Steven Gerrard, the unbeaten Rangers boss, finally had a taste of the aggressive and driving nature of Scottish football which is renowned worldwide for it’s rough, tough yet entertaining aspect. The Light Blues travelled to Fir Park this afternoon to contest bottom-placed Premiership side Motherwell who were yet to win a league game this term but mounted a fierce fight against the galvanised Glasgow force in the summer rain. Despite falling behind twice in the first half, Rangers came back stronger shaking off the early jitters but failed to defend the lead as a late strike from Peter Hartley made the scoreline 3-3 on the final whistle.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their draw against Motherwell.
Allan McGregor: 6
McGregor had a busy afternoon of football between the sticks. Conceded twice in the first half which he could have done little to deal with but maintained his dominance with timely outings while chasing the crosses and set-pieces that were often troubling the Gers defence throughout the game. His hard work, however, did not pay off when Motherwell equalised in final moments of the game as the Gers only settled for one single point from this electrifying encounter.
Jon Flanagan: 6
Started the game in the right-hand side of Rangers’ ‘back four’ while skipper James Tavernier was utilised in an advanced role. Played as a left-back in the second half to cover Borna Barisic who was struggling defensively. Was mostly busy in defending deep to cope up with the aggressive and combative game of the hosts but did a fair enough job barring a few hiccups.
Connor Goldson: 5
Has been rock solid since his summer move from Brighton & Hove Albion, but the defensive ace had a tough time against the Steelmen who were pacy, agile and physical while attacking from set-pieces and long balls.
Nikola Katic: 5.5
Katic, too, had a difficult outing as the corner from his clearance earned the hosts a late equaliser in the closing seconds of the game.
Borna Barisic: 6
Was extremely productive while making forward runs, whipping in crosses as well as distributing the ball high up the pitch. Assisted Ovie Ejaria who scored the Gers’ third of the afternoon but struggled at the back which saw Jon Flanagan shifting flanks to cover him defensively. Was replaced by the teenager Glenn Middleton late in the game.
James Tavernier: 6.5
Started the game as a right midfielder and assisted Kyle Lafferty with his exquisite cross. Was shifted to his usual right-back role after the break but should have done better to contain Peter Hartley to avoid the late heartbreak.
Ryan Jack: 7
Worked extremely hard in difficult conditions to take control of the midfield game with timely blocks, tackles and challenges. The wet pitch hindered them in playing grounders and passing football, but the Scotsman tried his level best to combat and win possession in the middle of the park.
Andy Halliday: 7.5
Not among the most technically gifted individuals but the midfielder showed massive commitment all throughout with high work ethics and made his presence known running all over the pitch. Was replaced by Scott Arfield midway in the second half.
Ovie Ejaria: 8
Was showing signs of improvement in recent encounters and got his reward when he earned the visitors a lead late in the first half. His dribbling and swift footwork often troubled the Steelmen while defending deep. Was replaced by Lee Wallace in the closing moments.
Alfredo Morelos: 7.5
Looked purposeful whenever he had the ball on his feet. Dribbled past the defenders many a time and also linked up well with Lafferty on a few occasions. Rangers’ prolific goalscorer, surprising failed to find the back of the net this afternoon.
Kyle Lafferty: 8.5
Made a massive impact in his first start of the second innings in Rangers’ colours. Lafferty’s first goal was a wicked deflection, but he showed his excellence while converting Tavernier’s cross with a thumping header. Used his physicality at times to hold possession and create space for Morelos to make free runs.
Subs
Scott Arfield: 5
Was disappointing since replacing Halliday as he could not implement his mastery to take the ball out of defence and create moves high up the pitch to seal all three points from the game.
Glenn Middleton: 5
Had very few touches, struggled to keep hold of the ball in closing minutes against the relentless Motherwell attack.
Lee Wallace: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
