Chris Sutton has told BT Sport’s Europa League Highlights Show that Rangers star Alfredo Morelos was at fault for Red Star’s opener on Thursday night. The Gers lost 2-1 on the night, but won 4-2 on aggregate in Serbia.
Rangers came into the match after Morelos – as well as James Tavernier and Leon Balogun – scored goals to win 3-0 at Ibrox in the first leg. In the second leg, Rangers went behind early to a neat finish from Mirko Ivanic.
It gave Red Star the impetus to go on and claw back Rangers’ lead – but thanks to a superb rearguard display from Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men, they survived. Allan McGregor, at 40, was once again in superb form.
Ryan Kent scored an equaliser thanks to a deflection, and while Red Star did score an injury-time penalty – Rangers were over the line. Sutton criticised Morelos, though, for his defensive efforts for Ivanic’s opener.
“Morelos simply misjudges the flight of the ball, and Kamara expects Morelos to head the ball. Ivanic takes two touches to score – poor defending after a good start from Rangers,” Sutton said, in his analysis on BT Sport.
Sutton on Morelos: Rangers star can certainly be excused for mistake
Morelos looks like a different player under van Bronckhorst. Perhaps the impact of having a manager, and coaching staff, that can speak to Morelos in Spanish helps. But he looks more at home, and a much better player.
His link-up play has improved, but the Colombia international is not dropping as deep as he did under Steven Gerrard. He has scored 12 goals in 19 games. Previously this term, he had seven goals in 22.
While he was at fault for Red Star’s opener, Morelos can certainly be excused for his mistake given his form at the other end this term.
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