Rangers still hold an outside chance to be back in the Premiership race, but they could have given it away this afternoon against Motherwell at Fir Park. The Gers had an early lead when Scott Wright found the net, however, Leon Balogun’s red card inspired the Well to find an equalizer 10 minutes before the break.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst made some tactical tweaks and the Light Blues hit back instantly when Wright restored his side’s lead minutes into the second half. James Tavernier maintained his composure from the spot around the hour mark and ten-man Rangers survived the early scare to secure all three points from this tricky away encounter.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their stunning 3-1 win against Motherwell.
Allan McGregor: 6.5
Should have shown more effort to stop Ross Tierney’s header. Did extremely well to keep Callum Slattery’s low drive out early into the contest.
James Tavernier: 8
Restricted his overlapping runs to offer the defensive cover following Balogun’s sending off. Kept his calm and earned the two-goal cushion by sending Liam Kelly the wrong way from the spot.
Connor Goldson: 8
A majestic display from the Englishman who dominated the Motherwell attack despite losing his central defensive partner prior to the half-hour mark. His timely tackles, blocks and clearances restricted the home side from staging a comeback.
Leon Balogun: 4
A reckless challenge from the Nigerian resulted in his marching order. He is now set to miss next weekend’s Old Firm clash.
Borna Barisic: 7.5
Improved a lot after a frantic spell and has reclaimed the first-team role in spite of Calvin Bassey’s emergence down the left. Another balanced display from the Croatian who not only performed his duties at the back but also made overlapping runs to link up in the attacking third.
Glen Kamara: 5.5
An afternoon to forget for the midfield ace who was at fault during Tierney’s goal. Improved with time but had a little impact in the centre of the pitch. Was taken off and replaced by Joe Aribo midway through the second half.
Steven Davis: 7.5
Pulled the strings from his deep-lying midfield role. Used his vision and experience to control the pace and dominate possession with a man down. Made way for Leon King in the closing minutes of the match.
Amad Diallo: 6.5
A rare start from the Manchester United loanee which, however, did not last beyond 30 minutes. Showed some sparks early into the game but was sacrificed for Calvin Bassey in the aftermath of Balogun’s red.
Scott Arfield: 7
Had a disappointing first half but a slightly advanced role up top helped him rediscover his rhythm. Worked his socks off and covered a lot of ground before making way for James Sands.
Scott Wright: 8.5
Was not at all adding any value high up the pitch despite finding the net in the early minutes. But his stellar strike soon after the break brought the Gers back in the game. The Scotsman needs to work on his limitations, but his energy and intent must be acknowledged too. Made way for Cedric Itten with four minutes remaining.
Fashion Sakala: 8
Turned things around in the second half as he ran past the opponents’ midfield before setting up for Wright’s second of the afternoon. Earned a spot-kick minutes later and the conversion of Tavernier ensured all three points at Fir Park.
Rangers Subs Vs Motherwell
Calvin Bassey: 7.5
Did well defensively since coming on in place of Diallo. Showed his maturity once again by featuring as a centre-half.
Joe Aribo: 7
Introduced fresh legs and swift movements in the middle of the park.
James Sands: 7
Decent outing from the USMNT international who helped his side defend the lead for the final half an hour.
Cedric Itten: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Leon King: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
