Allan McGregor might’ve been the one who skewed a kick right into the Rapid attack, but without him, we wouldn’t have even made it this far.
Tonight, James Tavernier huffed and puffed down that right hand side.
On many an occasion he had the ball on the right and struggled to create.
From short crosses to poor decision making, it was a mixed night for the Rangers captain. I have been the biggest supporter of James Tavernier in recent weeks, but tonight he just didn’t deliver. Quite literally.
But it wasn’t for the want of trying.
As per usual, the wing back made himself available and made himself an option. To his credit. He never shies away and he takes responsibility.
Tavernier needs to provide quality more consistently
Tavernier swung an immense ball in for the Goldson header off the bar. He ripped a stunning ball that might’ve had Middleton through in the first half.
The criticism comes from when he got the ball, he didn’t use it well enough, often enough. Too many easy passes were slack.
The fact we only mustered two shots on target in a turgid game was a shared responsibility. Granted James Tavernier was one of them. But the Yorkeshireman is our top assister.
On nights like tonight you need your big players to show up. Allan McGregor skewed it – but we wouldn’t be here without him. Morelos spent the entire game on the right wing. Perhaps a nod to the tactical reshuffle.
But Tavernier had plenty of time and chances on the ball and didn’t supply. He’s also our captain. We expect more of him.
He gets pass marks for effort, but the quality has to be consistently better.
