Rangers rally as James Tavernier stunner and Tom Lawrence strike keeps Clement top – 3 talking points

Rangers recovered from a goal down against Kilmarnock to win 2-1 at Rugby Park and hold on to Scottish Premiership top spot in a hard-fought victory.

Danny Armstrong converted from the spot to give the Ayrshiremen the lead after just 11 minutes but James Tavernier struck a sensational trademark free kick early in the second half to level the game. Tom Lawrence then netted four minutes later to complete an incredible turnaround.

The Light Blues went from arguably their best display under Philippe Clement in the weekend thumping of Hearts to a woeful first 45 minutes in Kilmarnock. Yet they started brightly and Fabio Silva had an effort deflected just wide of the post by former Rangers kid Lewis Mayo after good work from Ross McCausland down the right and Will Dennis had to beat away Connor Goldson’s free header from the resulting corner.

Liam Donnelly should have done better at the other end when he sent a free header wide from Liam Polworth’s ball but the home side didn’t have to wait long for the opener. Armstrong’s ball struck the arm of John Lundstram and David Dickinson pointed to the spot and it was Armstrong who stepped up to send Jack Butland the wrong way. It was a test of Gers’ character after that and Oscar Cortes was denied by a good low save from Dennis with Goldson sending another header off target from a corner.

There was controversy shortly before half-time when Polworth looked to break up the park in a quick Killie counter but Mohamed Diomande, who was the last Gers man, appeared to tug his shirt and Butland raced out to win the ball. The Killie players were incensed but there was no VAR check by Andrew Dallas at Clydesdale House. Diomande then flashed an effort wide and had that found the net it would