Football has changed a lot in the last decade and Scottish football league, unfortunately, has lost its elite status failing to cope up financially against the European heavyweights. Yet, Celtic have retained their charm and dominance in Scotland and their supremacy in Old Firm derby has been pretty clear since Rangers FC, their age-old rivals, got promoted to top-tier following four years of absence. The Hoops were 8 points clear on top from second-placed Aberdeen and the Gers were 11 points adrift of their Glasgow rivals ahead of the Saturday afternoon clash at Celtic Park. They are en route to winning their seventh consecutive league title and favourites to clinch another victory against Graeme Murty’s men.
On contrary, the hosts were troubled by the Gers all afternoon and the game ended in a scoreless draw which could have gone against their way if the visitors hadn’t missed some glorious opportunities.
Below are the Celtic FC players rated from their draw against Rangers FC.
Craig Gordon: 7.5
The custodian made a could of massive stops in the second half to deny Alfredo Morelos who could have easily won the game for the visitors if hadn’t missed some genuine chances. Looked nervy at times but his experience led his side to attain a clean-sheet.
Mikael Lustig: 6.5
Was forced to make mistakes early in the game by the pacy Josh Windass, but settled in well with time and managed to maintain a defensive composure.
Dedryck Boyata: 7
Steady, handled the pressure well and although troubled by Morelos at times, the Hoops centre-back didn’t allow the visitors to take charge of the attack.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7.5
The 6 ft 5 in teenager had a few nervy moments early but did well against pressure and handled it well all the afternoon.
Kieran Tierney: 6
Was troubled by James Tavernier and Daniel Candeias down the left-hand flank and didn’t offer enough in the attack. Had to concentrate on his defensive duties.
Scott Brown: 7
Was combative as always, but struggled to stop the Gers from making counter-attacking movements using the width of the field. Used his experience to deal with the pressure though and helped his side to keep things calm in midfield.
Callum McGregor: 6
Started the game in a deeper midfield role, marched forward with his strong dribbling skills but his long-range efforts let him down and failed to make any noteworthy contribution.
James Forrest: 7
Had his moments, made some impressive runs down the right-hand flank but was denied by the Gers’ backline repeatedly.
Stuart Armstrong: 6.5
Made some runs forward to link up with the attackers, but his through balls and strikes let him down. Tried to orchestrate move from behind but struggled to get past a resilient Rangers defence.
Scott Sinclair: 6
Was well-contained by Rangers defence, but had a glorious opportunity to put his team ahead in the closing minutes of the first-half but failed to direct his effort into the back of the net. Was taken off midway of the second-half and replaced by Olivier Ntcham.
Moussa Dembele: 6
Probably his last game for the Hoops ( as he is set to move to Premier League side Brighton) and had opportunities to put his team ahead in early minutes. Was denied by Foderingham though and failed to break the deadlock before being taken off in the second-half to be replaced by Leigh Griffiths around an hour mark.
Substitutes
Leigh Griffiths: 6
Came in place of Dembele. But failed to make any noteworthy contribution despite having a few half chances.
Olivier Ntcham: 6
Was brought in to control the game from the middle of the park. But he failed to alter the fate of the game.
