Celtic remained the only unbeaten team in the Premiership as they produced a clinical performance against Rangers at Ibrox to win 2-0.
The game had its usual feistiness as the tackles were flying in, but the referee allowed the game to run. The first half was devoid of quality for most parts from both the teams but Celtic managed to find one critical moment as Edouard was released on goal and he finished calmly to beat McGregor.
Rangers were almost too eager in the second half, and they made a lot of mistakes. Even though Celtic didn’t have their first choice defenders available, they looked strong at the back and Forster was never troubled much. Jonny Hayes got the second for the Hoops late on in the game to give Lennon’s men a resounding 2-0 win when many thought that they would be the underdogs on the day.
Here is how Celtic players fared.
Fraser Forster 6.5
Was comfortable in goal and made some regulation saves. Dealt with high balls well.
Nir Bitton 7.5
Made some crucial last-ditch tackles. His reading of the game was fantastic as Rangers never really managed to carve out a clear cut opportunity throughout the 90 minutes.
Christopher Jullien 8
Same like his defensive partner as Jullien was committed in his defending and read the dangers well. Was impressive in the air and won quite a few aerial duels and did well to defend set-pieces.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo 7
Was cited as one of the weak points of this Celtic team but Bolingoli managed to hold his own defensively. Didn’t get many opportunities to bomb forward but supported in attack whenever he could.
Hatem Abd Elhamed 8
There were question marks about whether he would be able to take the intensity of the Scottish league, but the Israeli international came out with flying colours. Showed great perseverance and was committed in his defending.
Scott Brown 8
A captain’s performance from Brown who has usually given his best in the Old Firm games. Made some crucial blocks and interceptions as he sat in deep to help his back four.
Callum McGregor 6
Did alright to pick out a few passes but never really managed to get in the game offensively. Lucky to escape without any card as he made a poor challenge and a dive later on.
Ryan Christie 6
Wasn’t able to get too much space to influence the game on the attacking front. Was full of running and pressed well.
Michael Johnston 7
Provided an impressive pass for the first goal. Tracked back well on the left flank to help out his defence
James Forrest 5.5
Was almost non-existent in the game as Celtic got hardly any chances to attack from the right. Did put in a shift at the back.
Odsonne Edouard 8
The big striker was the real difference-maker as whenever he got on the ball it seemed like he could go on an amazing run. Held up play well and finished confidently for the goal.
Substitutes
Moritz Bauer 5
Got his first taste of Scottish football and was almost clattered in the end by Jones. Did his job defensively.
Olivier Ntcham 7
His physicality in the middle allowed Celtic to get some foothold in midfield in the second half. Linked up play well.
Jonny Hayes 6
Scored the second goal as he made a good run down the left. His initial effort was saved but pounced on the rebound.
