Rangers had to come from behind to topple Motherwell in a six-goal thriller at Fir Park and close the gap on Celtic.
Michael Beale’s men travelled to Lanarkshire for the lunchtime kick off knowing they can try and apply some pressure on their city rivals and temporary cut the gap to six points, with Celtic facing off against Hibs in the east end of Glasgow. But they were made to work for the points against a resurgent Motherwell riding high after Stuart Kettlewell’s appointment. And it was the Steelmen who fired a warning to Michael Beale’s side, taking just 3 minutes to break the deadlock.
A ball over the top beat the Rangers offside trap and Max Johnston executed a perfect cross for Kevin van Veen to steer home from in the box. That goal in just 3 minutes seemed to rock Rangers as they huffed and puffed but struggled against Kettlewell’s organised side.
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James Tavernier stepped up to smash a stunning free kick in from the edge of the box to equalise, with the two sides level pegging going into half time. Rangers came flying out the traps after the restart taking the lead through Fashion Sakala's header. A moment of madness inside their own box then gifted Motherwell an equaliser. But Rangers bounced back again with Todd Cantwell getting his first for the club. Subs Malik Tillman and Alfredo Morelos then combined with Tillman firing home to ensure the three points headed back to Ibrox. Callum Slattery then saw red after catching Cantwell with his arm.
Allan McGregor - 6
Little to do and was hapless for the opener. Failed to stop the second goal from close-range.
James Tavernier - 9
Closing in on a 100 goals for the club with another stunning free kick for number 98. The captain started the comeback and his cross for Sakala's header gave his side the lead. Was at fault along with fellow defenders for the comical Motherwell equaliser.
Connor Goldson - 6
Caught slightly out of position for Motherwell's opener, failed to deal with another ball across the box. Got caught in a scrap as Motherwell equalised.
Ben Davies - 6
Battled to keep Van Veen quiet, lost his man for the opener, but an overall steady display.
Ridvan Yilmaz - 6
Handed his chance with Barisic back in Croatia for the birth of his baby. Beale said pre-match his Rangers career starts today after a frustrating time at Ibrox. Was caught out for Motherwell's opener and given a tough time by Max Johnstone but recovered to show flashes of quality and signs of more to come.
Ryan Jack - 7
Solid display from Jack ahead of his inclusion in the Scotland squad. Rangers will be hoping he comes back fit and ready for bigger away days to come.
John Lundstram - 7
A steady performance in the middle of the park as he slotted in ahead of the injured Nicolas Raskin. Won the free-kick for Tavernier to slot home and almost got in amongst the goals with a wicked half-volley which was snatched at by Liam Kelly.
Todd Cantwell - 9
Got on the score sheet with his first Rangers goal. Been a livewire since joining in January giving the midfield more energy and dynamism. Another top display from the former Norwich man.
Fashion JR - 7
Looked unplayable on his last away day. A different kind of performance today in Lanarkshire. After a slow first half the Zambian came alive with a brilliant header to put his team in front. Key to the move that got Rangers back in front.
Ryan Kent - 6
Never clicked with Ridvan in the same style with Barisic. Still lacking a goal threat. Big decisions to be made on his future.
Antonio Colak - 5
Cemented his place as the number one striker after a series of impressive displays, but today wasn't his day. Poor touch let him down at times and fluffed his lines when he should have played in Sakala. Subbed for Alfredo Morelos.
SUBS
Alfredo Morelos - 4
Came on to replace Colak and made an immediate impact linking up with Tillman for Rangers fourth. Still showing he's a key part of the squad.
Malik Tillman - 4
Returned to the side with an instant impact scoring with almost his first touch. A fine move saw Morelos find him on the edge of the box and he lashed home for Rangers fourth.
Scott Arfield - 3
Given a run out as the game fizzled out.
John Souttar - 3
More vital minutes as he returns to full fitness.
Glen Kamara - 3
Came on for Lundstram, showing Michael Beale still has faith in the Finnish international.
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