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Fashion Sakala finished for Rangers' fifth goal, and his hat trick
Fashion Sakala scored a hat trick as Rangers defeated Motherwell by 10 men to extend their lead in the Scottish Premiership to four points.
Bevis Mugabi put Rangers in front, but James Tavernier, Rangers captain, scored a spectacular volley before Sakala crossed for Sakala to win the game at half-time.
Sakala scored more goals than Glen Kamara's goal in the second period, with Motherwell captain Stephen O'Donnell being sent off at 3-1. A resounding win was completed by Kemar Roofe.
Steven Gerrard's victory puts Steven Gerrard's team four points ahead of second-place Celtic. Hearts and Dundee United both dropped points this weekend. Motherwell is seventh after the bruising defeat.
Rangers' archetypal league performance was initially disappointing. They conceded first in all competitions for the ninth time and third in a week in Premiership. But they soon recovered and turned the tide in style.
Tavernier and Connor Goldson were involved in a defensive mix-up that led to an unneeded corner. Sondre Solholm Johansen made Allan McGregor stop well, only for Mugabi then to take the ball to the far corner.
Mugabi played a key role in Motherwell's defence, as he repeatedly repelled crosses into his box. However Rangers eventually managed to release their full-backs and cause trouble.
First, Calvin Bassey, left-back, was allowed to swing a long ball in which found Tavernier at Tavernier's back post. He composed himself well to grab it first time and drive into the far corner.
It was a magnificent strike that raped Rangers as Motherwell struggled to keep it down. They survived one scare in the box and allowed Tavernier to land the ball on Sakala’s head. The Zambian striker then planted it beyond Liam Kelly.
Motherwell started brightly but Motherwell lost their way. Rangers' dominance kept them at arm's reach.
Sakala scored the third goal by scoring a strike at the box's edge that struck Mugabi. Kelly was unable to stop it.
Motherwell was soon in worse shape as O'Donnell, booked for holding back Sakala in the first period, was sent off. Kamara then drove home from the box to score his first goal of this season.
Sakala enjoyed a rare start, and was sure that he would be in contention to face Brondby in Europa League. He pounced from close to score a hat trick from Steven Davis' cross.
Roofe was the top scorer and he scored a great victory after Jack Simpson, a substitute, flicked Tavernier's corner.
Fashion Sakala is the man of the match
Sakala was not only a good goalkeeper, but he was also lively and recorded five key passes as well as the most shots of any Rangers player. He is just one point ahead of Tavernier.
What have we learned?
Rangers were more like this. While they have been more effective this season, they are less dangerous at the back and less dangerous in front of goal than last year.
Although it is unrealistic to expect them again to score 102 points, they appeared more like the team that won the title.
Tavernier was outstanding, with his assist and goal completing the flipping of momentum. They were able to perform more energetically after O'Donnell's departure. Gerrard was pleased with Sakala's performance. He needed his summer signing in order to provide more threat without Ryan Kent.
A resounding win was also significant in the context of the title race. Rangers were relentless, and Celtic missed the stoppage-time penalty that would have allowed them to move to the top of the league. It is still a long road ahead - Gerrard will not forget the slow opening 35 minutes - but this could be a turning point.
Motherwell was not happy with the day. They scored early, which gave them something to hold onto. But from that point on, they stopped pitching and were constantly constrained.
Rangers probably needed to make a change quicker at the beginning of the second period. However, Sakala had already scored Rangers' third goal.
O'Donnell's red cards made an already fragile back line more vulnerable and were brutally exposed. Graham Alexander's team now has five defeats in six. They must regain their efficiency in attack and keep the ball longer.
They said it!
Graham Alexander, Motherwell manager: "For 42 mins the game went exactly as we wanted. We were strong in defending our half and had many chances to score. Just before half-time, we lost two goals. The first was a great finish. You can't help but smile when they score from these kinds of angles.
"We are all disappointed, to put it mildly. We have a lot of work to do this season. While we've accomplished some positive things, we need to take the lessons from the spell that ended in the balance.
Steven Gerrard, Rangers manager, told Sky Sports that he believes the performance was coming. It's almost been in place. For some time, we've been waiting for this performance. It was all about our identity. We were a mere inch from perfection today, but all around we were exceptional.
"Fashion has been waiting for that moment. He has shown glimpses and flashes. He has delivered today for his team."
What's next?
Motherwell will be away to Aberdeen in Saturday's Premiership (15:00 GMT), while Rangers travel to Denmark to face Brondby (Euro League) on Thursday (17:45), followed by a match against Ross County in the league on Sunday (15:00).
Sakala Fashion Sakala was the player of the match with an average 8.64 Motherwell Motherwell Motherwell
Rangers Rangers Rangers Motherwell Avg squad number 5 Player Mugabi Average ratings 5.69 Squad numbers 2 Player player name Kelly Player rating average rating 4.82 Squad numbers 16 Player player name Solholm Johansen Player rating average rating 4.72 Squad numbers 9 Player named Lamie Player rating average rating 7.75 Squad Number 18 Player play name Kamara Average rating rating 7.57 Squad Number 17 Player play name Aribo Player rating average rating 7.54 Squad numbers 25 Player play name Roofe Player rating average rating 7.16 Squads number 3 Player call to McGregor Squad rating of 6.99 Squad for 6.99 Squadr number 7 Player rated 6.69 Squad 6 Player a rating from the 6 Squad 6 Squad 6 Squad 6 Player a rating of 6 Squadr name Goldson Player a rating of 6.58 Squad 6 Player a rating 6.58 Squadr
