Neil McCann and Simon Donnelly hit out at Rangers Ryan Kent and James Tavernier after Old Firm defeat v Celtic
BBC Sportscene pundits Neil McCann and Simon Donnelly have hit out at Rangers pair Ryan Kent and James Tavernier after their part in the lead-up to Celtic’s second goal in the Old Firm Derby.
The Hoops capitalised on a lapse in concentration from the Gers with a quick free-kick which saw Jota finish expertly beyond Jon McLaughlin in the 32nd minute.
Donnelly and McCann highlighted Kent and Tavernier in the lead-up to the goal, suggesting that if they had been more switched on, the goal could have been avoided.
Talking on BBC Sportscene on Saturday 3 September [23:23], Donnelly said: “Tavernier doesn’t sense any danger and Jota sees an opportunity to get in between them.
“He knows his teammate can put it on his foot and it’s a fantastic finish.”
McCann added: “Ryan Kent has to pick the ball and don’t give it back to them.
“He has to make the referee come and get it off him.
“If he had done that his team would’ve been able to get back into a structure.
“Jota gets the march on Tavernier because the defence was broken.
“None of that happens if Kent stops the ball initially.”
Have to be smarter
Jota’s strike in the 32nd minute pretty much epitomised Rangers’ performance at Parkhead on Saturday.
They were slow and second to every loose ball, with Ange Postecoglou’s side far more industrious and energetic.
Kent had to be more alive to the situation surrounding the free-kick with Celtic’s players far more alert to the potential attacking opportunity that they could forge.
After going 1-0 down so early, it was crucial that the Gers remained resolute and gifting a chance to an in-form player such as Jota was the last thing they needed to do.
The Gers must now ensure that they bounce back domestically next week when they make the trip to face Aberdeen.
Celtic look in imperious form after their Scottish Premiership title win in the 2021/22 season and the Light Blues will need to win pretty much every match to keep their fierce rivals within touching distance.
The Hoops will drop points this season and it will be crucial for Rangers to be hot on their heels when they do eventually draw or lose a match.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst now faces a tough task to remotivate his players ahead of their first Champions League group stage match against Ajax.
In other Rangers news, the BBC never seem to learn their lessons as they persist with their embarrassing anti-Rangers agenda.