Nicolas Raskin savaged on BBC Sportscene as Rangers lose v Aberdeen
Nicolas Raskin was blasted by Richard Foster for a wasted opportunity that would have given Rangers the lead at Pittodrie on Sunday, as featured on BBC Sportscene [23 April].
The Belgian midfielder should have scored in what was another gilt-edged chance for the visitors in the 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen.
Rangers were punished for their profligacy in attack which further increases the pressure on boss Michael Beale and the team ahead of the massive Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic on Sunday 30 April.
In the first half, Fashion Sakala spurned another great chance to score, whilst Alfredo Morelos had an effort cleared off the line.
Raskin will have been disappointed that he did not take advantage after he got himself in a great position, as emphasised by Foster in a segment focussed on committed defending from Barry Robson’s side whilst they were under pressure.
“Here again, it’s fantastic defending,” he said.
“It’s a horrible shot, but he didn’t know it’s going wide.”
Justified criticism
For all that was good about the Gers performance in the first half on Sunday, it wasn’t backed up.
Not by scoring goals to make the dominance count or by following through later in the game to maintain the decent display.
Instead, Aberdeen went in front through a fortunate goal then they went for more. The Rangers response was pitiful, with several players, including Raskin, found wanting when it mattered.
At 0-1, that was the moment for big players to step up. Nothing materialised and the reaction has largely been justified criticism after the obvious failings of Beale’s current squad was evidenced, again.
The 22-year old January signing from Standard Liege is finding out quickly about the demands at Ibrox and particularly in a fixture such as Aberdeen, away.
Beale later revealed that he was a fitness doubt for the game, with his condition to be assessed in the build-up to the huge Old Firm, Scottish Cup clash on Sunday.
In other Rangers news, ‘Magnificent’ – Andy Walker was wowed by first-half moment in Rangers v Aberdeen.