Rejuvenated Rangers traveled to Parkhead this afternoon to lock horns with Celtic in a top of the table clash. They were desperate for a victory after suffering a controversial 1-0 defeat at Ibrox in the reverse tie, but the Old Firm misery continues for the Light Blues as the hosts clinch a 2-1 win, thanks to stellar strikes from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi. Skipper James Tavernier pulled one back in the closing minutes, but it was too late to salvage a result for the ten-man Gers.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their 2-1 defeat against Celtic.
Jack Butland: 6.5
Made some decent saves, but he had no answer to Bernardo and Furuhashi’s stunning goals which ended Philippe Clement’s unbeaten Rangers streak.
James Tavernier: 8.5
His late free-kick went in vain as it only reduced the deficit at Celtic Park. Was the only Rangers player to exhibit passion and hunger in such a high-profile encounter.
Connor Goldson: 6.5
Struggled against the pace and swift movements of Furuhashi, Luis Palma and Daizen Maeda. Lacked accuracy with his passing game, particularly while playing it long in an attempt to stage quick counter attacks.
Leon Balogun: 5.5
Had no option but to drag Daizen Maeda down that led to his dismissal midway through the second half.
Ridvan Yilmaz: 6
Was largely ineffective from the left-hand flank despite making some overlapping runs and whipping in crosses.
John Lundstram: 7
Worked extremely hard to control the midfield game. But he lacked enough support from his fellow teammates. Was taken off for John Souttar after Balogun’s marching order.
Dujon Sterling: 7
Was decent as a makeshift central midfield as he tried his best to marshal the backline and make recoveries deep down the field. Should have done better with his tackling and interceptions.
Ross McCausland: 6.5
Tested Joe Hart in Celtic goal. Offered his creative spark high up the pitch, but he failed to pose a persistent threat due to poor decision making.
Todd Cantwell: 5
Another disappointing performance from the former Norwich City playmaker who was largely anonymous before making way for Kieran Dowell in the middle of the park.
Abdallah Sima: 5.5
A rare underwhelming display from the Brighton loanee who failed to make any noteworthy contribution in the attacking third. Made way for Scott Wright midway through the second half.
Cyriel Dessers: 5.5
An afternoon to forget for the Gers ‘number 9’ as his lack of pace and little involvement weakened them in attack.
Rangers Subs vs Celtic
Kieran Dowell: 6.5
Showed calmness and composure in midfield that kept Rangers in the game till the final whistle.
Scott Wright: 6.5
Was lively since replacing Sima down the left.
John Souttar: 6.5
Restored balance in deep defence for the final quarter of the contest.
