Match report as both Alfredo Morelos and Connor Goldson scored headers from Borna Barisic deliveries; Malik Tillman netted Rangers' third after the break; manager Michael Beale has four wins from his first four games in charge at Ibrox
Thursday 29 December 2022 07:10, UK
Rangers coasted to a routine 3-0 victory over Motherwell as goals from Alfredo Morelos, Connor Goldson and Malik Tillman made it four wins from four under new manager Michael Beale.
Morelos opened the scoring with a well-timed stooping header (13), latching onto a teasing cross from Borna Barisic, before Goldson nodded home a Barisic corner (39).
Bayern Munich loanee Malik Tillman then capped a fine midfield display with a sweet strike, turning a helpless Matt Penney inside out and finding the far corner in one fell swoop (63).
The hosts were barely tested, although Kevin van Veen had a second-half effort chalked off for straying millimetres offside in the build up. As a result, Rangers stay nine points adrift of Celtic, while struggling Motherwell slip to 10th.
After three league wins out of three for the new Gers boss, all by a one-goal margin, there was an element of control as Beale's side cruised to a fourth consecutive triumph - their most convincing yet under the Englishman.
Morelos was the instigator, before Goldson netted his first of the campaign, while Tillman continued to demonstrate his potential by adding a classy third - his fifth strike of the season.
A sterner examination of Beale's credentials arrives in five days' time when he will be faced with his first Old Firm showdown, as league leaders Celtic visit Ibrox on January 2, but the early signs are certainly encouraging.
The visitors were handed a rare opportunity six minutes in after John Lundstram's under-hit pass to Ben Davies saw Connor Shields intercept and motor towards goal, but Allan McGregor won the foot race to dig his side out of trouble.
The rest was fairly effortless, as a dominant display was crowned by the impressive Tillman midway through the second period, not long after Alex Lowry and Morelos both had efforts turned off the line. Worryingly, the Colombian striker pulled up shortly after.
His replacement, Rabbi Matondo, was denied by Kelly in the 84th minute and again in added time, although he was ruled offside for the latter opportunity.
The final fixture of the calendar year proved fruitful for Rangers but the first of 2023 promises a much tougher challenge. "A derby is a great leveller," Beale remarked at the prospect.
Rangers manager Michael Beale:
"The best part was the clean sheet and the three points. I didn't enjoy the game - it was quite a broken up game at times. I thought Motherwell looked dangerous, they got a number of set-plays.
"It looked like we were almost waiting for them to score to jilt us. Borna Barisic back in the team tonight, I thought he played very well. It was a good first goal. That calmed our nerves.
"We need to show more rhythm in our performances. I want us to play consistently with less mistakes. There were a lot of individual errors in the game and we need to eradicate that. We showed some good bits, but maybe not enough."
Sky Sports' Laura Hunter:
"Not the finished article, but enough on show to point towards a bright future for midfield prospect Malik Tillman. He commanded the middle of the park with confidence far beyond his years. A particular highlight - a clever back-flick into the path of Alfredo Morelos which deserved a better finish - oozed creativity and class.
"Michael Beale remonstrated Rangers for a lack of 'rhythm' in the aftermath of the match, but Tillman was the exception. Most of Rangers' progressive play flowed through the 20-year-old's intelligent feet. He can drift in and out of games, but tonight he proved why he has the potential to be a special talent. Definitely one to watch."
Motherwell manager Steven Hammell:
"Overall, it was a tough evening. We started positively. But again we conceded a poor goal. The second goal sums up the performance - in terms of how clinical they were.
"Those fine margins, those big moments, we didn't capitalise. That's something we can learn from. The next game becomes even more important. We're at the stage where we require two 16-year-olds to come on the pitch - I thought they conducted themselves well.
"It's not easy. Make no secret of that. I understood how difficult a challenge this was. We're confident in the work we do every day - of course we need a bit of help in terms of personnel. We're hoping to get one or two back from injury and illness that will make a difference for us."
Rangers return to Scottish Premiership action on 2 January at home to Celtic, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 12.30pm.
Motherwell are away to Livingston on the same day. That match kicks off at 3pm.
