Charlie Nicholas aims big dig at Rangers despite 22-point lead over Celtic
Former Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas has praised the Rangers defence but took a swipe at their attacking displays in recent Old Firm games.
Nicholas turned to punditry after retirement and has never been shy to give his views on the goings-on in Scotland with a particular lean towards his old club.
With a 22 point gap currently separating Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership and Celtic in second the difference between the sides is stark, particularly given Steven Gerrard’s outfit have won the last three head-to-heads between the sides.
However, while praising the miserly Rangers defence that has only been breached on six occasions in 23 Premiership games, Nicholas was less effusive in his praise for the Rangers forward line.
Speaking on Paddy Power’s ‘From The Horse’s Mouth’ podcast (11/01/21) Nicholas had some strange words on Rangers’ style of play, saying “They are brutal at the back, Rangers are not a fabulous footballing side.
“In fact, when they beat Celtic the last two times, their strikers haven’t even played well. Celtic should have won on January 2, but they couldn’t put the ball in the net because Rangers are so strong defensively.”
Nicholas has it all wrong
Nicholas is spot-on with his assertion on the Rangers defence – this really is unarguable given the fantastic record they have built in this department so far this campaign.
What is a surprise, however, is his claim that Rangers are not a fantastic footballing side and that Celtic should have won the January 2 clash.
While Allan McGregor was in terrific form that day Celtic still only managed three shots on target with none coming in the second half as they went down with a whimper.
Furthermore, Rangers are the top scorers in the Scottish Premiership this season with 59 goals from 23 games while they have also struck five times past Portuguese giants Benfica in their two Europa League group fixtures.
They top the rankings for possession (66.3%) and play the most progressive passes per 90 (85.04), both stats courtesy of Wyscout.
What more does Nicholas want from this side?
If they opened up more then perhaps he would withdraw his defence statement and criticise the backline instead.
Rangers have found a perfect balance between defence and attack and it is reflected in the high number of goals they score and low number that they concede.
Balance is what makes a fabulous footballing side.
In other Rangers news, our view on the report that shows Gerrard’s side are Scottish top dogs.