Celtic icon Andy Walker has told the Rangers players to stop being 'hesitant' and 'sloppy' sooner rather than later if they are to catch the Hoops in their quest to reclaim the Scottish Premiership title.
Scott Arfield's late double rescued three unlikely points against Aberdeen on Tuesday in what was Michael Beale's second game as Rangers manager. Following a 3-2 comeback win over Hibs on Thursday, it appeared that the Light Blues wouldn't be coming back this time thanks to superb strikes from Dons duo Leighton Clarkson and Duk. Time was ticking down, and though seven additional minutes were announced, Rangers had rarely looked like threatening heading into stoppage time.
However, once Arfield pounced on Kelle Roos' fumble halfway through additional time, there were gut feelings from all around the ground that the away team would steal the win - especially after Celtic's late win at Pittodrie on Saturday afternoon. Their premonitions were correct; some drab Aberdeen defending saw Connor Goldson tee up Arfield, who rifled the ball home to send the away end into raptures and secure a second win for Beale. But Walker, who features regularly on Sky, saw past the frantic win – and claimed Rangers need to end their 'sloppy' defending spell if they are to have any chance at the title.
Walker told Sky Sports: "From a position of defeat, Rangers have got all three points. It was absolutely essential, trying to chase Celtic down as Beale has been saying, and that gives them a chance as Celtic head into their game tonight.
"IYou can sense his frustration at the defending that his side were displaying. Obviously it was a boost for Rangers to have Connor Goldson back in the fold last night. Ben Davies came on late on, and I think that's the preferred partnership that Michael Beale would like to play every week - as much experience as you can get into the Rangers side when you're so far behind Celtic.
"They have been hesitant, sloppy and have given goals away. To win 3-2 is fairly dramatic stuff, but that's both times they have been 2-1 down under Beale and it's a habit they want to get out of."
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