In Saturday’s win over Motherwell, Rangers’ captain James Tavernier contributed significantly to ensure that the three points came back to Ibrox.
Tavernier made no mistake from his free-kick to equalise then it was his pinpoint cross in the second minute after the break that got Rangers ahead in the game, only to be pulled back. Thankfully the third and fourth goals arrived to put the deserved gloss on the victory and in the process, the Yorkshireman notched his 98th goal for the club.
Regardless, of several penalties and to a lesser extent, free-kicks, it is an amazing tally for a right-back over the last seven years.
As is the case with Tav, for as much as you get going forward, there are deficiencies on the defensive side of his game. This leads to criticism of him as a player and individual, most significantly in terms of his leadership of the team as skipper.
Much of it appears unfair, but the perception definitely exists. His recent Hall of Fame induction adds to his notable list of accolades with the club just as the bitter disappointment of the League Cup final loss is another failure during his time.
The century of goals appears just around the corner, given the prominence of Tavernier in Rangers attacking play but it should have been secured at Fir Park at the weekend, as acknowledged by the man himself:
“I should’ve had three or four today. The last one I should’ve shot with my left foot so I know I’m going to get some stick but happy to get on the scoresheet and pleased that we’ve won.”
“Obviously we were disappointed coming in at half-time. We felt we dominated but conceded a sloppy goal and we’re loose in our play.”
“We fixed it at half-time, the second half was much better and I’m just pleased we got four goals. We could’ve got more but I’m pleased with three points.”
Both of Motherwell’s goals were very sloppy from a Rangers perspective, with Tavernier not covering himself in glory for their own equaliser.
It reflects his current level of play in that there is plenty of room for improvement with too many unforced errors being made but also that he is making his mark for the team at the opposite end.
Those goal involvements on Saturday make it 13 goals and five assists over 29 Premiership appearances this season for the Rangers captain.
You obviously must have a bad bad blind spot! Didn’t you see the horrendous header from Tavernier up in the air and the completely missed tackle from him and Colak! He’s the defender no excuse never goes into a 50- 50 tackle! Never a right back and couldn’t tackle a fish supper! Never a captain and better out the way in midfield or bench!
Read the full article William and you will see that I noted Tavernier’s part in Motherwell’s equaliser as well as the ongoing defensive deficiencies in his game.