Rangers 2-1 Motherwell: The points are important but a complete performance is needed for Mark Warburton's side

If the old adages about winning games when you are not at your best and that trait being the mark of champions are true, then Mark Warburton’s side may have a chance of being crowned Premiership champions after all this season. Seven points from nine is a solid enough return, but it could have been fewer just as easily as it could have been more.

Three games have now come and gone for Rangers since their return to the top flight and they are no nearer to proving their title credentials, nor no further away from being ruled out of contention for the silverware.

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In spells, Warburton’s side have been impressive and eye-catching, yet familiar failings still look like they could cost Rangers at any time. They are issues that are being addressed, though.

It may still be early in the campaign, but victory over Motherwell was a significant one for Rangers and their manager. It was job done, but only just.

The Gers once again showed what they were capable of with some fine moments during prolonged periods of pressure at Ibrox. It is those signs that are encouraging for Warburton.

The dinked pass from Niko Kranjcar that lead to Rangers’ equaliser as Harry Forrester hit his second goal in two games was a touch of class, while Kenny Miller kept a cool head to fire home with just seconds remaining to clinch a dramatic win.

Even as Ibrox celebrated and the clock ticked down into the final seconds, there were causes for concern for Warburton as Michael O’Halloran passed up a glorious chance to score, the last of many on the day for Rangers, and Motherwell came close to snatching a point through Marvin Johnson.

Rangers didn’t find themselves under sustained pressure but Mark McGhee’s side were resolute and dangerous on the counter-attack. Motherwell had opportunities, but crucially it was Rangers who took theirs.

If Wes Foderingham hadn’t pulled off a superb stop to deny Scott McDonald a second goal of the game, it is unlikely there would have been a grandstand finish at Ibrox.

For all the possession Rangers enjoyed early on, they had nothing to show for it. Crosses swung in from either flank found nobody in a scoring position, while build-up play on the edge of the area too often came to a premature end as the Steelmen stood firm.

The addition of Joe Garner, who was presented to the home crowd just seconds after they had booed Warburton’s side off at half-time will, the Gers boss hopes, add a more clinical streak to his forward line.

At the other end of the park, it looks like it will be up to Philippe Senderos to marshal a back four that has given up their fair share of opportunities to the opposition already this term. It is still early in the season, but Rangers can’t be heading into games knowing they need to score at least twice to have a chance of taking home the points.

The pairing of Rob Kiernan and Danny Wilson continues to infuriate the Ibrox crowd at times and one, or maybe both, will surely make way when Warburton completes a deal for a fourth centre-half before the end of the transfer window.

It is an issue the 53-year-old has had several months to consider and solve and, with just days left before the deadline, there is no room for error now. A dominant, physical defender should have been the top priority and ideally the first signing of the summer but he will now be the last man through the door at Ibrox.

Rangers’ three Premiership outings have only served to confirm that the squad needed further reinforcements at both ends of the park and it will be the final two deals that will determine how realistic their title ambitions are.

Those hopes would have suffered another blow if Miller hadn’t netted in injury-time on Saturday. After an opening day draw with Hamilton, squandering another two points on home soil would have put Rangers on the back foot in the top flight.

With trips to Parkhead, Pittodrie and Tynecastle to come before the first quarter of the campaign comes to a close, Rangers could ill-afford a slip-up against the Steelmen.

The same can be said of the visit to Kilmarnock this Friday night. Victory would ensure the Gers head into the Old Firm showdown next month top of the Premiership standings and with a chance to move at least four points ahead of Celtic, albeit having played a game more.

After a start to the campaign that has been mixed in terms of results and performances, that is a situation Warburton would surely gladly accept.

Right now, playing well is a bonus for Rangers. Winning is all that matters.