Rangers fans praise divisive James Tavernier, who makes some eat humble pie

Rangers have gone top of the Scottish top-flight for the first time since 2011-12 after an important win against Hearts. Goals from Connor Goldson and Alfredo Morelos earned Rangers all three points after a Gareth McAuley own-goal had them trailing 1-0 at Tynecastle. Steven Gerrard’s men also ended the game with 10 men, after Scott Arfield was sent for an early bath.

With Celtic in League Cup final action against Aberdeen the Glasgow club are now top of the table.

There were plenty of good performances from Rangers players, but perhaps none more so than James Tavernier.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 11: James Tavernier of Rangers celebrates after he scores his team’s second goal during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Motherwell at Ibrox Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The right-back is certainly a divisive player. At times he is frustrating with his delivery and lack of defensive abilities. However, when he has a good day, Rangers are invariably better.

‘Tav’ played superbly this afternoon and finally had a good day on set-pieces. Both Rangers goals came from Tavernier dead-ball deliveries. The first came from a whipped in corner, with the second a free-kick from the right.

It was a display that rightfully earned plaudits from the Rangers fans…

Tavernier with 2 quality balls in for the goals. Thought he drove us forward at times
— The Famous (@TheFamousRFC) December 2, 2018

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Tavernier has improved immensely at us, he’s a top right back now, of course he’s good enough for championship, guys who were deemed not good enough for our team like waghorn are lighting the championship up lol
— Callum ? (@bigyin1872) December 2, 2018

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Tavernier was absolutely tremendous. Looked like a Premier League player who had dropped down for the afternoon. His delivery can go from one extreme to the other but his consistency today was unbelievable.
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) December 2, 2018

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For all Tavernier’s faults, he is absolutely key for us so often. His attacking threat far outweighs his defensive frailty at times for me.
— Ian Smith (@IJSmith86) December 2, 2018

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Superb Rangers! Tavernier was brilliant today ?? catch us if you can. We shall not be moved ?⚪️?
— Mark Brown (@biffspark) December 2, 2018

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Hearts were terrific for the first 30, and got a lucky break for their goal. I was concerned when that went in.
My man @James_Tavernier really stepped up with some incredible balls in during the game, particularly the two assists for the goals.
— adamski152 (@adamski152) December 2, 2018

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James Tavernier is putting up crazy numbers from right back, albeit his goals are penalties.
— Liam Jones (@LiamJ_96) December 2, 2018

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Tavernier delivery is sensational at times.
— Rangers Bantz (@RangersBanter17) December 2, 2018

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Tavernier is levels above Lustig. Neither are great defensively but the former has some incredible attacking qualities.
— Euan ??????? (@EuazoX2) December 2, 2018

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Tavernier is a quality full back
— Sam Long (@samlong11) December 2, 2018

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Some were even made to eat their words…

I could kill Tavernier. WHY IS HE TAKEN SET PIECES
— ?? cozy1872 ?? (@cozy1873) December 2, 2018

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Tavernier should be nowhere near a dead ball for us . It’s laughable #Rangers
— Graeme McCall ?? (@TheGraeme5088) December 2, 2018

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Hopefully, Tavernier can continue performing in this way as Rangers look to make top-spot their own.

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Rangers fans praise divisive James Tavernier, who makes some eat humble pie