Despite defeating their bitter rivals at Ibrox, Celtic were under immense pressure before hosting Rangers this afternoon in the reverse fixture. They needed a victory to maintain their supremacy at the top of the league standings, whereas the Gers, unbeaten under Philippe Clement, were determined to extend their five-game winning streak in the Premiership. But it went completely wrong for the visitors who not only conceded twice but also finished the game with ten men following Leon Balogun’s dismissal. Skipper James Tavernier pulled one back to reduce the deficit for the final few minutes.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 2-1 win against Rangers.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Made a couple of routine saves early into the game. Could have done little to stop Tavernier’s stunning free-kick late into the game.
Alistair Johnston: 7
Received the first booking of the match as he struggled to contain Abdallah Sima down the right-hand flank. Committed a few more fouls, but he managed to maintain his composure for the remainder of the fixture. Offered his presence high up the pitch with timely overlapping runs, crosses, dribbles and cut insides.
Stephen Welsh: 6.5
Started in deep defence in place of injured Cameron Carter-Vickers. However, a fresh fitness woe forced him to leave the pitch and make way for Maik Nawrocki in the heart of the backline. Dominated the aerial duels for more than half an hour before being replaced by the Polish centre-half.
Liam Scales: 7.5
The redemption continues for the Irishman who delivered yet another gritty performance as the left-sided centre-back. Was spot on with his blocks, recoveries and no-nonsense clearances.
Greg Taylor: 7.5
Balanced his game between defence and attack. Kept on creating chances with his marauding runs and link-up play with Luis Palma. His crosses and long balls often caused menace in the Rangers defence.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Orchestrated the game as always from his deep-lying midfield role. Completed the most passes and made an array of recoveries to frustrate the visitors in the centre of the pitch.
Matt O’Riley: 7
Registered an assist for Kyogo Furuhashi’s stellar strike soon after the break. Was not always successful with his down-the-middle runs, but he worked extremely hard to conquer possession and operate as the chief ball carrier.
Paulo Bernardo: 8
The Portuguese found the net once again after a midweek victory against Dundee. Beat Butland with a scintillating volley to earn the Bhoys a timely lead around the 25th-minute mark. Was replaced by David Turnbull midway through the second half.
Daizen Maeda: 6.5
His relentless runs, smart one-twos and swift movements kept the Light Blues on their toes. Drew a foul around the 70th-minute mark that resulted in Balogun’s marching order. Was replaced by Mikey Johnston late in the outing.
Luis Palma: 6.5
Showed his creative spark from the left but was unable the pose a persistent threat. Was taken off for Liel Abada who made his return following a long injury layoff.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 8
The exquisite scoring streak continues in the Old Firm derby as his majestic strike proved to be the difference once again in this electrifying encounter. Received massive plaudits from the Parkhead faithful while making way for Hyun-Gyu Oh.
Celtic Subs vs Rangers
Maik Nawrocki: 7.5
Did well to attune to the demands of the contest despite rare involvement since his summer transfer.
David Turnbull: 7
Made a crucial tactical foul to stop Dujon Sterling from staging a potential counter-attack.
Hyun-Gyu Oh: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Mikey Johnston: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Liel Abada: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
