{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":[],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":false,"containsFTESticker":false}
Fewer touches than Butland”- Rangers’ 4/10 dud was “unspeakably bad” v Motherwell
Glasgow Rangers may have shown their resilience during their midweek comeback victory, but that fighting spirit was sorely missing at Ibrox this afternoon.
Barry Ferguson, a club legend who led Rangers to numerous league titles and domestic honors, deserved a warm reception ahead of the clash against Motherwell.
However, the atmosphere turned sour by full-time, as Rangers suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to the Steelmen.
Motherwell took a well-deserved 2-0 lead by halftime, thanks to goals from Luke Armstrong and Tom Sparrow, both of which came in the first 30 minutes.
Rangers did pull one back early in the second half through Cyriel Dessers, and they had a goal disallowed late on, but it was a poor performance overall.
This loss marked their sixth in the Scottish Premiership this season—hardly ideal preparation for their upcoming Europa League match against Fenerbahçe on Thursday.
Rangers’ Best and Worst Performers vs Motherwell
In a largely lackluster performance, Mohamed Diomande stood out as one of the few players who seemed up for the challenge.
The midfielder made three key passes, completed 100% of his dribbles, and took three shots.
He also won every duel he contested, showing a solid individual display despite the team’s struggles.
Elsewhere, there wasn’t much to praise. While Dessers scored once again, his overall contribution was limited, managing only 15 completed passes and 34 touches throughout the 90 minutes.
Defensively, James Tavernier and Robin Propper were unable to prevent Motherwell from scoring and collectively lost possession 18 times, contributing to a poor defensive display.
Ferguson’s Half-Time Changes Fail to Spark Revival
Ferguson made three substitutions at halftime, bringing off Hamza Igamane, Propper, and Ianis Hagi. Of the three, it was Hagi who was particularly disappointing.
Deployed on the left side of a four-man midfield, Hagi struggled to make an impact and failed to showcase the talents that Rangers need in such crucial matches.
Ianis Hagi’s Performance in Numbers vs Motherwell
Hagi had 44 touches in the first half but lost possession 15 times, with little to show for his efforts.
He completed fewer accurate passes than goalkeeper Jack Butland (19 vs 21), had a shot off target, delivered just two accurate crosses from ten attempts, and succeeded with only 50% of his dribbles.
While Hagi has shown flashes of his talent since returning in October, this was a performance he’d prefer to forget.
He received a poor 4/10 match rating from Ibrox News, and journalist Michael McEwan was equally critical on X, stating: “I’ve been critical of him recently, but Mo Diomande is the only Rangers player who looks worthy of the jersey today.
The rest have been 3/10 at best. Jefte, Cerny, Ridvan, and Hagi have been unspeakably bad.”
With a tough trip to Turkey ahead, Ferguson will need to reassess his squad and tactics, as this performance was far from the standard required for success in both the league and Europe.
