After two howlers presented Young Boys of Berne with three Europa League points James Tavernier was back to his best in the home wins over Aberdeen and Hamilton as his side moved into top spot.
At Tynecastle today he was required to do some defending and it wasn’t pretty. In the sixth minute a botched header 25 yards from goal presented Jake Mulraney with a chance which Allan McGregor did well to block. From the rebound however Ryotaro Meshino netted to put Hearts in front.
From there on things went from bad to worst for Tav. The former Wigan utility man sent in a succession of overhit crosses while Hearts targeted him in defence.
Alfredo Morelos scored an equaliser before the break but the man with the armband was unable to find anything extra in the second half.
Hearts were well worth their point but in the third of four minutes stoppage time Tav had the chance to redeem himself after he was brought down by Uche Ikpeazu 30 yards from goal.
In keeping with the rest of his day he floated a high cross into the hands of goalkeeper Joel Pereira.
As he trudged off the pitch at the full time whistle the jeers of the visiting fans was being mirrored on social media as Ibrox fans attacked their captain through the club’s Twitter feed.
Tav once again costing us….would Gerrard stand by Barasic if he cost us 3 goals in 3 games?.
— TS (@buffalo1986) October 20, 2019
Being top was nice while it lasted? tavernier is making it harder to forgive him every week ??
— Cameron Taylor (@CameronnTaylorr) October 20, 2019
Tav & Ojo terrible, Arfield & Aribo anonymous. Not many with pass marks.
Mentality of squad to win big games under pressure questionable yet again.— Faceless ? (@FacelessRanger) October 20, 2019
That 93rd minute right there. Barisic wanting to cross. Tav says no then proceeds to give the keeper the easiest catch of his life? Why does he take set piece after set piece when the first 5 have been shite
— Jack David Blair (@Facetwot) October 20, 2019
Had a chance. Unbelievable. ????.
— Alan ? (@awattywatt) October 20, 2019
Drop Tav now
— Marshall (@marshallgreen02) October 20, 2019
So when is Tav being dropped?
— #FireSchotty (@CraigTF1) October 20, 2019
STRIP TAV OF HIS CAPTAINS ARMBAND
— ???? ??????? ????? (@PolsterLoyal) October 20, 2019
Tav was a complete disaster today. Dreadful defending from him again costing goals. Ffs let Barisic take all set pieces.
— RyanClarkKent 1872 ? (@1872Rck) October 20, 2019
The undroppables. Bloody joke pic.twitter.com/0ky5HyMBTs
— Adam (@Adaam111089) October 20, 2019
