Rangers skipper James Tavernier hit the 100 goal milestone for the Ibrox side in the defeat to Celtic but you’d hardly know in the wake of refereeing criticism.
The Ibrox side once again fell short against their Old Firm rivals in another disappointing result with the 3-2 scoreline doing little to soothe the woes of the 12 point gap at the top of the Premiership.
Celtic are more than good for the title and Rangers have not put up anything like enough of a fight in resistance as the Parkhead side creep up on the Ibrox club’s record-breaking 55 title haul.
The main bright light from yet another disappointment was captain James Tavernier showing his leadership credentials for Rangers by netting a double in the game.
The first, a stunning free-kick which clipped down off the crossbar, exemplified the right-back’s immense technique whilst the second, a late run into the back post to get on a Borna Barisic cross, proved the Ibrox skipper’s athleticism.
It would prove too little too late but as James Tavernier hits 100 for Rangers the milestone will go under the radar in a game which in many ways sums up the ex-Newcastle United talent’s Ibrox career.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame this season, there’s no doubt James Tavernier’s contribution over the last few seasons have been legendary but he’s consistently fell short against Celtic.
Even in the match for Celtic’s opener the defender was nutmegged with a cross from his side – Rangers once again conceding from a low ball a cross the box – with Kyogo Furuhashi scoring.
That said, there is not much more that James Tavernier could really do in this match, with his two goals more than making up for getting caught cold, as it does more often than not.
James Tavernier 100 hides Rangers issues
Speaking after the game, the fact that the incompetence of Kevin Clancy and the Celtic-fearing VAR room was the subject of Tav’s interview speaks volumes.
But the fact James Tavernier has scored so many goals from right-back is a blessing for Rangers and also a curse, with the club’s misfiring forwards consistently failing to take the responsibility.
So often the right-back has sacrificed the personal for the betterment of the side, sometimes to a flaw, and as James Tavernier reaches 100 goals for Rangers it’s time for the higher-ups to give him proper assistance.
Over to you Ross Wilson and the Rangers board whose coats are on shoogly pegs which will inevitably collapse if they do not get matchwinners into the Ibrox team this summer.
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