Dundee United pushed Rangers all the way but eventually fell short at Tannadice, losing 2-1.
James Tavernier’s goal of the season contender opened the scoring before Liam Smith levelled for United with a brilliant effort. Connor Goldson put Rangers ahead again before half-time and that was enough to settle things.
Micky Mellon was back on the touchline for this one as United faced a huge task. Having suffered defeat to Livingston last weekend, they would need to improve massively if they were to get anything from this.
Rangers have beaten just about everyone in their path this season and hammered United earlier this term at Ibrox. They should have been disadvantaged after 13 minutes though, Alfredo Morelos launching a blatant elbow on Mark Connolly.
It was only worthy of a yellow card and the Gers would take the lead 13 minutes later, Tavernier lining up a free-kick from around 35 yards out. He somehow managed to bend it past Benjamin Siegrist in stunning fashion.
Seven minutes later and United replied. A cross from the left found Smith at a tight angle, a shot looking unlikely. The right-back managed to catch it perfectly despite this, diverting his shot past Allan McGregor.
Mellon’s side had managed to live with Rangers in the first half but Steven Gerrard’s men managed to get in front again before half-time. Goldson was the scorer this time, heading a Tavernier cross into the net a minute before the break.
Rangers continued their possession dominance and had many chances to get 3-1 ahead, Goldson and Morelos having great openings but none converted. United were still in this but only just.
Connolly was next to save Dundee United’s blushes, Siegrist caught in the middle of nowhere before the Irish defender had to head Scott Arfield’s effort off the line. Another goal wasn’t needed for Rangers as Mellon’s team succumbed to defeat. Here are three things we learned.
Goals come at a premium
There’s only been five occasions this season where United have managed to score more than once in a game, 16 other matches resulting in a maximum of one Tangerines goal.
Mellon’s side have did well defensively this term, but once they conceded two in this match, the chances of points looked slim. Apart from Smith’s brilliant strike, Dundee United rarely troubled Rangers, Mellon needing a bit more creativity in attack.
A different game?
A big moment in this match came at 0-0 when Morelos launched a UFC-style elbow on United defender Connolly. The Rangers man was lucky to stay on and everyone knew it.
If the Colombian was sent off, this match would likely have had a different complexion. Mellon and his players will likely ponder what could have been had that big moment fell for them.
Tough run
United are in the midst of a tough run. An away trip to Livingston and then Rangers at home wasn’t going to be easy and the next five are difficult too.
Trips to Hibs, Celtic and Aberdeen before January 2 come for them as well as crucial home matches with Kilmarnock and Motherwell. This run is going to be a challenging one for Mellon, but one they may benefit from if positive results are achieved.
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