RANGERS reduced Celtic’s lead at the top of the cinch Premiership to two points once again today when they beat Motherwell 2-0 at Fir Park thanks to first half goals from Kieran Dowell and Todd Cantwell.
Prior to kickoff, Philippe Clement’s team was under a lot of strain since their local rivals were beginning to turn things around following their consecutive league losses to Livingston at Parkhead yesterday.
Notwithstanding the players they were missing, the Ibrox club, who still have the game remaining, got off to a fast start and led by two goals in under sixteen minutes.
So how did Clement go on to win 16 games in his managerial career without a loss? Were the men of Stuart Kettlewell soundly defeated? These are five topics of discussion from the encounter on Christmas Eve.
DOWELL DYNAMISM
Six days from the second Old Firm encounter of the season at Parkhead, Rangers are in a strong position with a spot in the Europa League quarterfinals assured, the Viaplay Cup safely tucked away in the trophy cupboard at Ibrox, and Celtic under tremendous pressure at the top of the Premiership.
But the composition of their midfield remains a significant worry for both the manager and supporters, especially with John Lundstram now on the injury list alongside Jose Cifuentes, Ryan Jack, and Nicolas Raskin.
The pairing of Dowell and Dujon Sterling in the middle of the park at a wet and windy Fir Park wasn’t exactly Clement’s preferred choice. Dowell, who started his first match in four months, did exceptionally well in the fourth minute, dispossessing Harry Paton, playing a one-two with Cyriel Dessers, and slamming the ball into the net.
At 21 years old, Dowell, with experience in the Championship and Premier League with clubs like Everton, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Derby County, Wigan Athletic, and Norwich City, demonstrated composure and effectiveness. He exhibited the ability to disrupt the opposition’s play and initiate attacks, suggesting he won’t be overwhelmed if featured in the upcoming Glasgow derby.
Cantwell, the playmaker, didn’t face a particularly tough challenge for his goal, but the well-executed strike from a dangerous position will undoubtedly boost his self-belief. This was only his second goal in the 2023/24 campaign and the first domestically, offering a timely confidence boost for the fan-favorite.
Rangers, dealing with significant injuries, were evident from their depleted bench. With players like Adam Devine, Johnly Yfeko, and Bailey Rice among the replacements, Clement faces a threadbare squad. Notably, Borna Barisic and Ben Davies were absent, raising concerns about the manager’s ability to handle additional knocks. The injury issues include serious concerns, especially with the absence of specialist center-forwards, compelling Clement to juggle his resources across different positions. Despite the manager’s voiced concerns about dangerous challenges on his players, the physical nature of the Scottish game persists.
Cantwell, Dessers, Yilmaz, and Sima all fell victim to some robust challenges from their Motherwell counterparts. Sima was eventually substituted after a heavy collision, although no incident warranted a red card. Nevertheless, this physical approach marred the match as a spectacle.
Despite Motherwell’s recent record of just one loss in their previous five games and a draw against Celtic, their struggle in the league was evident. The team, currently second from bottom, failed to test Jack Butland throughout the game. The skipper, making instinctive saves from Dessers, Ross McCausland, and Cantwell, was crucial in keeping the scoreline respectable. While they improved in the second half after a substitution, the overall performance highlighted their need for reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window if they are to climb the table and avoid relegation.
Additionally, the penalty call, a subject of increased scrutiny in Scottish football, saw referee David Dickinson rightly dismiss Motherwell’s appeals for a spot kick. Brodie Spencer’s contact with Yilmaz did not warrant a penalty; if anything, the wing back fouled the left back.
