James Tavernier and Lawrence Shankland’s ‘amazing’ footage stuns pundits in Rangers draw with Hearts
Peter Grant has lambasted James Tavernier’s defense against Hearts, which allowed Lawrence Shankland to score against Rangers on Saturday (18 May). The Maroons attacker was passed through on goal and finished coolly, chipping over Jack Butland to open the scoring.
Tavernier was caught high up the pitch, allowing the striker plenty of space, and Grant has since lambasted him on BBC Sportscene (18 May). He stated, “They give the ball away cheaply.” Lawrence Shankland’s finish is spectacular, but you have to consider the defensive aspect. “Tavernier, I told you about the back post area. He’s like a right winger, and the gap he’s created between himself and the center backs is unbelievable.”
James Tavernier’s performance for the Rangers falls short. The Englishman has undeniable offensive talent, but in this case, it was his defensive abilities that let the Gers down. Shankland has been a dangerman all season and, as such, the Light Blues must handle him with defensive respect.
Rangers gave the ball away on the halfway line and in reaction to this, Tavernier decided to step up the pitch as opposed to drop deeper.
This afforded the striker all the room in Tynecastle Park as he bared down on goal before dinking the ball over Butland.
It must be said that Tavernier should have realised the danger given his experience and dropped back alongside Leon King and Ben Davies.The Gers’ captain didn’t manage to have any form of attacking influence on the game with a goal or an assist either.
He was at fault for the first goal before Philippe Clement’s side conceded another two, including a 95th-minute Kyosuke Tagawa equaliser.
Tavernier must do better as Rangers prepare to play Celtic in the Scottish Cup final.
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