Tam McManus astounded by something he saw ahead of Rangers loss v Lyon
Tam McManus could not believe Lyon were considered the “outsiders” against Rangers ahead of Thursday’s (3 October) Europa League tie at Ibrox.
The visitors strolled to a 4-1 victory, Alexandre Lacazette and Malick Fofana bagging braces after Tom Lawrence equalised for the Gers in the first half.
McManus took to his X account [3 October] to question why Lyon were considered the underdogs for the tie as the French side dominated the hosts in Glasgow.
He said: “Couldn’t actually believe Lyon were outsiders with the quality they have in the team & bench. Front 3 for Lyon running amok.”
Rangers taught a lesson by Lyon in the Europa League
It had seemed Rangers had turned a corner since the 3-0 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead earlier this season, with four consecutive victories without a goal conceded since the loss. However, the walls caved in as Lyon ran rampant in the Europa League.
The result could have been very different, as Connor Barron played a blind pass across midfield in the first half which allowed Lyon to regain possession and restore their one-goal lead after Lawrence put the hosts back on level terms.
From that moment on, the momentum was well and truly with the visitors and Lyon made Rangers pay for their mistakes and end what was becoming a promising purple patch for Philippe Clement’s side.
The Light Blues are now facing a fight to qualify for the knockout stages of a competition they felt too good to compete in, with ties against Tottenham and Manchester United still to play.
Clement needs to pick up the pieces of the humiliating loss to Lyon on home soil and realise his Europa League commitments must take priority over the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic and Aberdeen have opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table and, if the Old Firm defeat is anything to go by, Rangers have much more of a chance of going far in the Europa League than they do toppling their Glaswegian rivals. On the basis of this result, though, then who knows?
In other Rangers news, Vaclav Cerny fails Rangers again after an ‘incredible’ Lyon incident.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.