Rangers suffered heartbreak in Moscow on Thursday night against Spartak Moskva in their crucial Europa League encounter but were back in action again this weekend to close the gap at the top in Premiership football. They hosted Motherwell at Ibrox this afternoon and were seeking revenge for the previous contest where the Gers failed to clinch a win at Fir Park following a 3-3 draw. But the game, this term, proved to be a stroll in the park for the hosts despite early jitters as they eventually registered a thumping 7-1 victory to climb up to third in the Premiership table.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their emphatic win against Motherwell.
Allan McGregor: 6.5
The veteran custodian could have done little to deny Curtis Main’s early equaliser as the backline left too much space behind for Motherwell to threaten from the counter. Apart from this, he was rarely tested all afternoon and should be disappointed not to grab a clean sheet.
James Tavernier: 8.5
The skipper should have done better defensively to defend Main’s goal but was influential right from the beginning as he set it up perfectly for Arfield to break the deadlock in early minutes followed by yet another spectacular spot-kick that restored the lead for the Gers. His dummy allowed space for Arfield in the second half who made no mistake in making it 5-1 with a thumping strike. Also assisted Grezda with a pinpoint cross who scored the seventh for his side.
Nikola Katic: 6.5
Looked out of position in Motherwell’s equaliser and was replaced by the veteran Gareth McAuley at halftime amid speculations of a suspected injury concern.
Joe Worrall: 8
Was dropped to the bench against Spartak Moskva but delivered a strong display this afternoon in the heart of Rangers’ backline. Did not face much trouble since Carl McHugh’s sending off as the visitors were at sixes and sevens against the free-flowing Bears.
Andy Halliday: 7
Played as a makeshift left-back and should have stopped Main’s run while finding the net. But the Scotsman was decent otherwise and kept on making impact high up the pitch as he had little to do defensively.
Ryan Jack: 7.5
Assisted Arfield’s second of the afternoon and kept on making moves in and around the box with relentless runs and defence-splitting through balls.
Ovie Ejaria: 8
The Liverpool loanee was denied twice by Trevor Carson but assisted Eros Grezda for his first Rangers goal midway through the second half.
Scott Arfield: 9
Opened the scoring and also found the net once in the second half with a thumping strike. Was allowed space in midfield and played with more freedom and composure to create chances high up the pitch.
Eros Grezda: 9
The Albanian waited long for his first Gers goal and found the net twice in the second half after a disappointing start as his misplaced pass led to a Motherwell equaliser. Started the game down the right flank, assisted Middleton and showed his tenacity and willingness to settle in Scottish football.
Glenn Middleton: 8.5
The teenager was impressive once again as he struck spectacularly to make it 4-1 around the hour mark before assisting Morelos from a corner minutes before halftime. Was taken off to be replaced by academy prodigy Serge Atakayi with 17 minutes remaining before the stoppage time.
Alfredo Morelos: 7
Looked threatening inside the box and found the net with a header in the aftermath of a disappointing display in Moscow. Was replaced by Lafferty early in the second half.
Substitutes
Gareth McAuley: 7
Came in place of Katic at half-time. Was a comfortable 45 minutes for the veteran Northern Irishman.
Kyle Lafferty: 6
Replaced Morelos and enjoyed quality time on the pitch that should help him regain his fitness following an injury absence.
Serge Atakayi: 6
The teenager looked lively since replacing Middleton late in the game.
