Kris Boyd slams Tavernier after what he saw him do in Rangers loss v Lyon

James Tavernier was slammed by Kris Boyd after his “sleeping” allowed Lyon to score their fourth goal against Rangers on Thursday (3 October).

Speaking on Sky Sports Scotland (3 October, 9:21pm), Boyd was in awe of Rayan Cherki as he crossed for Malick Fofana to tap home at Ibrox, but critical of Tavernier’s lack of awareness in defence.

Cherki got past the “shocking” Connor Barron down the right before his ball across the face resulted in Fofana beating Tavernier at the far post, making it 4-1 as Lyon dominated the Europa League tie.

Boyd said: “Cherki on the right-hand side, his feet are unbelievable.

“He leaves Connor Barron for dead, then just fires it across and there’s his other winger Fofana, coming round at the back post just to smash it into the back of the net.

“James Tavernier was sleeping, just as the ball came across there, and Fofana smashes it in for his second goal.”

James Tavernier and Rangers a thorough second best against Lyon

A bright start from the Gers at Ibrox now seems a long time ago, with Tavernier being denied by Lyon keeper Lucas Perri barely 90 seconds into the contest.

However, a wildly open game saw Tavernier and his team-mates caught out time and time again at the other end, with the quality of Cherki, Fofana and Alexandre Lacazette putting the Bears to the sword.

Tavernier’s attacking numbers being better than his defensive ones is nothing new at Ibrox, and Lyon exploited the evident weaknesses in Philippe Clement’s rearguard with ruthless efficiency.

The Light Blues were caught cold on the break for three of Lyon’s four goals, and while the last one came with the hosts penned in deep to their own half, Tavernier still couldn’t do enough to keep them out.

Plenty of soul-searching will ensue at Auchenhowie in the wake of a humbling Europa League defeat, and no player will have more to think about – particularly in defence – than skipper Tavernier.

In other Rangers news, Keith Jackson was ready to have a fight after recent developments surrounding one player at Ibrox.

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