Dundee United 1-2 Rangers: Gerrard's side stay 13 clear in Scottish Premiership

Rangers won at Dundee United to extend their unbeaten run to 27 games and remain 13 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

James Tavernier has now been involved in 30 goals this term after scoring one and setting up Connor Goldson's second.

Liam Smith's superb volley had drawn United level after Tavernier's brilliant free-kick opener before Goldson's header at another set-piece.

United's first home defeat in five has them sixth, a point behind Motherwell.

Rangers' fifth consecutive victory means that Steven Gerrard's side have only failed to win one of their last 10 away from home - a 3-3 Europa League draw with Benfica.

• No elbow from Morelos - Gerrard

• What can Rangers expect in Europa draw?

The Ibrox side were back at full strength after resting some starters for Thursday's Europa League win over Lech Poznan and there was also a familiar look to their hosts' tactics.

As with Ross County last weekend, United were content to rely on limited possession, defend in numbers and break quickly. Also like the Dingwall side, they had the better of the early chances.

Amid Rangers' confusion at a corner, Steven Davis cleared centre-half Mark Reynolds' shot off the line, then Smith was close with a long-range effort after Allan McGregor's wayward clearance.

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was fortunate to escape with a yellow card for what looked like a deliberate elbow in the face of centre-half Mark Connolly.

And relief turned to joy for Rangers as Tavernier curled in a sublime 35-yard free-kick into the top left-hand corner for his 17th goal of the season.

Shortly afterwards though, it was the turn of United's full-backs to show the way to goal as Jamie Robson's wicked curler to the back post was volleyed in at an acute angle by Smith with the help of an upright.

However, Rangers were back in front on the stroke of half-time as Tavernier's free-kick was headed in by Goldson and the visitors were rarely threatened after the break.

Goldson shot over from close range and Scott Arfield was denied by a Connolly clearance off the line and save from goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist, but Rangers had done enough to secure another three points.

Man of the match - James Tavernier

Scott Arfield and Ryan Kent impressed in Rangers' midfield, but you can't look past Tavernier for that free-kick and his assist

What did we learn?

Rangers are looking relentless. But, if you are being picky, Morelos continues to be a worry. He looks even more frustrated than usual after going six games without adding to his seven goals this season and his temperament could have resulted in him adding to his red-card tally instead.

United will look back on those early missed chances and wonder what might have been. Micky Mellon will be pleased they ran the league leaders so close given they are still without some players because of Covid-19 isolation but will be concerned at their lack of threat.

What did they say?

Dundee United manager Micky Mellon: "I wouldn't want any other manager trying to get my players sent off. That's for other people.

"I'm just concentrating on Dundee United and us trying to get better. We're 17 games into this level and we're a developing group who will keep getting better."

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard tells Sky Sports: "It is a world-class finish from James. That was our third game in a busy week and I didn't expect us to be perfect.

"I am proud of the performance. Sometimes you have to win ugly and I thought we did that."

What's next?

Rangers continue their busy schedule away to Premiership rivals St Mirren in the League Cup on Wednesday (20:00 GMT), while United have to wait until next Saturday for their next game, visiting Hibernian (15:00) in the league.