David Edgar destroys Tavernier and Sterling despite Rangers win v Celtic
David Edgar has slammed James Tavernier and Dujon Sterling despite Rangers securing a win against Celtic.
Gers visited Parkhead on 16 March and came away with maximum points, beating their arch rivals 3-2 in the Old Firm derby.
Despite the win, the Ibrox outfit find themselves 13 points behind their rivals in the league.
Jack Butland also slammed for role in Celtic’s opening goal
Edgar, while he criticised the two defenders, also blamed Jack Butland for the goal.
The Heart and Hand podcast host wrote on X: “Garbage defending – terrible kickout from Butland then Tavernier and Sterling outjumped. Handed them the initiative.”
Tavernier’s performance against Celtic laid bare his persistent defensive vulnerabilities, casting doubt on his suitability as a regular starter next season despite his attacking prowess.
As captain, the Englishman’s offensive contributions – his pinpoint deliveries and goal-scoring instinct -remain undeniable, often bailing Gers out in tight spots.
However, at Celtic Park, his defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed. Celtic’s forwards repeatedly targeted his flank, exploiting his poor positioning and lack of pace, which nearly cost them the game despite the win.
Barry Ferguson or the next Rangers manager must phase out James Tavernier
Historically, the 33-year-old has struggled to track runners or win crucial duels, a recurring issue that undermines Rangers’ backline stability.
While his leadership and attacking threat are valuable, the modern game demands full-backs who can defend as competently as they attack, especially in high-stakes matches like the Old Firm.
| Stat | Celtic | Rangers |
| Possession | 72% | 28% |
| Big chances | 4 | 2 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 3 | 3 |
| Passes | 551 | 215 |
| Yellow cards | 0 | 3 |
| Fouls | 10 | 13 |
This performance, even in victory, highlighted that Tavernier’s defensive shortcomings outweigh his offensive upside against top opposition.
For Rangers to evolve into a more balanced, title-contending side next season, Barry Ferguson or his successor must consider phasing Tavernier out of the starting XI, reserving his skills for specific tactical scenarios rather than relying on him as a defensive cornerstone.