James Tavernier set up Filip Helander’s winner as Scottish Premiership challengers Rangers narrowly beat Motherwell at Ibrox on Sunday.
Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson was gracious in defeat despite losing late on to Rangers on Sunday, praising a ‘brilliant’ corner from James Tavernier which set up Filip Helander’s crucial strike (Daily Record).
Steven Gerrard’s side might not have cruised to victory like title rivals Celtic, who thrashed Aberdeen 4-0 at Pittodrie earlier in the day, but they showed so much character to come from behind and seal a vital 2-1 win in front of a raucous Ibrox support.
Jermain Defoe struck just before half-time to cancel out Devante Cole’s opener but £3 million summer signing Helander was the hero, converting a typically pinpoint Tavernier set-piece with ten minutes to go.
The club captain has been subject to plenty of criticism of late after big mistakes against Hearts and Young Boys but he offered a timely reminder of his quality against Motherwell, producing a ninth assist of the season already.
“The frustration for me is we’ve got beat by a set play. Brilliant delivery and you have to give credit. Tavernier’s deliveries are excellent,” said Robinson, who’s side were unfortunate not to claim a point off a Rangers team who outclassed Portuguese giants Porto just three days earlier in the Europa League.
“I thought Rangers were hanging on at the end. They hit us on the counter but listen, they are a quality side. You don’t go to Porto and draw with Porto. Steven has done an amazing job here.
“They’re an excellent side. For us to be creating chances and them to be on the back foot and getting frustrated shows how far we’ve come.”
Rangers will be praying that a match-winning assist gives Tavernier that boost of confidence he needs. If Gerrard wants to lift the title this season, The Gers cannot afford to drop any points at all, particularly as a prolific Celtic side continue to look better by the week.
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