Rangers had a golden opportunity to stretch the gap at the top of the standings following Dundee United and Hearts’ defeat as well as Celtic’s stalemate this gameweek. They clashed heads with Motherwell at Fir Park and despite conceding early similar to recent fixtures, Steven Gerrard’s juggernaut rose to the occasion and scripted a comeback late in the first half.
Stephen O’Donnell’s marching order shattered the hosts’ comeback hopes as the champions of Scotland clinched an astounding 6-1 win on the road. Fashion Sakala scored against the Well at Ibrox and fired in a hat-trick this time around to add more misery to Graham Alexander’s side.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their commanding win against Motherwell.
Allan McGregor: 7
Made a diving stop to deny Sondre Solholm Johansen’s header. But it fell favourably into the path of Bevis Mugabi who was spot on to find the net from a close range. It was a comfortable afternoon for the Scotsman apart from that early Motherwell strike.
James Tavernier: 9
Although he has not been up to the mark defensively, the birthday boy made a difference once again by finding an equalizer from a stunning hit. He then set it up for Fashion Sakala moments later with a pinpoint cross. Assisted Glen Kamara during the final quarter following a corner.
Connor Goldson: 6.5
Should have done a lot better to mark and stop Johansen in the first place. It was a free header from the Norwegian and the Gers suffered the consequences. A shadow of his usual self so far this campaign.
Leon Balogun: 7.5
Did a decent job overall with timely tackles, no-nonsense clearances and interceptions. Won the duels and made some key recoveries before initiating swift transitions from the deep. Made way for Jack Simpson late in the contest.
Calvin Bassey: 8
Relentless from the left-hand flank with his marauding runs, crosses and cut insides. Got dispossessed a few times but looked purposeful with the ball at his feet. Assisted Tavernier for the first-half equalizer.
Steven Davis: 8.5
Gerrard made the right call by bringing Davis back in his starting XI. Controlled the momentum from his central midfield role, mixed his passes with great vision and distribution traits, also helped the Light Blues regain and dominate possession. His through ball in the closing minutes led to Sakala’s hat-trick.
Scott Arfield: 7.5
His game-reading and sense of positioning restored stability in the middle of the park. Lost a few duels under pressure but his profound experience and movements made the job easy for Rangers.
Glen Kamara: 9
His technicality and link-up play disorganized Motherwell’s shape. Assisted Sakala for his second, also found the net with a long-range effort. A great display from the Gers’ midfield maestro.
Joe Aribo: 7.5
Started down the wide but was altering position frequently to tweak the set-up. His energetic runs and pressing often opened up space in Motherwell defence. Made way for Joe Aribo in the closing minutes of the game.
Fashion Sakala: 10
Has been struggling to meet the expectations following his summer switch. Found his maiden Rangers goal in the reverse tie and a hat-trick this afternoon must have boosted his confidence ahead of a tricky set of fixtures.
Alfredo Morelos: 7
Had a few attempts on goal while leading the attack from his ‘number 9’ role. Could not make the opportunities count and was taken off to make way for Kemar Roofe.
Rangers Substitutes Vs Motherwell
Kemar Roofe: 7.5
Marked his name on the scoresheet with a late goal. Would have ended into the back of the net even if he hadn’t touched it.
Jack Simpson: 7.5
Was understandably gutted as Roofe poked it in and stole his goal.
Scott Wright: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
