Stephen Craigan shares ‘major disappointment’ in Rangers clash v Motherwell live on BBC Scotland
Stephen Craigan shared a “massive disappointment” for Motherwell after Todd Cantwell scored in the first half for Rangers on Sunday (24 December).
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Sunday (12:16pm), the pundit praised the Gers for the way they cut the Steelmen open as the attacking midfielder found the bottom corner with a half-volley.
But he blasted the hosts, who had several players back defending, for the way they allowed Abdallah Sima to take a touch in the box to set up his teammate as the 25-year-old put his side 2-0 ahead at Fir Park.
“There’s two ways of looking at it,” said Craigan. “The way Rangers cut Motherwell open, they moved the ball, they were patient and you know because of the system Motherwell are playing that they are going to have to sit deep, which means you’re going to spend time on the ball but be productive with it.
“Don’t just pass for passing’s sake. Rangers passed with a purpose, trying to get the ball forward to try and make a chance. But from Motherwell’s perspective, I think there were probably seven or eight players in the box.
“So for a Rangers player to take a touch in your box and a second player to get a strike off and no one make any contact, that’s a major disappointment.”
Clinical
It was an excellent start to the game for Rangers as Cantwell doubled their lead after Kieran Dowell scored the opening goal after just four minutes.
The Gers came out with the intention that they wanted to put the game to bed as early as possible, with the attacking midfielder’s effort giving them a nice cushion with just 16 minutes on the clock.
It was clever play from Sima to realise that his teammate was arriving in the box as he took just one touch to set up the Englishman, whose finish was equally as impressive.
Philippe Clement will be delighted to see his side show so much attacking threat despite making four changes to the side that beat St Johnstone 2-0 on 20 December.
There is now competition for places emerging in the Light Blues squad as the manager continues to get a tune out of several players who previously struggled to find any form.
In other Rangers news, Kieran Maguire has revealed how an £80million Gers gap could be accelerated by the backing of Saudi Arabia.