James Tavernier shocks BBC pundit with what he did in Rangers win v Celtic
James Tavernier shocked Steven Thompson after what he did early on as Rangers beat Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
Parkhead hosted Barry Ferguson’s team on 16 March as the Hoops looked to take one step forward to the Scottish Premiership title.
After Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande’s first-half strikes, the Gers endured a long second half after Daizen Maeda got one back for the hosts in the 49th minute before Reo Hatate equalised.
Hamza Igamane was the hero in the end, but Tavernier caught the eyes early on in the fixture with what he did.
Tavernier long throws surprise in Rangers win v Celtic
Tavernier surprised Thompson after playing two long throws in the opening minutes at Parkhead.
The former Gers was pleased to see the captain play long throw-ins, as Celtic had difficulty dealing with them.
| Competition (2024/25) | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Scottish Premiership | 25 | 3 | 7 |
Raskin scored moments after in the fourth minute, with the Light Blues dominating the proceedings at Parkhead in the opening 45 minutes.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound (16 March), Thompson said: “I didn’t know Tavernier had that throw in him. He’s launched two really long throws. And Celtic didn’t really deal with them all that well.”
Ferguson not impressed after second half v Celtic
Vaclav Cerny let Rangers down in the first half after failing to add to their lead against Celtic.
Kasper Schmeichel made an error at Parkhead, but the Czech international failed to take the opportunity.
The Gers were coming off their victory over Fenerbahce in the Europa League, and spirits were undoubtedly high going into the Old Firm derby.
In recent matches, the Light Blues have changed their system, playing a back-five and continued with a similar setup against Brendan Rodgers’ team.
Ferguson made one change at Parkhead, and the lineup seemed perfect after the Bears’ performance in the opening 45 minutes.
The Gers took a two-goal lead into the break, and the interim manager would arguably have been fuming with the defending that allowed Celtic back into the game.
Rodgers has an impressive record against the Light Blues as the Hoops’ manager and almost managed to save his blushes before Igamane scored.
While the Scottish Premiership isn’t a priority for the Bears, they had to turn up against Celtic, but now Ferguson’s full focus will be on the Europa League.