The title race is definitely on and how. The Premiership needed a resurgent Rangers to create a spectacle of the league, and the Gers finally managed to stop Celtic’s run under Brendan Rodgers where he had gone ten games unbeaten in the Old Firm derbies. A 1-0 win for the home side put them level with Celtic on the points table.
Rangers started the game on the ascendency, and every player played as their life depended on this game. The Gers battered Celtic with their waves of attacks in the initial half hour. Craig Gordon made some good saves to keep his side in the game but a moment of quality was enough for Rangers to get a deserved lead as Ryan Jack finished well nutmegging Scott Brown in the process for the first goal.
The Bears were guilty of not killing the game off as they had plenty of opportunities to secure the win. Their worst nightmare almost came true when Callum McGregor scored after working the ball well from the left but was denied by a very marginal offside call. However, Steven Gerrard’s men thoroughly deserved the 3 points as they outplayed Celtic in all departments.
Here is how the Gers fared.
Allan McGregor 7
Everyone expected McGregor to be the busier goalkeeper of the two, but the Scotsman was a spectator for the most parts of the game.
Andy Halliday 9
His heroic block at the end will probably make him a legend in one part of Glasgow for today. Apart from that, had a brilliant game as his passing range, set-piece deliveries and pressing was on point. Joint man of the match performance in our opinion along with Kent.
Connor Goldson 8
A dominant performance as he read the game well. Organised the backline to preserve the clean sheet.
Joe Worrall 8
Had a brilliant game as he pressed high up the pitch and always looked to nick the ball of the Celtic players. Timed his challenges to perfection. Could be much better when on the ball.
James Tavernier 7.5
Has always been a significant suspect on the defensive front but came up with a big performance on the big day. Can improve his set-piece deliveries. Was caught out of position twice when he allowed Callum McGregor to make overlapping runs.
Ross McCrorie 7.5
The midfield trio played their heart out and they were the real reason for the domination. McCrorie did his job to perfection as he picked out the passes well and pressed high up the pitch.
Ryan Jack 8
Scored the goal and he definitely has been the hero of this midfield for quite some time now. Another top performance as he played the box to box role to perfection.
Scott Arfield 7
His pressing was simply out of this world, and his reading of the game was fantastic. Can be much better when he gets on the ball. Guilty of not killing the game by missing scoring chances.
Daniel Candeias 7.5
The Portuguese has always been known for his work rate and today was no different. Tracked back well and was always a threat on the right-hand side.
Ryan Kent 9
Gerrard’s little surprise worked as he picked Ryan Kent to play the full 90 minutes when he wasn’t even involved in the matchday squad midweek. It was clear that the manager was saving him for this tie and what a performance the Liverpool loanee came up with. His confidence on the ball and trickery was too much for the Hoops to handle. Made the first goal by putting Lustig on his backside.
Alfredo Morelos 7
Never got any clear-cut chances but one can never write off the Colombian as he is always a nuisance to the opposition defence. Celtic fans would definitely not like the naughty style of play, but he was a major threat whenever he had the ball in the final third.
Substitutes
Lassana Coulibaly N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Jon Flanagan N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
