In a gritty display of determination, Rangers overcame Motherwell 2-0, closing in on Celtic, now just two points ahead with a game still in their pocket, as observed by their manager Philippe Clement. Kieran Dowell, on his third league appearance, broke his scoring drought since August with an early strike.
The match, challenged by the harsh mix of wind and rain, saw Rangers take an early lead. Kieran Dowell, connecting with Cyriel Dessers, fired the ball past goalkeeper Liam Kelly within the first three minutes. The team’s synergy shone again at the 16-minute mark with a second goal, a smooth collaboration leading to Todd Cantwell’s precise finish into the net.
Despite Cyriel Dessers finding the net twice more in the latter half, offsides negated these efforts. Clement praised his team’s selfless play, emphasizing the importance of team unity and readiness for each role.
Motherwell’s struggles continued, now with a 15-game winless streak in the Scottish Premiership, keeping them just above the bottom. Rangers, with their assertive start, seemed in control throughout, with Dowell’s and Cantwell’s goals showcasing individual brilliance and team cohesion.
Kelly, despite Motherwell’s defeat, was a standout, making several notable saves, including a fingertip deflection of Cantwell’s ambitious volley onto the crossbar. Rangers, although dominant, missed opportunities to further extend their lead, with Dessers and Connor Goldson coming close.
The match didn’t offer much respite for Motherwell in the second half. Brodie Spencer’s missed chances and a non-penalized challenge in the box reflected their ongoing challenges. Rangers, on their part, almost added to their tally with Yilmaz setting up Dessers, only for offsides to intervene again.
Todd Cantwell, instrumental in Rangers’ early dominance, was named player of the match. The victory served as a comfortable pre-Christmas gift for Rangers’ fans, with the team displaying potential but also a need for more clinical finishing, as they’ve only scored more than twice in a couple of recent matches.
Motherwell’s performance, meanwhile, was marked by a lack of shots on target and simple defensive errors, adding to their season’s woes. The club’s position remains precarious, just slightly improved from the previous season’s standing.
As for the managers, Kettlewell of Motherwell pointed out the naivety in their play, especially in falling into Rangers’ traps. Clement, satisfied with the victory and clean sheet, highlighted the challenge of playing good football despite having several injured players.
Looking ahead, Motherwell faces Aberdeen, while Rangers host Ross County, both matches scheduled for a 19:45 GMT kickoff.
Player Ratings
Highlighting the match’s impact, Liam Kelly from Motherwell received a high player rating despite the loss, emphasizing his crucial role in preventing a more significant defeat. Rangers’ performance was marked by standout moments from several players, contributing to their steady progress in the league.
[Note: The completion of the original text includes summaries of individual performances and anticipations for upcoming matches, maintaining the essence of the original report while adding further context and analysis.]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rangers Motherwell Match
What was the score in the Rangers vs Motherwell match?
Rangers defeated Motherwell with a score of 2-0, showcasing a strong performance that narrowed the gap with Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Who scored the goals for Rangers in the match against Motherwell?
Kieran Dowell and Todd Cantwell scored the goals for Rangers. Dowell opened the scoring early in the match, and Cantwell doubled the lead with his first league goal of the season.
How has this win affected Rangers’ position in the Scottish Premiership?
This victory brought Rangers within two points of the league leaders, Celtic, with a game in hand, intensifying the title race.
What were the key highlights of Rangers’ performance against Motherwell?
Rangers’ performance was marked by early goals, a solid defensive play, and notable contributions from Kieran Dowell and Todd Cantwell. Despite additional scoring opportunities, the match ended 2-0 in favor of Rangers.
Did Motherwell have any significant chances in the match?
Motherwell struggled throughout the match, failing to produce any shots on target. They faced defensive challenges and couldn’t capitalize on the few opportunities they had.
What did Rangers’ manager Philippe Clement say about the team’s performance?
Philippe Clement praised the team’s unity and focus on collective success. He emphasized the importance of team mentality and readiness in every position for achieving success.
What is the next fixture for Rangers and Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership?
Following this match, Rangers are set to host Ross County, while Motherwell will visit Aberdeen, with both games scheduled to kick off at 19:45 GMT.
More about Rangers Motherwell Match
- Rangers Official Website
- Motherwell FC Official Website
- Scottish Premiership Official Website
- BBC Sport Match Report
2 comments
rangers movin’ up in scottish prem, 2pts from celtic, gud goin’. dnt miss this match, it’s epic!
rangers won 2nil against motherwell, awesome! kieran dowell n todd cantwell scored, go team!