Rangers triumphed 5-1 over Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday afternoon in a strong away performance.
The Gers came into the game in high spirits following their 4-0 victory over Willem II and they were in front after just 12 minutes when James Tavernier stroked a penalty in off the left post.
That lead was doubled in the 28th minute by a fine Jordan Jones goal on the wingers’ return to the team and Tavernier stepped up again to make it 3-0 by the interval, slotting a second spot-kick beyond Trevor Carson and into the bottom right corner.
Steven Gerrard took the opportunity to make multiple changes in the second-half but there were still more goals to come, with substitute Cedric Itten getting off the mark for the club with a brace.
The Swiss international’s first was a stunning strike from outside the box and his second a classic poacher’s finish.
Motherwell grabbed one back in the closing stages courtesy of an own goal from George Edmundson but it was plain sailing throughout for the Gers.
Here are our Rangers player ratings from the win over Motherwell:
Allan McGregor – 6
Didn’t have a thing to do for 75 minutes before doing brilliantly to get fingertips to a Mark O’Hara free-kick. Could do nothing about Edmundson’s OG.
James Tavernier – 9
Outstanding once again. The skipper led by example and spent the entire game bombing forward to contribute to attacks. Dispatched both penalties well and came close to a hat-trick with a free-kick.
Connor Goldson – 6
Barely tested across the 90 minutes. Could have been punished after allowing Bevis Mugabe a free header in the second half but a largely serene outing.
Filip Helander – 6
Like Goldson, the big Swede was barely tested in this one, although he did well to win the ball in the box in a first-half tussle with Tony Watt. Subbed off for a rest on the hour mark.
Calvin Bassey – 6
Looked understandably a little nervous in possession at times in his first Premiership start but defended stoutly when called upon and generally impressed.
Glen Kamara – 6
A solid outing from Kamara who was the quietest of the midfield three, using the ball simply and accurately. Fortunate to get away with a barge on Allan Campbell in the penalty area.
Steven Davis – 7
A bright performance from the veteran midfielder who rolled back the years 10 minutes from the interval with slick interplay in the box which almost led to a goal. The perfect man to dictate the play after the win was secured.
Scott Arfield – 8
Arfield has benefitted from injuries to Joe Aribo and Ryan Jack and is making the most of his run in the team. Did brilliantly to set up the second goal and was often at the centre of Rangers’ slick passing moves in the first half.
Jordan Jones – 8
Needed to deliver after finally getting an opportunity from the start and took his goal extremely well. Jones brought a dynamism to the side that has often been missing in away games and although not everything he tried came off, it was an eye-catching display.
Ryan Kent – 6
Oozing with confidence right now and buzzed around threateningly in the first half. Upstaged a little by Jones today and was subbed off for a rest with 20 minutes remaining.
Alfredo Morelos – 6
Looking much more motivated at the minute and worked hard during his time on the park. Several nice touches in and around the area but didn’t get much in the way of clear sightings at goal.
SUBS:
Leon Balogun – 3
A little slack in possession and outmuscled in a dangerous area in the closing stages. Looked a little rusty after a while out of action.
Cedric Itten – 8
Made an excellent contribution from the bench, scoring two very different but equally encouraging goals. Should do his confidence the world of good.
George Edmundson – 3
Brought on for a token late appearance and scored an unfortunate OG.
Ianis Hagi – 4
Looked to get involved in the closing stages as Rangers pressed for more goals. Inadvertently played a role in Itten’s second.
Jermain Defoe – 4
One decent opportunity in the dying embers of the game but could only fire straight at Carson.
