Motherwell 1 – 1 Rangers

The Rangers kept their unbeaten streak alive and trailed Celtic 21 points at the top of the Scottish Premiership after salvaging a 1-1 draw at bottom bottom Motherwell.

The league leaders, whose 15-game winning streak is now over, were forced to work extremely hard on the side of Graham Alexander, who took the lead in the 21st minute through Devante Cole.

Rangers, who dominated much of the game, pushed hard for the equalizer, eventually making the breakthrough with 18 minutes remaining, substitute Cedric Itten heading home from close range for his fourth goal in three games against Motherwell.

Steven Gerrard threw Jermain Defoe late as the Rangers pressed for a winner and the forward had a chance to win the game in injury time, but his shot was well saved by goalkeeper Liam Kelly as Motherwell held on for a point that he pushed them off the court. bottom of the table on goal difference.

The classification …

The objectives…

How Motherwell ended the Rangers’ winning streak …

Gerrard’s team was looking to match the 16-game winning streak established by Jock Wallace’s team in 1973, but after a brilliant start from the hosts, they fell behind.

Tony Watt traded passes with Liam Polworth as the former Celtic man slipped into space on the left. His cross center beat both Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun as Cole slipped to score Motherwell’s first goal at home since their Nov. 28 loss to St Johnstone.

After the goal, Rangers dominated the ball. Borna Barisic pulled a cross from the baseline, but Alfredo Morelos’s header was agonizingly deflected.

The Rangers’ attacking quality was lacking and their first half was summed up when Glen Kamara blew a good chance, shooting high into the stands behind the goal after a good set-up play from the visitors.

After the break, the Rangers continued to pressure Motherwell and Goldson managed to get his head into a Barisic corner, but Cole made a crucial intervention on the other end with a goal line punt.

Aribo then blazed with a savage attempt as the Rangers pushed Motherwell deeper and deeper with attack after attack as they went looking for a draw.

Gerrard sent Itten in place of Ianis Hagi and the substitute quickly showed why Motherwell is quickly becoming his favorite opponent.

Unmarked at the back post, he headed home with a perfect cross from Barisic with 18 minutes left.

His backup teammate Defoe could have snatched the victory in injury time, but couldn’t find a way to get past the former Kelly as the Rangers had to settle for a draw.

What the managers said …

Motherwell Chief Graham alexander: “I am very proud of the players and each member of staff who have helped us this week to prepare for this game. I thought we were the best team in the first half and in the second, we defended very well.

“I don’t think the Rangers goal should have counted, the boy seems offside when the ball comes in, but that’s not under our control. The team structure, the motivation of the players was first rate.”

Chief of the Rangers Steven Gerrard: “Over the course of 90 minutes we probably deserved to win. The reality is that we can’t get to a game at halftime when we are where we are. We didn’t start the game in the right place. We were passive out of possession in many key areas. We got into them at half time and I had to make a substitute to send a message as well.

“The disappointing thing is that today there were two sides of us. You don’t want to start a game late and you can’t leave early, especially with what we’re playing with. That reaction has to come from the beginning of the game. But I hope this is a valuable point for us at the end of the season. “

Analysis: Was Rangers’ goal offside?

Man of the match – Bevis Mugabi

Whats Next?

The Rangers return to action next Saturday when they host Ross County at Ibrox; start 3pm.

Motherwell also plays next Saturday and they travel to Aberdeen; start 3pm.