should have worked harder to screen his back-line that looked vulnerable towards the end.
Daniel Candeias: 7.5
The Portuguese winger impressed with his footwork, strong crossing skills and link up play with the likes of Kenny Miller and Eduardo Herrera. Helped his defence down the right-hand flank and worked tirelessly throughout 90 minutes.
Josh Windass: 7.5
The winger impressed boss Caixinha during pre-season and despite a disappointing 2016-17 season, Windass was handed a start in the left-hand side of Gers’ midfield.
He was arguably the best player on the pitch during first half as he tested the skipper with his strike, a few majestic efforts went just wide and was unlucky to hit the woodwork twice in the first half. The Englishman, however, had a quiet second half and needs to contribute more defensively when his team is in trouble.
Graham Dorrans: 9
The Premier League and Championship veteran proved his worth and marked his official debut for the Gers with a brace and helped his side to snatch a nervy win at Fir Park. Scored within five minutes into the game and again restored the lead from a spot-kick around an hour mark.
Ran tirelessly in the middle of the park, helped his defence when required and broke down a number of Motherwell attacks at midfield using his vast experience at the top level of English football.
Kenny Miller: 7
The 37-year old veteran was impressive once again and assisted Dorrans to break the deadlock early into the game. Worked hard and earned loads of applauds before being taken off and replaced by defender Danny Wilson.
Eduardo Herrera: 5.5
Tried to use his physique to earn a few free-kicks but failed to have an impact in front of goal. Had an improved second half as he tried to help his midfield and covered a lot of grounds to make his presence known. Was replaced by Alfredo Morelos towards the end.
Substitutes
James Tavernier: 7
Replaced Hodson in the second half. Linked up beautifully with Candeias and his overlap runs often created opportunities for the attackers. Needs to work on his shooting skills though.
Danny Wilson: 6
Came on as a substitute in place of the forward Miller, to consolidate the back-line in order to fortify the narrow lead. Despite late stumbles, the former Liverpool defender had his job done and came out victorious.
Alfredo Morelos: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
