The stage was nicely set for the third Old Firm Derby of this season on the Eve of the New Year and the outcome was not at all different from the other two. However, it was more of a fight this time out. Celtic came out 1-2 winners at Ibrox despite going behind in just 12 minutes.
Kenny Miller once again rose up to the occasion even at the age of 37 but Celtic’s quality saw them get back into the game. Dembele scored the equaliser and Sinclair scored the winner for the visitors as Celtic extend their lead to 19 points at the top.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Celtic cannot be caught!
Before the kickoff, Celtic had a 16-point lead at the top of the Premiership table over Rangers with a game in hand. Even a win for Rangers could have done very little to change the destiny of the title race but with Celtic winning, it becomes almost certain that the Premiership title will remain at Parkhead until next season at least.
This game was more about the bragging rights of Glasgow and Celtic fans will be delighted to keep that. Rodgers’ Celtic look invincible in Scotland right now and it is unlikely to change this season.
Warburton’s Rangers have improved a lot
Craig Gordon surely cannot remember when was the last time he was called upon so many times in a domestic game. The last time these two sides met in the Premiership, Rangers faced a humbling 5-1 defeat but the Rangers fans can be proud of their team’s performance this time out.
They surely gave Celtic a good run for their money but the difference in quality was too big as Celtic managed to still claim a win.
Rangers must sign a deadly finisher
It was a worrying sign for Rangers to see Joe Garner leaving the pitch injured. Martyn Waghorn replaced the Englishman but it was evident that he was not wearing his scoring boots. Once again, Rangers’ lack of finishing cost them the game.
If Rangers had a better finisher today, they could have easily salvaged a draw. Look at the strikers Celtic have! Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths are both prolific forwards and have scored more than 30 goals between them this season.
You can easily find out what Rangers are missing from their strikers’ numbers this season. Warburton must ensure that he brings a proven finisher in January or else their destiny is unlikely to change.
