Alan Hutton aghast at what Rangers player did at weekend – ‘What are you doing?’
Alan Hutton is the latest former Rangers player to rip into the defending he saw in the 2-1 loss to Hearts on Sunday.
Goals from Stuart Findlay and Lawrence Shankland saw Hearts race into a 2-0 lead before half-time, with Youssef Chermiti’s 95th-minute goal coming too late for the Bears.
Rangers’ defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle leaves them fourth in the Scottish Premiership, 12 points adrift of their opponents, and fans are now embracing the likelihood of a trophyless season in Govan.
After a positive start to the match, the Light Blues were once again the masters of their own downfall, and Hutton couldn’t contain his frustration with Emmanuel Fernandez.
Alan Hutton slams Emmanuel Fernandez for role in Hearts’ second goal
Fernandez’s £3.5million move to Rangers from Peterborough raised several eyebrows in the summer, and it’s safe to say he hasn’t lived up to expectations.
The 24-year-old charged out to try and win a header, but it left him out of position, which Shankland duly capitalised on.
Speaking on the Scottish Football Social Club on 22 December, Hutton was bewildered by what he did in the build-up to the goal.
He said: “The goals are avoidable. Fernandez, what are you doing? You don’t have to be out there; allow your midfielder to clear the ball.
“If he doesn’t come out to head the ball, he would be in position to stop Shankland.”
Fernandez was criticised for his poor defending against both Ferencvaros and Dundee United in recent weeks, with his speed being a real issue.
The Bears will be slightly boosted by Dujon Sterling’s return to the team, although Rohl still needs better centre-backs in his team.
- Read more: Jayden Meghoma future must be clear for Danny Rohl after what happened in Hearts vs Rangers
Why Dujon Sterling’s qualities can benefit Fernandez in the long run
Injuries to John Souttar and Derek Cornelius have left the German head coach relying on two players who have only featured alongside each other at the heart of the defence once.
Sterling and Fernandez looked shaky against Hearts, but on paper, they make for a much better match than when Nasser Djiga was involved.
Sterling is naturally considered to be a right-back, although he played centrally at times under Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson last season.
Possessing a lot more natural speed, Sterling can provide great cover for Fernandez, while the ex-Peterborough man can win the majority of his aerial duels.
It didn’t pay off on Sunday, but Sterling’s assist for Fernandez’s winner against Hibernian showcased the partnership these two could develop in the coming weeks.
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