Despite beating St. Mirren by one goal to nil, Rangers fans weren’t completely satisfied with their team’s performance. Last week Nathan Patterson made his debut at right-back for the Gers in the absence of an ill James Tavernier. Many fans would have likely enjoyed seeing the youngster getting another run out against St. Mirren, however, Jon Flanagan was picked instead.
The full-back made the fans nervous before a ball was even kicked. And, as the game played on, their premonitions were proved correct. They slated the 27-year-old for his lack of creativity going forward and his inability to play accurate crosses into Jermain Defoe. Crossing full-backs has been a big part of Steven Gerrard’s game plan this season. Starting full-backs Borna Barisic and Tavernier have a combined 26 assists this season, with Barisic notching himself one yesterday to set up Defoe’s goal.
https://twitter.com/RFCEuan_/status/1220099268243021829
Really need Patterson on. The lack of creativity from Flanagan is frightening. Either that or bring on Arfield (or do both).
— Kieran (@kieranmcl96) January 22, 2020
Flanagan is rank, can’t cross a ball
— 110% Kent (@staunchsammy) January 22, 2020
So who else is in agreement with me that Jon Flanagan is an absolutely horrendous footballer ?
— Croatian King (@BenRFC3) January 22, 2020
Jon Flanagan should never play another professional game for Rangers ever again
— Mark Morrison (@Mark_Morrison10) January 22, 2020
Aribo has been poor. Flanagan does nothing down the wing…
— Nacho Man (@nachoman18721) January 22, 2020
We have to stop floating balls up when Defoe is a lone striker. And as expected Flanagan replacing Tavernier takes away a massive attacking threat.
— BMC Rangers Rants (@BMCRangersRants) January 22, 2020
Who should start in place of James Tavernier?
N. Patterson
J. Flanagan
One fan finds it difficult to support Flanagan altogether.
I can’t support John Flanagan even in a rangers tap
— Ally Crawford (@Crawford1872) January 22, 2020
What do we think?
Despite Flanagan’s underwhelming presence on the field, Rangers still managed to walk out of this match with full points. Being just two points behind Celtic with a game in hand means that they are in the driver’s seat in the league. If they continue picking up three points in every game going forward, they will win the league. But, according to these fans, Flanagan isn’t the man to help them do that.