Rangers were left ruing missed chances and a late lapse in concentration as they opened their league campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw at Fir Park.
It’s now three consecutive seasons without a win on the opening day, and while there were glimpses of promise under Russell Martin, there’s no escaping the sense of déjà vu.
Here are four key takeaways from the match:
Urgent Reinforcements Needed in Attack and Out Wide
Rangers' long-standing issues in the final third reared their head again in Lanarkshire.
The lack of balance in the side was painfully evident, particularly down the right-hand side, where Kieran Dowell turned in another anonymous performance.
There was seemingly a reluctance from teammates to involve him in the build-up, which in turn allowed Motherwell to double up on Djeidi Gassama, Rangers' only real attacking outlet in the first half.
While Gassama and captain James Tavernier both had bright moments early on, Tavernier nodding in a well-worked opener from a Rothwell corner, there was simply no sustained threat thereafter.
Oscar Cortes nearly found a winner late on, but the margins were tight. Rangers’ attacking structure still feels miles off the pace, and with just under a month of the transfer window remaining, it's vital that reinforcements arrive, particularly in wide areas and up top.
Still No 90-Minute Performance From This Side
A recurring theme under recent managers continues under Russell Martin: a lack of consistency over 90 minutes.
Unlike previous matches where Rangers grew into games, this time they started brightly, dominated early possession, and looked lively in the opening 20 minutes. But it all faded after the break.
Motherwell wrestled control in the second half and looked the more likely side to win it. culminating in Emmanuel Longelo’s late equaliser, confirmed by VAR despite some appeals for handball.
Rangers, perhaps fatigued after their midweek European exertions in Greece, will need to find better rhythm and durability.
With European football guaranteed until at least January, this squad must get used to quick turnarounds and heavier schedules.
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Djiga Impresses on League Debut – and Tavernier Still Delivers
Despite the disappointment, there were a few positives to take. Chief among them was the performance of Nasser Djiga.
The Burkina Faso international looked composed, strong in the tackle, and authoritative in the air. He was a steadying presence throughout and arguably Rangers’ best player on the day.
Tavernier, often criticised for inconsistency in big moments, showed his attacking value once again with a well-taken header. It’s now becoming a trend, he’s shown in pre-season that he can be a real aerial threat at set-pieces.
If that continues, it adds a new dimension to Rangers’ offensive threat.
Lyall Cameron, meanwhile, made an energetic cameo, earning what might be one of the quickest yellow cards in recent Rangers memory, but he brought much-needed urgency off the bench.
Martin’s Substitutions Raise Early Questions
It’s early days in the Russell Martin era, but there are already some tactical decisions drawing criticism.
Most notably, Kieran Dowell somehow remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes despite offering next to nothing. In contrast, Gassama, who posed a genuine threat, was hooked.
Martin’s insistence on shoehorning players into unfamiliar roles might have tactical intent behind it, but fans will be wary of déjà vu.
Right now, Rangers need clarity and momentum, not more uncertainty in team selection.
If Martin is to earn the trust of the Ibrox support, he must be willing to adapt more decisively in-game.
Final Word
A point away from home on the opening day isn't catastrophic, but the manner of the result, and the list of familiar issues, leaves much to be desired.
There were moments of promise, yes, but this was another reminder that Rangers remain very much a work in progress.
The weeks ahead will define whether this is just a slow start to a successful season, or the beginning of another underwhelming campaign.