Early objectives from Todd Cantwell and Kieran Dowell noticed Rangers to a 2-0 win at Motherwell, extending the Gers’ unbeaten run below Philippe Clement to 16 video games.
“They don’t seem to be hanging round right here,” was the exclamation from Ian Crocker on Sky Sports activities commentary as Rangers raced into their match-winning lead inside 16 minutes.
Dowell set the guests of their means within the fourth minute, firing dwelling an exquisite effort. A neat link-up between Brighton loanee Abdallah Sima and Cantwell noticed the latter double Rangers’ lead 12 minutes later.
Liam Kelly made positive the first-half lead was not prolonged and Motherwell did enhance after the break, however didn’t register a shot on course. They prolong their very own winless run to fifteen video games.
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Todd Cantwell celebrates after firing Rangers right into a 2-0 lead at Motherwell
The efficiency annoyed Motherwell supervisor Stuart Kettlewell, who advised Sky Sports activities: “We’re much better within the second half and we’ve got a lot better moments however once more I am a damaged report: there’s at all times a response from us however if you’ve received a comfortable underbelly you are going to end up in a tough place.
“Folks should put their fingers up – as at all times these people have finished that however that is no comfort for anybody who has come right here on Christmas Eve and located us with a mountain to climb after 17 minutes.”
Rangers as soon as once more go two factors behind Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic – the 2 meet within the Outdated Agency on December 30, stay on Sky Sports activities – and are actually 57 league matches unbeaten towards Motherwell.
How Rangers noticed off Motherwell
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Kieran Dowell slams his effort into the roof of the web after bouncing the ball off Cyriel Dessers
With barely 1 / 4 of an hour on the clock, Rangers had stormed right into a 2-0 lead at Fir Park. It was a effective end from Dowell for the primary, slamming dwelling into the roof of the web by way of his team-mate Cyriel Dessers with lower than 4 minutes on the clock.
It was then a fantastic connection between Sima and Cantwell for the second. The previous cushioned the ball into the midfielder’s path, as Cantwell swept dwelling into the underside nook.
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Todd Cantwell provides a second for Rangers as he sweeps the ball into the underside nook from 18 yards
Though holding a commanding lead, Motherwell had Kelly to thank for less than being 2-0 down at half-time. The goalkeeper made a string of sensational saves to maintain out Dessers, Ross McCausland and Cantwell with effective strikes from all three.
On the different finish, Motherwell solely had half possibilities within the first half, however started effectively after the break. Arsenal loanee Mika Biereth despatched a effective cross in the direction of the again put up, the place Brodie Spencer was ready. Nevertheless, his downward header may solely be despatched broad.
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Kieran Dowell celebrates with Abdallah Sima after scoring Rangers’ opening aim at Motherwell
Rangers quickly regained management of the possession, however did little or no when it comes to probability, with Kelly hardly labored within the second half.
Motherwell had a penalty attraction within the 73rd minute as Spencer went sprawling within the space with Ridvan Yilmaz for firm, however the referee and VAR denied the claims. There was a scramble within the field quickly after too, however Rangers managed to hack the ball away.
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Todd Cantwell scored Rangers’ second aim towards Motherwell
Nevertheless, Dessers did have two late objectives dominated out for offside. The primary – coming after a beautiful by ball from Yilmaz – noticed him transfer only a beat too early. The second was a more durable name as Dessers rounded Kelly to fit dwelling, however VAR finally denied him once more.
Participant of the Match: Todd Cantwell
Fifty touches. 5 of these contained in the opposition field. He created an extra three Rangers possibilities in addition to scoring the second aim. This was classic Todd Cantwell.
Typically the 25-year-old is responsible of taking part in on the periphery, however not on Christmas Eve. Cantwell’s sweeping strike reveals you what he can do when he is afforded a bit extra licence to roam and freedom to be progressive in possession.
