Nicolas Raskin under fire for Rangers shocker before ‘incredible’ moment vs Hearts
Nico Raskin played a part as Marc Leonard gave Hearts the lead against Rangers on Sunday.
The Govan faithful walking to Ibrox were dealt a blow when Celtic netted a last-gasp winner against Kilmarnock to move themselves above the Gers in the Scottish Premiership.
That only piled further pressure on Danny Rohl’s side going into a clash where they really needed to win if they wanted to keep their title dreams alive.
They got off to the worst possible start in G51 when Leonard fired a rocket into the top corner to give the away side an early lead.
Raskin didn’t cover himself in glory after a poor pass into him from Emmanuel Fernandez, which didn’t go down well on the terraces.
Nico Raskin and Emmanuel Fernandez in shocker vs Hearts
There was such pressure on the hosts going into this clash before Celtic won at Rugby Park, so a shaky start didn’t come as a surprise to many.
Julian Araujo sparked wild scenes in the away end against Killie, something which the Hearts faithful were able to replicate after just 16 minutes in Govan.
Leonard sent an arrow curling away from Jack Butland into the top corner, leaving the keeper with absolutely no chance.
The Englishman can’t be blamed, as it was a combination of laziness from Raskin and a moment of madness from Fernandez that cost the Gers.
James McFadden couldn’t quite believe what he’d seen from the pair and was then blown away by a stunning strike from the Irishman.
He said: “Nico Raskin just turns his back on it. Fernandez tries to play to Raskin, who isn’t looking. The recovery isn’t great, but it’s an incredible strike.
“Unstoppable from Leonard. It’s a gift from Rangers.“
Fernandez could have seriously cost Rangers vs Hearts
There have been some moments this campaign where the Ibrox crowd have looked at Fernandez and thought they have a potentially excellent player on their hands.
There are others where the 24-year-old has lost his focus and made a decision that has ultimately cost his side dearly.
| Stat (Scottish Premiership 25/26) | Emmanuel Fernandez |
| Minutes played | 1277 |
| Penalties conceded | 1 |
| Dribbled past | 8 |
| Goals conceded | 11 |
The Hearts clash was just the latest example of this, with his shocking pass into Raskin leading to the opening goal in such a huge game.
Fernandez was to blame, even if the Belgian didn’t cover himself in glory, and he needs to be held accountable.
These moments are ultimately the difference between champions and nearly men.
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