Four out of four- yes, Brendan Rodgers retains his 100% start in the Premiership and does it in some style. It was the Northern Irishman’s first ever Old Firm Derby and he clinched a thumping win. Rangers travelled across Glasgow to face their arch rivals Celtic in the first Old Firm Derby in the Premiership after four long years. The blockbuster fixture of Scottish football was sorely dominated by the hosts Celtic this time and the Hoops cruised to a massive 5-1 win.
It was a complete rout for the hosts as Moussa Dembele made the headlines with a stunning hat-trick. Celtic missed their ever-reliable forward Leigh Griffiths in the game but Moussa Dembele lived up to the big occasion. Scott Sinclair and Stuart Armstrong also made their names on the scoresheet. Rangers only goal of the game was scored by Joe Garner but it was pure dominance from the Hoops.
Rodgers’ boys will travel to Camp Nou on Tuesday to face Barcelona in their first group game of the Champions League with great confidence. Here are Celtic player ratings from their excellent win against Rangers.
Dorus de Vries: 6.5/10
Was not challenged much in the game. Did very well when he was called upon. The Dutchman’s distribution was delightful.
Mikael Lustig: 7/10
Did not really offer much going forward but defensively he was top-notch. Dealt with McKay with relative ease.
Kolo Toure: 7/10
The experienced Ivorian led the back four really well. The former Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool start is doing an excellent job in a Celtic shirt.
Erik Sviatchenko: 7.5/10
Made a number of crucial interceptions during the course of the game. Combined really well with Toure at the back.
Kieran Tierney: 7/10
The bombarding full-back did not really have much joy as much as he is used to going forward but did really well in defensively.
Scott Brown: 7.5/10
Brown vs Barton was the headliner battle ahead of the game and the Celtic skipper came out as the winner. The Scot absolutely bossed the midfield.
Nir Bitton: 7/10
The Israeli sat deep and protected his back four very well.
James Forrest: 6.5/10
Had a big presence from the very first minute but his final delivery was poor.
Tom Rogic: 7.5/10
The Aussie was superb with his movement and passing. It was surprising to see the attacking midfielder withdrawn early despite his liveliness.
Scott Sinclair: 8/10
The Englishman has been a big success at Celtic Park this season right after his move and once again, he got his name on the scoresheet capping his excellent display.
Moussa Dembele: 9/10
No Griffiths, no worry! Dembele found his chances very limited at Parkhead this season due to the sensation form of Griffiths but the youngster made a strong impact when he was given his chance scoring a beautiful hat-trick in his first Old Firm Derby.
Substitutes
Stuart Armstrong: 7.5/10
Had a big impact after replacing Rogic and scored a very late goal to make it more emphatic for the hosts.
Patrick Roberts: 6.5/10
The youngster did really well after coming on for James Forrest. He was direct and took defenders on for fun.
Callum McGregor: NA
Did not have much time on the pitch.
