Neil Lennon slams ‘poor’ Connor Goldson as Sky Sports show footage in Rangers defeat v Celtic
Neil Lennon has slammed Rangers man Connor Goldson for his “poor header” which led to Celtic’s late first-half goal in their Old Firm defeat on Sunday afternoon (3 September).
On Sky Sports Main Event (3 September, 12:53 pm), the former Celtic manager heaped praise onto goalscorer Kyogo Furuhashi for his “world-class finish”, but noted Goldson’s involvement in the buildup.
The centre-back redirected a goal kick with a thumping headed clearance, which Matt O’Riley quickly headed back into danger for the Japanese international to cooly volley past Jack Butland from outside the area.
Speaking on Sky Sports Main Event, Lennon said: “For me, it’s a poor header [by Goldson] and a good reaction by O’Riley. Normal human beings would take a touch there but he hits it so sweet, it’s a world-class finish.”
Unlucky
While Goldson had his unwanted involvement in the goal, it feels quite harsh to lay the blame on his header considering Celtic’s good passage of play.
The strong header was required with Furuhashi lurking around the penalty box. The header was not perfect by any means, but Goldson had few options amid Celtic’s high press.
O’Riley’s header back should receive more praise than Goldson should receive criticism, as the Dane’s quick pass back into Furuhashi fell perfectly for the volley.
Goldson should have been quicker to react, however, and found himself out of position following his header. But, as Lennon pointed out, the stunning finish was excellently dispatched and the placement made Butland’s job impossible.
Rangers will have felt bruised in the dressing room at halftime after having two goals disallowed and giving the Ibrox crowd a solid performance.
However, they trailed at the break and Goldson may be reflecting on his role in their first-half downfall.
In other Rangers news, Beale’s pressure may hit breaking point unless he follows a journalist’s advice.