Motherwell 0-2 Rangers: Philippe Clement's side back to within two points of Celtic
- Published
On only his third league start, Kieran Dowell scored his first goal since August
Rangers had to "struggle and fight" to beat Motherwell and return to within two points of Celtic with a game in hand, says manager Philippe Clement.
Kieran Dowell gave Rangers the perfect start after just three minutes, playing a one-two with Cyriel Dessers before slamming past Liam Kelly amid windy and wet conditions.
The visitors doubled their lead after 16 minutes with another lovely team goal, as Abdallah Sima chested down to Todd Cantwell, who swept the ball into the bottom corner.
It could have been more as Cyriel Dessers found Kelly's net twice in the second half, but on both occasions the striker was ruled offside.
"The players put their egos aside and only focused on the team," Clement told BBC Scotland.
"That is the mentality I want to see. It is important that players are ready for that but also that everyone in every position knows what to do.
"I know where the danger is when success is there. I am going to be very strict on the message that it is all about the team."
Motherwell never looked like getting back into the contest and are now 15 games without a Scottish Premiership win. They remain second bottom, five points clear of Livingston.
Rangers got their business done early. Two early goals settled any nerves, while Motherwell gave themselves too big a mountain to climb to make it a contest.
Dowell's effort was superbly taken. Rangers pressed high, the English midfielder robbed Harry Paton and finished with composure when he received the ball back in the box.
Cantwell's finish was similarly cool. Ridvan Yilmaz's cross bounced on the edge of the box, Sima chested the ball into the path of the former Norwich City man, who slotted for his first league goal of the season.
The visitors could, and should, have scored more. Dessers miskicked at the back post and Connor Goldson failed to follow up.
Motherwell keeper Kelly - in his 113th consecutive league game for the club - has been under fire in recent weeks but produced some fine saves to keep the score down.
Cantwell tried a speculative volley, with the Scotland cap tipping it onto the crossbar.
The second half wasn't quite as easy for Clement's side. Brodie Spencer put a header wide when he should have at least tested Jack Butland, and went down in the box under a challenge from Yilmaz. No penalty, right decision.
Rangers did find a way past Kelly in the second half, when Yilmaz scurried forward and slipped Dessers through on goal. The Nigerian forward finished well, but the flag was up.
He repeated the trick in the dying embers, showing good composure to round the keeper and tuck home. A look across, a wry smile, and an assistant's flag flapping in the wind.
Player of the match - Todd Cantwell (Rangers)
Midfielder was a key part of Rangers lightning fast start that ultimately made this an easy, if not memorable, Christmas Eve win.
Rangers stick to script as Motherwell misery continues - analysis
Three points, up the road, feet up for Christmas. That's how most Rangers fans will feel after a straightforward win at Fir Park.
Their fast start threatened to turn this into a rout but they were unable to well and truly put this to bed as they passed up a fair few chances.
Clement might want them to be a little more clinical as the campaign continues. It's a harsh criticism, but they've only scored more than twice in their last 10 games - against Real Betis and Dundee.
It was unlikely Motherwell would end their miserable run here - and it never looked like they would.
The goals they lost were relatively simple, giving the ball away in their own half and then failing to close down Cantwell when seven or eight defenders were in the box.
Stuart Kettlewell's side's season won't be defined by games against the Old Firm, but they sit only two points better off than they were last season.
They had no shots on target as the longest winless run by any team in the top flight since 2017 continues. The stats are ominous.
What they said
'I've announced my own sacking before. I'm fine'
Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell: "I think the greatest frustration doesn't come down to the second 45 because we showed a good reaction, we tried to deal with the conditions and the games on its merits.
"In the opening few minutes we were OK, but the decision-making process when we were on the ball was so poor and we fell into the trap Rangers set. For us to play straight into that trap is the most naïve thing we can do."
Rangers manager Philippe Clement: "When the wind was normal, we played good football and scored good goals. It is a well-deserved victory and clean sheet also.
"Despite having nine players injured we can continue to play our football."
Clement 'wanted to kill game with third or fourth'
What's next?
Motherwell visit Aberdeen on Wednesday, while Rangers host Ross County (both 19:45 GMT).