What James Tavernier said about Nasser Djiga shocker in Rangers draw vs Braga
James Tavernier has urged fans to pause for thought before placing blame upon Nasser Djiga for Rangers’ 1-1 draw against Braga on Thursday.
Tavernier fired the Gers in front from the penalty spot before their opponents went down to 10 men after Rodrigo Zalazar head-butted Nico Raskin.
But even against 10, a Djiga mistake proved costly, and Rangers claimed just a point in the UEFA Europa League against Braga on Thursday.
As one would expect, Djiga has faced fierce criticism for his carelessness. However, Tavernier has advised against giving the centre-back too much of a hard time.
James Tavernier defends Nasser Djiga’s performance vs Braga
On-loan Wolves defender Djiga was jittery all night for Rangers and failed to read a Braga cross in minute 69.
This mistake allowed Gabri Martinez to level the score before Mohamed Diomande was sent off during stoppage time.
The equaliser allowed Braga back into the game, which left Rangers fans ashamed and embarrassed that their team was unable to claim all three points despite the advantage.
However, the Gers captain refused to pin the blame on Djiga, but urged his teammates to remain focused for the full 90 minutes.
“I’ve got no complaints with Nasser, everyone makes mistakes,” he said in quotes provided by the Daily Record on 28 November.
“But ultimately, we should have that game tied up before that even happens. It’s just about working hard and trying to stay focused for the duration of the game.
“If we keep a clean sheet, we win tonight. We should have had this game in our pocket playing against 10 men.
“We have to be more patient and probe around their final third instead of trying to shoot when it’s not on.
“This is something we have to look at because the game was there for the taking. We have to build from this.”
While it was a poor end to a strong start, the point means that Rangers still have a chance of progressing to the knockouts, even if it is slim.
- Read more: Tom English defends Youssef Chermiti after what was said on BBC coverage of Rangers vs Braga
James Tavernier equalises Ally McCoist record
Tavernier’s penalty kick put him level with Ally McCoist for Rangers goals in Europe.
His goal against the Portuguese outfit was his 21st Euro strike, which equalled the tally of McCoist, who was at the ground to witness it.
However, Tavernier ended the night too disappointed to fully appreciate the record.
He said: “It doesn’t feel like anything right now (equalling McCoist’s total) because it’s really fresh after the game. When my time is done in football, I’ll look back on those types of achievements.”
Tavernier has good reason to feel let down. Despite being down to 10 men, Braga were level with Rangers in intensity for most of the second half.
- Braga generated 0.70 expected goals while Rangers had 0.67 xG
- Both teams created one big chance
- Braga completed 164 passes while the Gers completed 155 passes
While Rangers took double their opponents’ shots, Braga’s keeper made four saves, while Jack Butland made two, according to Sofascore.
It was a pitiful display from a team that was supposed to be on the upper foot.
Either way, with the Gers already showing promise in the Scottish Premiership, it may be a matter of time before their fortunes turn around in the Europa League.
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