James McFadden left in awe live on Sky Sports at what Tom Lawrence did in Rangers 2-0 win v St Johnstone
Sky Sports pundit James McFadden was left stunned at Tom Lawrence’s “excellent” assist in Rangers’ comfortable 2-0 win over St Johnstone on Saturday 16 September.
The 29-year-old midfielder making his first start of the season for the Gers as he continues his road to full fitness delivered a “perfectly weighted” pass to tee up Rabbi Matondo for the second goal as they returned to winning ways to ease the pressure on Michael Beale.
And a crucial win was kickstarted by Danilo on his return to the XI, but the Brazilian’s winner came at a cost as the striker had to be substituted along with home captain Liam Gordon following a nasty head collision.
McFadden, covering the game as co-commentator for the broadcaster, was impressed by Lawrence’s sublime pass for Matondo [Sky Sports, 16 September, 14:13pm].
He said: “A tremendous goal! The first-time pass from Tom Lawrence is brilliant then Rabbi Matondo does the rest.
“It is a really cool finish but the pass is excellent – perfectly weighted.
“Mitov has had a decent game but can do nothing about that.”
What a pass
In what was a must-win game for Beale, his men consummately delivered a professional and assured performance to get them back in a crucial winning feeling again ahead of what will be a huge three weeks at Ibrox.
The St Johnstone win may not have been glamorous or stylish but Rangers simply got the job which they needed to do and will certainly ease the intense pressure on Beale after what’s been a rather difficult couple of weeks since their Old Firm defeat.
After much criticism had been placed on Rangers’ attacking problems in recent weeks, Beale’s men scored two wonderfully taken goals at McDiarmid Park, with the second an absolute peach.
What a sublime pass from the returning Lawrence who showcased some sublime vision and awareness of space to lay the ball onto Matondo to finish expertly, just the goal Rangers fans are demanding to see every week.
Beale will be mightily encouraged by what he saw from Lawrence today as the 29-year-old put in an impressive and dynamic performance in midfield, especially in Todd Cantwell’s unfortunate absence.
Maybe that number 10 spot is in good hands with Lawrence.
In other Rangers news, a journalist has shared the board’s stance on Beale’s future.