Impressive Tom Lawrence was the star of the show as Rangers produced a second-half masterclass to sink West Ham.
A half-time sub, Lawrence combined with fellow newcomer Rabbi Matondo to score with his first touch before teeing up Ryan Kent. Lawrence then did the same for Matondo, who got in on the debut goal act to put Gio van Bronckhorst's side out of sight.
The Hammers were the first side to get a clear sight of goal. Powerhouse striker Michail Antonio was played in behind the Rangers defence, but Jon McLaughlin did well to narrow the angle and save before springing up to knock the ball behind for a corner to prevent Antonio nodding home. And that was about it as far as the first half was concerned. Perhaps predictably on the hottest day of the year, this one fell firmly into the 'typical pre-season fare' category.
Rangers introduced new boys Lawrence and Matondo at half-time. And it took less than three minutes for them to combine to devastating effect. Matondo was slipped in down the right channel and the Welsh winger got his head up to pick out his fellow new arrival. In one movement, Lawrence swept the ball home first time to break the deadlock.
Less than two minutes later, he had an assist to his name and it was 2-0. James Tavernier drove forward and passed inside to Lawrence, who was screaming on it. The former Derby County man had the awareness to flick the ball to Kent at the back post, and he smashed it past Lukasz Fabianksi to double the hosts' advantage.
The deadly duo were at it again before an hour was up. Tavernier hit the byline and fired the ball back to Lawrence, but he was able to cushion the ball into Matondo's path. He did the rest, taking a touch before firing beyond Fabianski for 3-0.
Tomas Soucek bundled in a consolation for the London club on 69 minutes. Rangers didn't defend a corner at all well and the Czech was able to let the ball hit him before stabbing home from close range.
Inspired subs
There was little to write home about after the first 45 minutes. The fans inside Ibrox were desperate for a glimpse of all their new signings, after watching Antonio Colak and John Souttar play from the start.
And two more were introduced from the bench and they didn't disappoint. Martondo set up Lawrence to score with his first touch less than three minutes after the restart. Moments later, Lawrence was teeing up Kent to slam home the second. It was a role reversal for the third, as Lawrence improvised well to give Matindo a chance of his own. The former Schalke man took it, extending the lead further with West Ham not knowing what hit them.
It's only a friendly and they'll be judged over much more than just one game. But the pair injected some life into a sleepy game that was going through the motions, and fans will excited about what's to come.
Souttar slots in
The defender made his first start for his new club since signing from Hearts. Utilised on the right of a back three for the Jambos last season, Souttar found himself playing at left centre back in royal blue.
Was turned a couple of times by Jarrod Bowen but looked comfortable in possession, ableit not under much pressure given the sedate nature of the first half.
Where he fits in longer term is the key question. Ben Davies' pre-match arrival will throw that into doubt. The left-sided centre back is the natural choice to fill that role alongside Goldson. It may have been that Souttar was expecting Goldson to move on this summer when he decided to jump ship from Tynecastle back in January.
With Filip Helander and Nikola Katic also in reserve, there's a real fight on for central defensive spots now. Souttar was withdrawn at half-time for the Croatian and with John Lundstram able to drop back into a three, a regular game is far from guaranteed for the Scotland international.
Rapid Matondo
The main takeaways from the wide man's display will be his goal and assist. But the pace he possesses adds an extra dimension to the Gers attack.
More than once, he picked up the ball and drove at West Ham from deep. David Moyes' boys are no slouches, but they couldn't stay with Matondo as he surged forward.
If he can keep making sure he produces when he puts the breaks on in the final third, he could be a force to be reckoned with. Fashion Sakala was the stand-out speedster in last season's squad, but adding Matondo means there's another threat in behind opponents will have to be wary of.
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