Derek Ferguson lambasts Rangers after what he saw v Hearts – ‘Absolute shambles’
Philippe Clement will be far from impressed with his Rangers team despite a 3-1 victory against Hearts on Sunday.
Largely thanks to two own goals from Jamie McCart, sandwiching one against the run of play from Vaclav Cerny, the Gers come away from Tynecastle Park with all three points on 16 February.
Neil Critchley’s men will feel they should have come away from the clash with at least a point, with Michael Steinwender’s headed goal showcasing where the Light Blues struggled the most.
Jack Butland was in fine form away from Ibrox, denying Elton Kabangu and Lawrence Shankland on multiple occasions, but he could do nothing as the opposition defender rose the highest five minutes in the second half.
Derek Ferguson slams Rangers defending from set-pieces
Speaking live via BBC Sportsound [16 February, 1:47pm], Ferguson said: “What I will say, Rangers are an absolute shambles from corner kicks and set-pieces.
“They’re all over the place, don’t win the first or second balls, in fact, they don’t win any balls in the box. They’ve been so fortunate this afternoon to get away with it.
“On another day, Rangers could have conceded eight or nine goals from set-pieces alone. They’ve been extremely fortunate.”
Philippe Clement pressure continues despite victory at Tynecastle
Patrick Stewart has been under pressure to relieve Clement of his duties for months, ever since being appointed as the new CEO in November.
Even with the win at Tynecastle Park, the Gers are still 13 points behind their Old Firm rivals Celtic, which is completely unacceptable from a team currently advancing in the Europa League.
The Light Blues’ performances in Europe have been incredible, especially compared to their domestic displays of late, and that is likely what is keeping Stewart from sacking him.
It has already been reported that the Gers could be £1.2million out of pocket should they choose to part ways with Clement, which is highly unlikely given the club’s current financial situation.
Something needs to change, though. The frustrated voices are only getting louder as their concerns continue to be ignored, which is making for a toxic atmosphere back at Ibrox.
The manager continues to suggest that he is the man to take Rangers forward, even despite all of the ongoing outside noise, but he has yet to prove that via the performances on the pitch.
Arguably, the biggest problem with sacking Clement halfway through the season would be finding someone welcome to the challenge of taking over the current circus.