‘He got that one wrong’ – Gerrard makes Rangers penalty decision after miss v Dons
Steven Gerrard has said that James Tavernier will remain on penalty duty for Rangers after he missed a spot-kick against Aberdeen.
Tavernier has been in terrific form from the penalty spot this season scoring nine from the spot in all competitions.
However, the Gers captain missed from 12 yards in the first half of Sunday’s game against Aberdeen but Gerrard says the defender still has his backing.
Gerrard is quoted by The Daily Record as saying, “It shows he’s human first and foremost. He’s an excellent penalty taker for sure but he got that one wrong today. But we will still support him and back him.
“I think when you’re a penalty taker, the reason you’re selected is that it can’t affect you whether it’s successful or not.
“If you score a goal you can’t let it go to your head, you have to focus on your job and James is a defender.”
Luckily, Tavernier’s unexpected miss didn’t prove too costly as the Gers extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with a 2-1 win at Pittodrie.
Alfredo Morelos bagged a brace before Matty Kennedy pulled one back for the hosts as the Gers hung on for yet another league win.
It is important that Tavernier gets the chance to take, and score, another penalty in the near future.
We have seen the Englishman go on a penalty missing streak before and with every goal counting this season, Tavernier can’t afford to lose his confidence.
Confidence was one thing that wasn’t missing from his penalty against Aberdeen as he absolutely fired it towards the bottom corner.
With the number of penalties the Gers have picked up this season, Gerrard can’t afford for Tavernier to go through another barren spell so keeping his captain on penalty duty is the right call.
In other Rangers News, Kenny Dalglish has hailed one Gers star’s recent performances.