Motherwell 1-1 Rangers - report
Emmanuel Longelo celebrates his late equaliser against Rangers
- Published
Impressive Motherwell scored a late equaliser to deny Russell Martin a winning league start and ensure Rangers dropped points on the opening day for the third Scottish Premiership season in a row.
Emmanuel Longelo's low strike with three minutes left was just reward for an inspired second-half display by Jens Berthel Askou's new side, and left Martin enraged by some of his players' underwhelming efforts.
James Tavernier's early opener for Rangers came at the expense of an error by home captain Paul McGinn, who needlessly conceded a corner which was nodded low past Calum Ward by the Ibrox skipper.
In a game littered with cheap concession of possession and some careless risk-taking, momentum shifted considerably after the break, with Rangers looking increasingly leggy after their midweek exertions against Panathinaikos.
Elijah Just somehow contrived to divert a header off target after a pacy delivery from Callum Slattery, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos almost broke clear, and McGinn nearly atoned for his earlier mistake, but was denied by Jack Butland.
Stamatelopoulos then nodded just over after an excellent stand-up to the back post from Just. Close but not close enough.
The reward came in dramatic fashion, though, when Just chested the ball into Longelo's path and he smashed the ball low past Butland.
A point, in truth, was the least Motherwell deserved with substitute Tom Sparrow close to a sensational winner deep into stoppage time.
What was the main talking point?
The shift in momentum after half-time. Whether that was down to Rangers tiring after their midweek exertions or an impressive Motherwell display is unclear.
But in the second half the home side were completely on top and fully merited taking something. Equally, Rangers just could not get a grip of the game, which will be a concern to supporters and boss Martin.
Initially, Rangers seized on opportunities to attack after Motherwell lost possession in dangerous areas and were rewarded with the opening goal.
The question at that stage for Motherwell was whether they have the players to execute this style against this quality of opposition? Especially without coveted teenage midfielder Lennon Miller as transfer speculation around him builds.
The second-half display will have convinced many.
But at the first Premiership hurdle, Rangers have stumbled in the type of fixture they have to win if they are to challenge Celtic for the title.
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Which players stood out?
Motherwell's entire team in that second half. You have to credit them for really having a go.
Stamatelopoulos got into so many great positions but could not finish. Just was a threat on goal and in his set-up play. Longelo takes the headlines but full credit to everyone in claret and amber.
For Rangers, that second half drop off across the team will be a concern. They have had a testing time but the expectation is to come through that. They did not.
The standout stats
Motherwell have only won their opening league game once in 10 seasons and it is 2002 since their last home league win over Rangers.
The latter stat remains but does not begin to tell the story of this match.
A total of 17 shots for the home side was evidence of the threat they carried. They got a point but could easily have recorded that elusive win over Rangers at home.
What did they say?
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "Second half, we tried to be more dominant and brave. We were able to gear up and put pressure on Rangers.
"I was quite impressed with that. With more sharpness and effectiveness, we could've taken three points."
Rangers head coach Russell Martin: "I think we were lucky with what we got, Motherwell were really good.
"The thing I can't accept is, whatever the tactics are, we got outfought and they were braver than us to play in certain moments."
Rangers captain James Tavernier: "It has to be better than that. None of us are happy in there with the performance we put in.
"First half we can take a little bit of a positive, but we knew we needed to step it up and we didn't do that."
Rangers boss Martin reflects on Motherwell draw
What's next for these teams?
Motherwell travel to face St Mirren next Saturday (15:00 BST) while Rangers' hectic schedule continues with a Champions League third-round qualifying first-leg tie against Viktoria Plzen at Ibrox on Tuesday (19:45).
Where next?
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