A section of Rangers fans have been left divided on Twitter over James Tavernier’s performance in the 3-1 win against Rapid Vienna on Thursday night.
The Gers right-back was clearly targetted by the Austrian giants as they constantly pressed down his side of the Ibrox pitch, however just before half-time, his inch-perfect cross allowed Alfredo Morelos to score.
Tavernier scored from the penalty spot in the last five minutes to give his side a win, but not everyone was convinced.
Some Rangers fans were frustrated by Tavernier’s defending, with one calling him “rotten”, however the former Newcastle full-back did impress with what he had to offer in attack.
This is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets below:
Tav’s delivery tonight have been woeful man. Not like him at all.
— Kirst (@kirsten93_) October 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/Barbs4023/status/1047942159347961862
Very lucky not to be 1 down there. Cross had the CB’s on toast and Tav was caught sleeping initially.
— Kirst (@kirsten93_) October 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/Seeeeebo/status/1047930259562287104
Tavernier is rotten. Shouldn't be captain, shouldn't be right back.
— HMS Dave (@DavidCa38260769) October 4, 2018
Ridiculous cross from Tav, good response
— Iain Cormack (@Iaincormack) October 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/1872_billy/status/1047934611593080832
https://twitter.com/L1872_/status/1047936512397070336
Tavernier got the cross for @RangersFC goal spot on but otherwise he’s wasted a few great opportunities. Some crosses wasteful.
— London Blue Nose (@londonbluenose) October 4, 2018
OPINION
Tavernier is not amazing defensively, that is no secret and is why Rapid Vienna tried to expose him, but you cannot take away from what the right-back contributes at the other end of the pitch. Tavernier’s set-pieces were hit and miss against Rapid, especially in the first 45 minutes, but he still assisted Alfredo Morelos’ equaliser with a stunning cross just before the break. In the second-half, he used that confidence to improve his game and was a constant menace to Vienna, while also defending quite well. There was one moment when he was back pedaling in his own penalty box but still made a really good tackle on Vienna’s Veton Berisha. People just need to get off his back a bit because Tavernier is invaluable to this side and fans weren’t laughing off West Brom’s reported bid for him in the summer to react to his performances like this.