Rangers-Motherwell fall-guy gets total backing as reason given for playmaker's substitution

Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson refused to point the finger of blame at goalkeeper Alex Paulsen after the goalkeeper’s early error led to Rangers’ winner at Ibrox.

Paulsen was dispossessed by Ryan Naderi just 12 minutes into the Premiership encounter on the edge of his penalty box, leading into the only goal of the game. But Johansson claimed that the scoreline would have been greater had it not been for the New Zealander.

A summer signing, Paulsen made smart stops from Djeidi Gassama and Kim Minsu, recovering well from his aberration. Johansson hailed his keeper and said his form has been excellent since coming in on loan from Bournemouth.

Motherwell goalkeeper Alex Paulsen was dispossessed by Rangers' Ryan Naderi for the only goal of the game. | SNS Group

"Congratulations to Rangers, I think they were better than us today,” said Johansson. “They deserved the three points. I think we didn't play up to our best, especially not on the ball. Then the game becomes too much transitions, and Rangers are good there. So that's why the game ends the way it does today in my head.

"I think in the second half we tried to go for it a little bit more. And obviously Rangers in that moment have the lead, so it's a little bit different scenario in a way than in the first half. So I think to give a good answer on that I'm going to have to watch the game back, because you take decisions as well.

“So I think over the 90 minutes today I think we were not good enough, especially on the ball. We are used to see this team do much better, and it's disappointing that we didn't play to our best, and it's disappointing to lose, but it's also a part of the game. We will not be at our best all the time. And if you come here and dream about taking three points, then you've got to do it, and we didn't.

"You don't want to concede goals, it doesn't matter if it's this or that. You never want to concede goals. But it's not even a point in my head today, and probably I'll get more questions on this. It's not even a point for me. So the reason why it stays 1-0 today is also because of Alex Paulsen, and how consistent he's been, how many clean sheets we've been having this last season, it's not even a point.”

Johansson confirmed that Alex Lowry, who was back playing at his former club, was taken off due to cramp.