Dundee United 1-2 Rangers: Gerrard’s team extends Premiership lead to 15 points

The Rangers edged out Dundee United to move 15 points ahead atop the Scottish Premiership and extend their unbeaten streak to 26 games.

Liam Smith’s superb volley had tied United after Tavernier’s brilliant free-kick before Goldson headed in another set.

Celtic can narrow the gap at the top later when they entertain Kilmarnock.

Rangers’ fifth win in a row means Steven Gerrard’s team have only failed to win one of their last 10 away from home: a 3-3 Europa League draw with Benfica.

United’s first loss in five at home means they remain sixth, behind Motherwell on goal difference.

The Rangers came back in full force after resting a few headlines for Thursday’s Europa League win over Lech Poznan and there was also a familiar aspect to their hosts’ tactics.

As with Ross County this past weekend, United were content to rely on limited possession, defend in numbers and break out quickly. Also like Dingwall’s side, they had the best of the first chances.

Amid the Rangers ‘confusion in a corner, Steven Davis cleared central midfielder Mark Reynolds’ shot off the line, then Smith came close with a long-range effort after Allan McGregor punched.

Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos was fortunate to escape with a yellow card for what appeared to be a deliberate elbow to the face of midfielder Mark Connolly.

And relief turned to joy for the Rangers when Tavernier hit a sublime 35-yard free throw into the upper left corner for his 17th goal of the season.

Soon after, however, it was the United wingers’ turn to show the way to goal when Jamie Robson’s wicked curling iron to the back post was blown off at a sharp angle by Smith with the help of a vertical.

However, the Rangers came back to the front at the edge of the break when Goldson headed a free throw from Tavernier and the visitors were rarely threatened after the break.

Goldson shot from close range and Scott Arfield was parried by Connolly’s clearance from the line and saved by goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist, but the Rangers had done enough to secure another three points.

More to follow.