3 talking points as Rangers deliver five-star Motherwell thrashing and Cedric Itten grabs deadly double
Itten #Itten
Fireworks outside Fir Park heralded kick-off in Lanarkshire between Motherwell and Rangers.
But the sparks inside the ground were provided by the visitors in a dominant domestic away performance that capped a brilliant week for Steven Gerrard’s side.
Fresh from notching one in Thursday’s Europa League win over Willem II, two first-half James Tavernier penalties sandwiched a Jordan Jones strike before Cedric Itten’s double off the bench capped a comprehensive 5-1 win.
Alfredo Morelos fired an early warning after his header inside the opening minute was matched by a superb Trevor Carson stop.
The relief didn’t last long as just ten minutes later the Light Blues were awarded a penalty after a handball. Just as he did in Tilburg on Thursday night, Tavernier opened the scoring with an accurate spot-kick.
Right before the half-hour mark it was two. Jones was a surprise inclusion in Gerrard’s starting line-up but any doubts were removed when his fine finish doubled the league leaders’ advantage.
Motherwell defender Liam Grimshaw ensured the game was pretty much out of sight by half-time when he cradled the ball with his arm from a corner. Tavernier stepped up yet again and the skipper was automatic from 12 yards yet again.
Swiss summer signing Itten notched his first goals for the Govan side with a sensational late double as he followed up a powerful half-volley with a poacher’s goal inside the six yard box to ensure the Premiership title hopefuls signed off in style – although George Edmundson’s late own goal was the only blemish.
Istanbul giants Galatasaray now lie in wait on Thursday – here are our three talking points from the Premiership clash.
3 talking points
Jones’ redemption
A few eyebrows may have been raised at Jones’ inclusion in Gerrard’s starting XI. But they were raised further on the 28-minute mark when the Northern Ireland winger scored a brilliant goal to double his side’s advantage.
Normally behind Ianis Hagi, Ryan Kent and Brandon Barker in the Ibrox attacking pecking order, the Northern Irish wide man was a man on a mission.
In the 28th minute he bounded onto a Scott Arfield through ball and turned on the afterburners to see off marker Ricki Lamie.
Then came a touch to take the ball inside, and another to curl beautifully past Carson off his right post.
He attempted a repeat of the trick in the second half, which went awry – but his confidence will be sky high.
Jones could have left Rangers this window but he might yet have a role to play in this side, even if he doesn’t start as often as he’d like.
Bassey makes his mark
Handed his first start since signing for Gerrard’s side in June, Calvin Bassey was out to impress.
Inside the first 10 minutes he collected the ball in defence before charging through the middle of the pitch.
It look two Motherwell players tackling simultaneously to stop him and even though it was the Rangers man that was fouled, Mark O’Hara of the home side took the bigger whack.
And just minutes later Bassey’s cross aimed for Scott Arfield was handled in the Well box for a penalty, which club captain Tavernier duly converted.
He’s certainly a different type of full-back to Borna Barisic, who missed out due to a slight knock. The former Leicester City man likes to arrive late in attack and isn’t shy to dribble inside the park, as opposed to the Croat’s pseudo-winger remit.
Motherwell threw on Sherwin Seedorf to find a way past the defender in the second half but Bassey was solid for the full 90 minutes. Barisic won’t be dislodged from his slot easily but Gerrard will be happy to have a player who seems like a dependable back-up.
Well woes continue
After being knocked out of the Europa League to Israeli outfit Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Steelmen boss Stephen Robinson sent a message to their side to ensure they return to the continental table next season.
On the basis of Sunday’s match, that’s unlikely.
Compare and contrast their showing against Rangers to the battling efforts of Hibs the previous weekend, who came from behind to win a point late on against the Light Blues.
The Easter Road side have laid down an early marker in the ‘best of the rest’ stakes. And it already seems like it will be difficult to dislodge Jack Ross’ men and Aberdeen from third and fourth place.
Motherwell trail their European rivals early on and they need to turn things around quickly if they want to secure a spot for next campaign.
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