After last weekend’s difficult result, midweek saw a return to form for Steven Gerrard’s men before this afternoon’s stroll at Fir Park.
Ibrox Noise brings you our scores for a great day’s work in Motherwell.
McGregor:
Had absolutely, literally nothing to do beyond one brilliant save when it barely mattered any more, and picking the ball out the net after the OG. 7
Tavernier:
Continues to prove his doubters, formerly ourselves included till a month ago, absolutely wrong. Was everywhere, doing everything, scoring, pushing, and frankly now he’s starting to truly be a captain. This was a fine afternoon for the man with the armband. 9
Goldson:
Comfortable match and had very little to do, but cleared plenty easily and made a number of interceptions and tackles. We know you want to hate him, but sorry, he’s playing well, and one mistake last week doesn’t change that. 8
Helander:
Tackled a lot, but wasn’t put under a lot of pressure. Good afternoon from Helander who was taken off to rest him. 7
Bassey:
Convincing senior debut for Bassey who looked strong, defensive, and confident. Won’t get forward a lot nor will he cross much but he’s solid at the back and a very fine and different option to Barisic. 7
Davis:
A really smooth afternoon from Davis, some key passes, touches, exchanges and long balls and even managed to get forward. Did little wrong. 8
Kamara:
He’s been excellent this season, simple as. He’s tightened up his game, and this one saw yet more of that. Concentration infinitely better, passing clean and works hard. 8
Kent:
We have to admit it, Kent has been slightly off colour the past two league matches – stellar in Holland but he’s been off the boil in the last two domestic fixtures. Having a little dip perhaps? 6
Arfield:
Absolutely sumptuous display from Arfield with two assists, this was another statement of intent and almost an apology for his double miss at Easter Road – he’s making a major case to stay in, period. 9
Jones:
Nervous and overly keen to start with, but when Arfield sent him through he took his run and goal brilliantly. Had a couple of dribbles as well and they came off – provided a few crosses too, and as far as we can say, while he wasn’t incredible, he was very good. 8
Morelos:
Cracking attempt at a header in the first minute, but faded aggressively immediately when it got saved and just wasn’t there in mind or body. Spent more time pretending he was hurt after a foul than playing. 6
Subs:
Ok these were messy and numerous, but there’s a couple of highlights.
Itten:
What a way to announce yourself. We had doubts, and we couldn’t understand why Stevie signed him not to play him – well today he got a more significant chance and boy did he take it. Amazing first goal, good positioning for the second. Flawless cameo. 9
Defoe:
One brilliant run saw a fine shot but saved. 7
Edmundson:
Poor sod’s only contribution was to head it into his own goal. N/A
Steven Gerrard:
When that team sheet was made available it was truly eye-popping. We’ll have a tonne of coverage for you over the next day or so, but Gerrard nailed everything about this XI – bold selections, and a willing to try different things, our manager is learning more and more and showing faith in players he wouldn’t previously. It’s all a bit late for Docherty, Murphy and McCrorie but now our manager is trusting in his squad players. And they’re delivering. We can’t fault anything aside the slight foot off the pedal in the second half. 9