Ben Davies should not start for Rangers again after ‘poor’ incident in Rangers win v Real Betis
It was a special night for Rangers as they progressed to the knockout stages of the Europa League with a victory over Real Betis.
The match was not without its negative moments, however, as Ben Davies was blasted for his defending in the lead-up to Betis’ second goal, losing the ball after a poor first touch.
Philippe Clement’s side were penned back on two occasions, losing the lead twice before eventually scoring the winner through Kemar Roofe.
“Ben Davies has got to do better, he said live on Sky Sports News on Thursday (14 December, 8:38am): “It’s just a long ball up, he tried to take it down on his chest.
“It’s a poor first touch.”
Yes, it was a poor touch, and even a poor decision, in the lead-up to Betis’ equaliser on Thursday night. But to blame just one player for the Ayoze Perez goal that was well-defended after the error far up the field seems a bit harsh.
Even with the poor touch in midfield, the Gers were able to get five men behind the ball, against Betis’ four attackers, and should have been able to close down the players before the goalscorer let off a tracer dart into Jack Butland’s far corner.
But, having replaced Leon Balogun in the starting XI, Philippe Clement placed his trust in the 28-year-old. His actions that led to Perez blasting home were inexcusable, certainly is such an important fixture that could have made Rangers’ season or broken Rangers’ season.
The Englishman was under no pressure when taking the touch down on his chest but was immediately pounced on and punished. His teammates had the ability to get him out of trouble but no one stopped Perez from equalising.
However, after a classic Europa League showdown, Rangers fans can look back and laugh because they have reached the knockout stages and the Spaniards are nowhere to be seen, with Slavia Prague taking their spot in the table.
Clement may not laugh at the situation, with the centre-back being substituted on 65 minutes and making way for the much more attacking Roofe. It may be one of the last times he is picked in the Belgian’s starting XI.
But the focus should be on one of the biggest nights in Rangers’ recent future. Goals from Abdallah Sima, Cyriel Dessers and Roofe cemented the Scots’ spot in the next round instead of dropping down a European competition for the second time in a season.
Players make plenty of mistakes, but Davies was punished for his.
In other Rangers news, Andy Halliday has urged Clement to axe Ridvan Yilmaz for the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden.