Steven Gerrard had little sympathy for his defence after Rangers fell to a 4-3 defeat in Russia on Thursday night.
On three occasions, Rangers threw away a lead against Spartak Moscow in their Europa League Group G clash and Gerrard couldn’t hide his frustration after the full-time whistle.
Gerrard appeared to single out centre-half Connor Goldson for his own goal 10 minutes before half-time which allowed the hosts to draw level at 2-2.
Goldson failed to deal with a ball delivered across the six-yard box, inexplicably sticking his right foot out when a simple left-footed clearance would have removed all danger.
The ball sliced beyond Allan McGregor in the Gers goal and while the visitors took the lead again shortly before the break, defensive frailties allowed Spartak back into the match again in the second half and all three points stayed in Moscow.
Connor Goldson with an awful own goal for Rangers tonight.
Gerry Armstrong not impressed…
Got to use his left foot there! #VMSport pic.twitter.com/xjLqIKlxFB
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 8, 2018
“I think Under-12s or Under-13s can normally clear the ball with either foot,” Gerrard said after the game in a clear reference to Goldson’s error. “When you get a little bit older you learn to play the game positionally.”
A comment like Gerrard’s is a risky one as it can either force a young player to improve or it can have a long-term negative impact on his confidence.
"Under-12s and under-13s normally can clear the ball with either foot…" 👀
Steven Gerrard has some choice words on Rangers' defensive showing after defeat in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/EzBGv7z04s
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 8, 2018
That’s the point that was made after the match by BT Sport pundit Martin Keown, who warned the Gers boss to be a bit more careful with his public remarks.
“I think he has got to be very careful about language he uses, talking about 12-year-olds being able to clear that ball,” Keown said.
“The player is hurting enough as it is and so, also, is the manager. It was really kamikaze defending at times.
“Goldson was involved in quite a few of the goals that were conceded and it’s still fresh after the game.”
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