Motherwell 1-1 Rangers: Post-match review, gameweek-1

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Motherwell 1-1 Rangers in the Premiership on Saturday, 02 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Motherwell and Rangers played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Fir Park, a result that might not have been surprising given the competitive nature of their recent encounters. The game saw Rangers take an early lead through James Tavernier's well-taken goal in the 14th minute, but Motherwell showed resilience and managed to equalize late in the game with Emmanuel Longelo's strike in the 87th minute. This draw means Rangers have not been able to extend their winning run from the start of the season, while Motherwell will take heart from their late fightback, especially after a tough start to their campaign.

Looking at the recent form, Motherwell's draw against Rangers is a positive result considering their position at the bottom of the league table. For Rangers, the draw might feel like two points dropped, especially after taking the lead, but it keeps them at the top of the league with three points. Both teams showed moments of quality, with Tavernier's goal and Longelo's equalizer being the standout moments of the match.

The statistics from the match paint a picture of a game where Rangers dominated possession with 62% compared to Motherwell's 38%. Despite this, Motherwell managed to match Rangers' shots on goal, with both teams registering five. The most striking statistic is the difference in corners, with Rangers earning 12 to Motherwell's single corner, indicating their control in the attacking third.

Motherwell's higher number of total shots (17 to Rangers' 15) suggests they were not afraid to push forward, even if many of their efforts were off target. The fouls and yellow cards were relatively even, with Rangers picking up four bookings compared to Motherwell's one. Overall, the stats suggest Rangers had the upper hand in terms of possession and set-piece opportunities, but Motherwell's efficiency in front of goal secured them a valuable point.

The key moment for Rangers came early in the game when James Tavernier scored in the 14th minute, assisted by Joe Rothwell. This goal set the tone for Rangers' dominance in the first half, and it looked like they might hold on for all three points. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 87th minute when Emmanuel Longelo scored for Motherwell, assisted by Elijah Just, leveling the score and ensuring a share of the spoils.

Substitutions played a significant role in the match, with Motherwell making four changes and Rangers five. For Motherwell, the introduction of Longelo and Just proved crucial, as they combined for the equalizing goal. Rangers' substitutions were more about maintaining their lead, but they couldn't prevent Motherwell's late surge. The yellow cards, particularly for Rangers, indicate a tense and competitive encounter, with Tavernier picking up a booking in added time.

Motherwell lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Johnny Koutroumbis and Liam Gordon at the heart of the defense. The midfield was anchored by Elliot Watt and Calum Ward, with Lukas Fadinger playing just behind the lone striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos. The lineup was fairly standard, but the impact of the substitutions cannot be understated.

Emmanuel Longelo, who came on for Stephen O'Donnell in the 71st minute, scored the crucial equaliser, while Elijah Just, who replaced Kofi Balmer in added time, provided the assist. These late changes by manager Stuart Kettlewell were pivotal in securing a point for Motherwell, showing the importance of having impactful options on the bench.

Rangers opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with James Tavernier and Max Aarons providing width from the full-back positions. The midfield trio of Kieran Dowell, Joe Rothwell, and Nicolas Raskin controlled the game's tempo, while the front three of Danilo, Djeidi Gassama, and Mohammed Diomande posed a constant threat.

The lineup was as expected, but the substitutions made by manager Philippe Clement were aimed at maintaining the lead. Danilo Pereira and Mohammed Diomande came on for Cyriel Dessers and Leon Cameron in the 63rd minute, but despite these changes, Rangers couldn't hold on for the win. Tavernier's performance, including his goal, was a highlight, but the team will be disappointed not to have secured all three points.

James Tavernier is Coral’s Man of the Match, and his performance justified this accolade. Scoring the opening goal in the 14th minute, Tavernier showed his usual threat from set pieces and open play. Despite not registering any assists or big chances created, his key pass and overall influence on the game were significant, making him a standout performer in a closely contested match.

Recent Premiership matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Rangers (H)

Recent Premiership matches:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Motherwell (A)

Sitting at 3rd with one point, Motherwell will be looking to build on their late equalizer against Rangers when they face St. Mirren on 9 August 2025 at 15:00. This result might give them the confidence to approach the game with more attacking intent, knowing they can score against top teams. A win against St. Mirren could be crucial in strengthening their early position in the table.

At 4th with one point, Rangers will be keen to return to winning ways when they take on Dundee on 9 August 2025 at 17:45. The draw against Motherwell might serve as a wake-up call, prompting them to be more clinical in front of goal. Improving their position in the league will be their priority, and they’ll need to be at their best against a Dundee side yet to play their first match.

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