Rangers heated up after half-time with a 2-0 win over Dundee United in the Premiership at Tannadice.
The away side had a well underperformed goalless first half, but two goals from Fashion Sakara and Malik Tillman in just over two minutes after the restart eased the tension and allowed Gels to follow the game with some control and confidence. did it.
Michael Biel has scored 16 of 18 points as the Light Blues’ boss since taking over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November, and his squad has improved week by week.
However, a well-formed Celtic remain the dominant favorites with a huge goal difference, nine points clear of bitter rivals at the top.
Liam Fox’s improving United side had lost just one of their five games before the Rangers’ visit.
Biel sees Antonio Colac for the first time since becoming Gers boss. The Croatian striker is back for the first time since November 9 after recovering from a calf problem.
John McLaughlin took over the goal from Alan McGregor, midfielder Ryan Jack replaced Glenn Kamara and United striker Tony Watt was sidelined for Stephen Fletcher, who had returned from illness.
The former Hibernian, Wolves and Sunderland forward caught the eye with an otherwise uncharacteristic start to the match, including a shot from the edge of the box on the turn that flew over the bar in the 18th minute.
Aside from United goalkeeper Mark Birigitti’s effort to save Cholak’s shot, the away side had not done much so far.
In the 21st minute, Fletcher came close with a volley from Glenn Middleton’s cross, but referee Stephen McLean awarded a corner that appeared to hit the arm of Rangers defender Conor Goldson.No VAR check. was.
McLaughlin soon had to deal with a dangerous cross from Middleton, with John Lundstram completing the clearance.
United were well organized and disciplined and the counter-attack ended just wide of the post in the 41st minute when defender Liam Smith shot from the edge of the box. Morelos at the start of the second half.
Rangers nearly took the lead in the 49th minute when Sakara crept over the back post and reached for Borna Barisic’s cross, but his volley was blocked by Biligitti.
McLaughlin saved another decent drive from Fletcher before a Gobain player made a breakthrough in the 54th minute.
Barisic’s pass to the left was deflected by Jacques, and Sakara landed a steady touch in the box to get past the Tannadis keeper and shoot.
United were still handling the blow when, after a close-range save from Sakara by Biligitti, Tillman fired a rebound into the net from just inside the box that took conviction away from the home side.
In the 78th minute, Gers striker Kemar Roofe replaced Tillman in his first appearance since October, giving the Ibrox outfit an extra boost after recovering from injury.
