Following their last week Scottish Cup semi-final exit against age-old rivals Celtic, Pedro Caixinha’s Rangers FC were determined to restore their lost pride and end Celtic’s unbeaten domestic run as well as Old Firm derby dominance this afternoon at Ibrox Stadium. Celtic are heading for a domestic treble under Brendan Rodgers as they have already secured the league, won the Scottish League Cup and are also clear favourites over Aberdeen in upcoming Scottish Cup final. Rangers, on the other hand, have failed to beat their fierce rivals in a Premiership outing for over five years, but they were expected to come up with a tough fight this time against the Hoops. However, it proved to be the other way around as Celtic registered a thumping 1-5 away win and showed their derby supremacy.
Below are the Celtic players rated from the fixture.
Craig Gordon: 6
Was largely untested. Made a few routine saves. Could have done little to stop Kenny Miller’s side-footed strike who scored the solitary Rangers’ goal of the afternoon.
Mikael Lustig: 8
Kept on running forward and down the right-hand flank and linked up splendidly with Patrick Roberts. Rangers’ teenager Myles Beerman looked completely rattled throughout the game. Lustig scored a spectacular solo goal in the closing minutes to register their fifth and final goal of the afternoon.
Dedryck Boyata: 7
Boyata did not have much to do from the defensive point of view barring a few blocks and tackles. Looked strong both physically and aerially, also netted Celtic’s fourth with a downward header after picking up Griffiths’ beautifully swung in free-kick.
Jozo Simunovic: 7
Looked solid defensively as he kept on making crucial blocks, tackles and clearances. Was in the right place at the right time throughout the game.
Kieran Tierney: 8
Had an impressive outing as Celtic’s teenage left-back linked up well with Scott Sinclair and caused a lot of trouble in Rangers’ backline ( especially James Tavernier) with his runs and crosses.
Scott Brown: 6.5
The skipper looked solid in a combative role as he made his presence known in Celtic midfield with physicality as well as experience. Was taken off in the closing moments to be replaced by Kouassi Eboue.
Stuart Armstrong: 7
Armstrong did well to link up with Scott Sinclair down the left-hand flank and made a few decent runs to break the Gers’ back-line. Almost made it 5-0 before being taken off as his wonderful strike from the edge of the box sailed a yard or so over the top of the crossbar.
Scott Sinclair: 7.5
Scored from an early spot-kick. Kept on troubling the Gers’ depleted defence with his skills, runs and dribbles. Missed a few good opportunities to add to his tally.
Callum McGregor: 8
Another massive outing for the Scottish international. Did well to snatch possession from Emerson Hyndman in the middle of the pitch before teeing up Griffiths’ to double the lead. Linked up well with Patrick Roberts to make his name into the score-sheet as his strike through Tavernier’s legs earned his side a three-goal lead minutes into the second half.
Patrick Roberts: 8.5
The Manchester City loanee was a threat since kick-off as Rangers’ teenager Myles Beerman struggled continuously against his pace, dribbles and movements. Beerman fouled him and conceded a penalty ( converted by Sinclair) within six minutes into the game. Also linked up beautifully with McGregor as the later scored the third of the afternoon for the Hoops. Received a rousing round of applause from the visiting fans while being replaced by James Forrest late into the second half.
Leigh Griffiths: 8.5
Started the game in place of injured Moussa Dembele. Had a massive impact from the very beginning as he netted within first twenty minutes into the game. His another effort smashed the crossbar minutes after and his perfectly swung in free-kick met by Dedryck Boyata to earn his side a 4-0 lead in the middle of the second half.
Substitutes
James Forrest: 6
Made a smart run towards the end to beat past Tavernier and took on Danny Wilson. But the later denied him with a strong tackle.
Tom Rogic: 6
Came late in place of Armstrong and played a smart one-two with Sinclair towards the end. Was closed down quickly by Rangers’ defence.
Kouassi Eboue: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
