Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has heaped praise on Rangers after they came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Villarreal on Thursday.
The Light Blues went into the clash at El Madrigal as huge underdogs, but goals by Scott Arfield and Kyle Lafferty earned the Glaswegians a vital point to kick off their Europa League campaign.
Sutton took to his personal Twitter account to give his instant reaction to the result after full-time, and was very happy with how Rangers performed.
“Outstanding guts and grit from Steven Gerrard’s Rangers team. Great draw away in Spain,” he said.
.@btsportfootball Outstanding guts and grit from Steven Gerrard’s Rangers team… great draw away in Spain??
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) September 20, 2018
OPINION
It was like Gerrard fielded two different teams against Villarreal. Their first-half performance was absolutely dire with basically no cutting edge up front, no control in midfield and no cohesion in defence. However after the break, the Gers got forward well, threatened the home side’s defence and controlled possession a lot better. Villarreal did squander two or three golden chances and will be annoyed that they did not win all three points, but the Light Blues were definitely good enough to deserve a point. Sutton’s praise is definitely justified, although people should not be quick to forget that turgid first half display. Joe Worrall should not have started over Nikola Barisic and as soon as Ryan Jack and Ovie Ejaria are back to fitness, Andy Halliday and Arfield will be lucky to keep their spot in the starting line-up. Graham Dorrans also impressed off the bench and could stake a claim to start future Europa League fixtures.