Andy Walker slams Rangers trio as Michael Beale left shaking his head v Hibernian
Rangers conceded early on against Hibernian’s Ryan Porteous on Thursday evening, with Michael Beale left shaking his head at three players in particular.
Beale’s first game in charge at Ibrox started disastrously, with Hibernian taking the lead after just eight minutes through Porteous.
Gers eventually fought back and secured a vital three points, but the defending for the Hibs opener will certainly be something Beale will want to address this week.
Walker watched the game with Sky Sports Football (16 December, 8:08pm), and was extremely critical of three Rangers players for their role in the goal.
“Well, whether he’s in midfield or not, Ryan Porteous has always got an ability in the air,” said Walker.
“I think he always looks a bit aggressive. Standing start there but look at Tavernier, look at Tillman, Lundstram. [There’s] no one close to him. It’s an astonishing error from that Rangers defence and no wonder you saw Michael Beale shaking his head.”
Lessons to learn
It wasn’t a pretty start to Beale’s era at Ibrox, but importantly the team picked up three points and piled the pressure on Celtic.
Beale now has just three days to work with his players before they travel to third-placed Aberdeen on Tuesday evening.
He’ll have been pleased with his side’s application and attitude in the second half, but Rangers’ slow start and anxious approach to the game will be a real concern.
Aberdeen will be a real threat next week and Gers can’t afford another sloppy start. While he is still awaiting some crucial injury returns in defence, those filling in need to make sure they’re awake and alert at all times.
But Beale will also encourage his side to take full confidence and momentum from the Hibernian game. Rangers have nothing to lose in this second half of the season and they’ve already piled the pressure on Celtic by narrowing the gap at the top of the table to just six points ahead of their league clash on Saturday.
In other Rangers news, Alfredo Morelos was slammed for a ‘lazy’ moment in the first half against Hibernian on Thursday evening