He is had a couple of ‘practically moments’ throughout his quick Gers profession, however appears to be clicking into greater gear now. Objectives from midfield are treasured for any facet – if Cantwell can add that to his recreation on a constant foundation he actually will begin to be seen as the entire midfield package deal.
Cantwell advised Sky Sports activities after the sport: “It is not about numbers for me, it is in regards to the workforce. It is about coming right here in robust circumstances and getting three factors.
“The wind was terrible however we performed the sport and managed to get the win. It was loopy circumstances, I do not assume I’ve performed in something fairly prefer it since faculty.
“We’re not moaning. We have got the win and three factors. We have been searching for a fast begin and we received that. We have had quite a lot of video games shut collectively so it is a case of ticking this one off and searching ahead to the subsequent one.”
Dowell happy so as to add Rangers aim
Rangers goalscorer Kieran Dowell to Sky Sports activities:
“We had a great begin. Clearly received a couple of objectives early doorways, after which the wind actually performed an element within the second half. We could not get out of our personal half. It was about getting the three factors.
“It was necessary to get off to a quick begin and put the sport to mattress as quickly as potential. Most likely would have favored that third aim however we’re completely satisfied ultimately.
“I’ve at all times tried to contribute objectives and assists and I am completely satisfied to do this immediately.”
Clement pleased with ‘mature’ efficiency
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Following his facet’s 2-0 victory over Motherwell, Rangers supervisor Philippe Clement says he’s ‘very completely satisfied’ with the consequence however admitted ‘we needed to struggle’ for the win
Rangers supervisor Philippe Clement to Sky Sports activities:
“It is well-deserved factors and tough in these circumstances to play our regular soccer. We performed a extremely good first half, created good possibilities, two good objectives. There have been good saves rom the goalkeeper. Second half was harder due to the wind. The circumstances grew to become harder to play.
“Regardless of that, we nonetheless scored two objectives and two objectives dominated out for offside – however solely simply. It may have been completely different as a result of should you rating the third aim, you kill the assumption.
“Motherwell saved believing so we needed to struggle and so they did it. They caught collectively and I do not assume there was one shot [conceded] immediately. So very mature once more and I am completely satisfied about that. Additionally preserving clear sheets… these are actually essential issues in our soccer.
“We have now 9 injured gamers for the time being… there may be quite a lot of issues to enhance with the squad however they know, they really feel and so they’re all bold and that is why they’re performing effectively.
“It is also clear for everyone for what to do in each position on the pitch so our construction stays regardless of modifications. That is a extremely essential factor. Within the tough moments, you’ll be able to lean onto that and we will use out soccer capacities in a great way.
“The damaging factor now could be everyone across the gamers are on vacation. They’ve good occasions, drinks, meals, late nights, however we do not have time for that with the gamers. They have to be targeted, concentrated and take their relaxation hours in between video games as a result of we’re the one workforce on this interval who play each three days so we have to be high in each particulars.
“They’re in tomorrow, after all.”
Kettlewell: We shot ourselves within the foot
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Motherwell supervisor Stuart Kettlewell says his facet shot themselves within the foot by conceding two objectives within the opening quarter-hour to Rangers.
Motherwell supervisor Stuart Kettlewell to Sky Sports activities:
“It is easy, you’ll be able to’t begin video games like that. Wanting on the first aim, we’re in possession of the ball then we play our means into hassle. We touched on it earlier than the sport, they’ll punish you.
“We shot ourselves within the foot. Then for the second, you’ll be able to see that fragility there. You may see there’s some anxiousness. One or two are scrambling and never performing to the extent they need to do.
“We have got to be braver and match them. It is easy rules… “I feel the circumstances performed an enormous half. It is extremely irritating, we won’t present alternatives that finally finish in objectives and end in us shedding soccer matches.”
What’s subsequent?
Motherwell’s subsequent Scottish Premiership recreation is away to Aberdeen on December 27, whereas Rangers host Ross County.
Each matches kick off at 7.45pm.