CHAMPIONS Rangers showed the rest of the Scottish Premier League yet again just why they own that Tyler Johnson Jersey title as they maintained their 100% start to their league title defence with a 4-1 win over Motherwell at Ibrox.Goals from Steven Naismith, Steven Davis, Kenny Miller and Vladimir Wei s ensured Rangers won their eighth game on the spin in the SPL.But it was the visitors who had taken a first half lead in Govan. After arguably being the better side in the opening 45 minutes, Nick Blackman headed in a cro s from Jamie Murphy a minute before the interval.The Rangers supporters vented their frustration at half time towards the referee as he walked off the field with his a sistants. A few dodgy decisions from the man in black prompted quite Julius Erving Jersey a few boos from the legions.Craig Browns side hadnt lost a goal away from home up until Naismith took advantage of a quick break, collecting a ball from Lafferty to knock the ball past Randolph with the outside of his boot.Then, 15 minutes later, an early contender for goal of the season from Northern Irelands Steven Davis. The Ulsterman burst forward from midfield and from 18 yards curled a sweet drive past Well keeper Randolph for 2-1.Naismith worked space well on the left three minutes later, neatly turning inside before cro sing perfectly for Kenny Miller to bullet home a header and his 11th goal of the season. It was a reversal of Tuesday night, where Miller cro sed for Naismith to score for Scotland against the world champions Spain.Rangers were unstoppable and another two minutes on a neat one-two between Kyle Lafferty and Vladimir Wei s ended up in the latter cleverly taking Caris LeVert Jersey the ball round Randolph and placing it in the net for 4-1 to the Rangers. It was good to see from a Bears point of view the Slovakian winger Wei s finally having an end product to his sometimes frustrating ball skills and flicks.Rangers then played out the rest of the game with ease, with stand-in goalkeeper Neil Alexander making a fine save from Jamie Murphy the only interesting action.Walter Smith took off Miller, Wei s and Edu perhaps with one eye on the Champions League encounter with Valencia on Wednesday night, replacing them with up-and-coming youngsters Rory Loy, Gregg Wylde and Kyle Hutton.Walter Smith told rangers.co.uk: We were slow to start the game but after the internationals, that is always something you worry about.We didnt really deserve any more than we got in the first halfbecause Motherwellwere brighter without either side having great opportunities.In the second half we were much brighter with a 25 minute spell that was very good in terms of our attacking play.The finishing was excellent and there was more of an edge to us in that second period andalthough the first goal was scrappy it was a good one to get at that time.So were delighted to maintain the good run and were pleased to go in to Champions League with a bit of confidence.We didnt have that last Derrick Coleman Jersey season in Europe when we were dropping points in the league so that is a pleasing aspect.A good three points for the Gers which makes it eight wins out of eight in the campaign so far, with Rangers three points clear of Celtic and two ahead on goal difference.Celtic travel to Dundee United in tomorrows televised clash at Tannadice, and Rangers will be hoping the Tangerines can provide an upset ahead of next Sundays ma sive Old Firm derby at Celtic Park.It will be very interesting to say the least if Neil Lennons side take three points in Tayside, which would mean both Glasgow giants going head-to-head to win their ninth game DeAndre Jordan Jersey in a row. Nine In A Row, a phrase that will have all Celtic supporters quaking in their boots.
No comments yet. Be the first. |