The stark Rangers drop-off that masks pressing truth as Steven Gerrard's principles recovered

As has been customary in recent weeks, the side went behind courtesy of a mistake. That didn’t dent a promising performance to that point and once ahead, the visitors ran away with the result.

Fashion Sakala would grab a hat-trick to set alight his Rangers career, Glen Kamara scored a rare long-range strike, James Tavernier hit a stunner on his birthday and Kemar Roofe added a sixth – unable to resist getting involved in the goals.

The game was packed full of themes, interesting underlying event data and tactical tweaks.

As ever, The Rangers Review’s unique StatsBomb match report brings that all together. To give you a better understanding of how Steven Gerrard’s side stuck six past Motherwell.

Trendline

Against St Mirren last weekend the Ibrox outfit had a similar late flourish to turn the game on its head by half-time. This week they were able to continue with that tempo after post-break.

Rangers started and never really stopped at Fir Park - the longest lull between chances coming in the lead up to Bevis Mugabi's opener.

They comfortably outperformed their xG - which is a welcome change from the lack of clinical finishing on show over the course of the season so far.

Shot map

A remarkable 12 shots were blocked by the hosts yesterday - of the 30 attempted. 

While in midweek it was only crosses that created chances, a varied chance creation approach allowed the space to connect with balls into the box. Sakala's pace, Morelos' overloading and Aribo's skill in the front line alone posed differing threats.

Tavernier's technique for the opener was, in a word, ridiculous. A 0.08xG is likely owing to the location of the shot - which Tavernier turned into a 0.66PsxG goal.

READ MORE: Fashion Sakala’s Rangers rise heralds recovery as Steven Gerrard’s side get their identity back

Sakala scored three goals from an xG of just 0.97. His third strike was statistically his best - measuring a PsxG of 0.97.

Glen Kamara's touch to set up his strike was perfect. After cushioning the ball into his path, he found the near corner. An increased goal threat from the edge of the box will be extremely useful and force opponent's to close down space - which in turn will open passing lanes.

Pass network

The front three looked as balanced as it has all season - while either wide triangle offered good combination play and Sakala always threatened to stretch play.

Tavernier, Davis and Kamara conducted the game - especially after the dismissal of Stephen O'Donnell. 

Kamara was freed up by Arfield's inclusion, who as seen was deeper than the Finnish midfielder. Despite his attacking inclinations, the balance of the team required him to cover for Tavernier - a function he performed comfortably.

The host's three-man midfield started to become stretched as they chased a second goal - which led to vertical play assisting Rangers' third goal.

Pressures

Against Brondby, The Rangers Review highlighted the shape, aggression and intensity of the off-ball performance as a ‘poster-boy’ of Gerrard’s mid-block.

When referencing his side’s form in midweek the manager spoke of the need to recover identity, by playing within the principles and non-negotiables so integral to their success.

While at a glance - the 119 pressures made on Sunday appears a stark drop-off from recent performances, Rangers had 67% of the ball and restricted their opponents to three shots on target.

They made their pressures count - both Sakala's first and second goals were sequences started by defensive actions.

Player focus

Sakala’s headline-grabbing performance was supported by three individuals in particular.

READ MORE: Are Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala now Rangers' first pick partnership?

His second goal saw excellent vertical play exploit Motherwell following a transition.

Tavernier was the man to turn the game around, providing a goal and assist as his side went in 2-1 ahead at the break. 

He made five key passes and provided two assists.

His first assist was a superb team move - that all began with a Leon Balogun interception.

Davis was integral at the base of the midfield – his stunning assist for the fifth capping off what his manager branded a “midfield masterclass.”

The 36-year-old made 20 recoveries helped to maintain pressure in attack and clean up any Motherwell threats in defence.

Kamara pinged his passes and looked forward - dominating the centre alongside Davis.

His pass (straight lines) and carry map (dotted lines) underpins this. Of 154 events, 142 were successful (red).

Conclusion

Throughout a number of frustrating performances this season a lack of clinical finishing has been to blame. 

Too often Rangers have looked blunt in transition in addition. Both issues turned to strengths yesterday.

Gerrard's comments on the need to recover basic principles in midweek rung true. It was the pace with the ball, aggression in key moments and individual variety that made this score so emphatic.