James Tavernier inspires ragged Rangers recovery as slow start can't stop Motherwell rout - 3 talking points

Rangers skipper James Tavernier closed in on his Ibrox century as the skipper’s 98th goal for the club got Michael Beale’s ragged Rangers going at Fir Park on their way to 4-2 win.

Kevin van Veen’s early opener threatened to end the new Rangers manager’s unbeaten Premiership record but Tavernier’s free-kick ensured the teams went in level at the break. It was the Light Blues who roared out the traps at the start of the second period as Fashion Sakala headed home.

It wasn’t quite plain sailing from that point as Steelmen substitute Bevis Mugabi squared things up at 2-2 when the Ibrox defence fell apart at a corner. But Gers ultimately eased to their 12th win from 13 league games under the Londoner as goals from Todd Cantwell and Malik Tillman killed off the hosts, who finished with 10-men after Callum Slattery was sent off for two bookings.

A recurring theme of Beale’s tenure has been slow starts and Gers once again stumbled out the blocks as they shipped the opener only three minutes in.

The Ibrox backline were static as former Ranger Sean Goss popped a terrific ball over the top for Max Johnston to race on to, with the Scotland Under-21 ace delivering a perfect low pass for van Veen to slot home at the back post.

It looked touch and go for offside with the first pass but after a minute’s deliberation VAR Andrew Dallas gave the go ahead for the strike to stand. Gers have found a way to respond to falling behind in all but their Viaplay Cup Final loss but it took them a while to get going this time.

Ridvan Yilmaz - back in for his first start since late October - found himself in decent crossing positions but couldn’t pick out a blue jersey. Antonio Colak had a shot blocked by Callum Butcher after Ryan Jack hit the