Premiership giants Rangers increased their lead atop the league table to a whopping 19 points today after a narrow 1-0 win against Celtic in the second Old Firm derby of the 20/21 season. Although it was the visitors that spent a majority of the game in the ascendancy, they were unable to produce a goal in the early stages of the game.
Allan McGregor produced some sensational stops to keep the scoreline at 0-0, but it continued to look like Celtic would eventually find an opening. All that changed when Nir Bitton picked up a red card for an unnecessary challenge on Alfredo Morelos. After going down to ten, Celtic’s struggles began, and an own goal by Callum McGregor ensured that Steven Gerrard’s men took home all three points.
Here Are The Rangers Player Ratings Vs Celtic:
Rangers Player Ratings Vs Celtic
Allan McGregor – 9
The veteran goalkeeper was, far and away, the best player on the pitch tonight. Made a number of excellent saves, including a truly sublime one to keep Celtic out in the first-half.
James Tavernier – 6.5
The skipper wasn’t able to deliver too much quality into the box today as the Celtic attackers put him under a lot of pressure. Did play some good passes and link up play though.
Connor Goldson – 7.5
The Englishman was sensational in the heart of defence as after the first knockings of the game, he held strong. Looked a threat from set-pieces and won a number of key headers too.
Leon Balogun – 6.5
The Nigerian international centre-half was brought back into the eleven ahead of Filip Helander tonight, and he did satisfactorily. Looked off the pace during the first-half though.
Borna Barisic – 6.5
The Croatian was inches away from finding the net with a free-kick, and he delivered a couple of decent crosses too. Tried to get forward and help out but was caught out defensively at times.
Steven Davis – 7
The experienced midfielder was excellent in the core of the team, despite the fact that he didn’t impact too much offensively. Worked hard at the back and won some key tackles.
Glen Kamara – 6.5
The Finnish midfielder passed the ball around with solid composure and drove it forward whenever he was put under pressure as well. Tried to pick out some sharp forward passes.
Joe Aribo – 6
The Nigerian midfielder was given the nod ahead of Scott Arfield in the core of the team today, and he didn’t have the attacking impact he might’ve been hoping for. Linked up play well.
Kemar Roofe – 4
The usually impactful Jamaican was unable to create any sort of influence on the game in the first-half, and he was correctly hooked at the break. Spectator for a majority of the forty-five.
Alfredo Morelos – 6.5
The Colombian had the Gers’ first opportunity of the game, and he did well for large chunks. Held the ball up whenever he could and played an important part in getting Bitton sent off.
Ryan Kent – 6
The speedster was far from his best in attack tonight but he did show a few glimpses of quality in the final third. Wasn’t able to offer much penetration in the final third though.
Substitutes
Ianis Hagi – 6
Thrown on at half-time and offered a much more influential presence in the final third than Kemar Roofe. Made some excellent forward runs and tried to impact the tie in any way possible.
Cedric Itten – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Bongani Zungu – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
Brandon Barker – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
