Rabbi Matondo's parting Rangers gift shouldn't change minds despite orchestrating Ross County rout - 3 talking points
Cyriel Dessers and Rabbi Matondo both helped themselves to doubles as Rangers brought the curtain down on their Hampden residency with a six-goal savaging of Ross County.
The Ibrox outfit hope to be back at their spiritual home by the time they host Dundee in the Premier Sports Cup on September 21. And there was relief all round as they closed their four-game stay at the national stadium with the biggest win of Philippe Clement’s 10-month tenure.
Dessers made it five goals in six games with his brace, while Blackburn-linked Matondo also struck twice as he provided a couple of assists in what could be his final game for the club. Lawrence and returning striker Danilo wrapped up a resounding win which sent the Light Blues to the top of the Premiership for 24 hours at least. That is just what Clement will have wanted as he prepares to take his team to Celtic Park for next Sunday’s opening Old Firm scrap.
Dessers returned to Clement’s line-up after starting on the bench last week against St Johnstone. He didn’t need long to make his mark but his opener came only after Gers survived a major scare eight minutes in.
There didn’t appear to be much danger for Rangers as Tavernier burst into the County box. But when the skipper opted against taking on a shot with his weaker left-foot, all of a sudden the Light Blues found themselves wide open.
The Staggies took the chance to launch a lightening counter attack into the space left by Tavernier, with Ronan Hale charging towards Jack Butland’s goal with John Souttar backpedaling. His fierce strike looked destined for the top corner until the Gers No1 brilliantly threw out a claw to keep it out.
Rangers were in better shape 10 minutes later as they took the lead. Jefte’s surge in off