Rangers, under Steven Gerrard, reacted sharply on Wednesday night scripting a 3-0 win over Hearts days after a 2-1 heartbreak against Old Firm rivals Celtic at Parkhead. The gaffer urged his boys to rebuild momentum and end the season on a high note with successive victories. The Bears had a tricky test this afternoon versus Motherwell at Fir Park but made it look like a one-sided contest by grabbing a 3-0 win thanks to a Scott Arfield hat-trick.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their comprehensive victory over Motherwell.
Allan McGregor: 7
The veteran custodian was not troubled much except one routine save to deny Jake Hastie’s effort from the edge of the box.
James Tavernier: 7
The skipper was effective from the right flank as he kept on making overlapping runs and linking up with the attackers to create chances high up the pitch.
Connor Goldson: 7.5
Had a towering presence at the back with timely clearances, blocks and interceptions. Did well to contain Curtis Main and also Gboly Ariyibi who were taken off in the second half after failing to cause menace in Rangers’ defence.
Nikola Katic: 7
The Croatian, a regular in early weeks, was handed a rare start to partner Goldson in the heart of the Gers backline. The youngster grabbed the opportunity with a dominant display and played his part in registering a clean sheet on the road.
Jon Flanagan: 7.5
Back to back start for the ex-Liverpool prodigy who did a decent job defensively to restrict Jake Hastie from the wide areas. Made some purposeful runs forward and whipped in crosses using the width of the pitch.
Ryan Jack: 8
Was combative in midfield and won the ball back time and again with his hard tackling traits. Never allowed the Steelmen to take command of the midfield game which, in turn, made the job easier for Rangers to seal a commanding victory. Played his part in Arfield’s second of the afternoon minutes before the half-time whistle.
Glen Kamara: 7.5
Showed great composure and control over the ball. Was confident as well as cautious while holding possession and keep it rolling with smart one-twos and swift passing skills. Made way for Andy Halliday late in the second half.
Steven Davis: 7
Covered a lot of ground, kept on switching the game down the wide areas to stretch the opponents to create space upfront. Got replaced by Eros Grezda late in the game.
Daniel Candeias: 8
Showed high worth ethics as he took charge of the Rangers pressing game forcing Motherwell to lose possession. Played his part in the build-up of both of Arfield’s first-half strikes.
Scott Arfield: 9.5
A perfect afternoon for the Canadian as he netted a hat-trick by showing his great positioning and finishing skills. Gerrard used Arfield in a more advanced role once again and got his reward for the same. Received a standing ovation from the travelling supporters while making way for Ross McCrorie midway through the second half.
Jermain Defoe: 8.5
Contributed in Arfield’s opener and also exhibited his excellence by placing the ball into the path of the Canadian unselfishly for the hat-trick goal. Came close to finding the net but missed the target narrowly.
Substitutes
Ross McCrorie: 7
Came in place of Arfield. Injected freshness in midfield and more control over the ball to secure a three-goal lead.
Eros Grezda: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Andy Halliday: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
