Celtic have taken a huge step towards winning the Scottish Premiership title after beating Rangers 2-1 at Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon.
Matt O’Riley was the hero who got the scoring underway, rifling a fierce low shot past a helpless Jack Butland after 35 minutes.
Shortly after, John Lundstram diverted Daizen Maeda’s low cross into his own net to have the Bhoys two up.
Cyriel Dessers pulled one back with a close-range header in the aftermath but it all unravelled for the visitors when Lundstram completed his horror show with a red card challenge on Alistair Johnston before half-time.
Celtic were dominant throughout and, while Rangers provided a bit of late pressure after a succession of missed chances for the home side, fully deserved the victory.
What are the big talking points coming out of the fixture? Here are three of ours.
Celtic on the brink of three-in-a-row
Brendan Rodgers’ side now just need a single point over the next two matches to confirm their status as champions. Celtic sit six clear of the second-placed side and have a seven-goal advantage when it comes to goal difference.
It means the title could be wrapped up away to Kilmarnock on Wednesday night. Derek McInnes’ side won’t like the thought of that happening on their home turf and will prove difficult opponents, but Celtic will be keen to officially get over the finishing line as quickly as possible.
Today’s result is the knockout blow Celtic needed to see off Rangers. It eases nerves in the final week of the Premiership and should ensure there is no late drama. There’s one hand on the silverware.
Celtic’s biggest asset
Kyogo Furuhashi had earned his status as Celtic’s main danger man against Rangers after scoring seven goals in his last seven derby starts. However, it was Matt O’Riley who stepped up and showed his value to this Celtic team.
O’Riley was a big threat in the first half before eventually scoring, taking aim with several testing shots. The goal itself was beautifully taken from Callum McGregor’s classy assist.
The Danish international now has 16 goals in all competitions for the Bhoys this season, creating a further 17 assists. Those are stellar numbers and, rightly, he is considered Celtic’s most valuable asset right now.
There’s a lot of talk about a big-money, possible record-breaking move for O’Riley this summer. Fans won’t want him to go anywhere given his importance to this title bid. He’s a star man and showed it another big game on Saturday afternoon.
Rangers’ costly meltdown
In a pre-match media conference, Philippe Clement talked up his side’s ability to cope with the pressure of today as ‘gladiators’ in the ‘coliseum’ of Celtic Park. In the end, one player lost his head.
John Lundstram had a nightmare afternoon, scoring an own goal and getting sent off all within 10 minutes. It was the meltdown that cost Rangers the match.
Ultimately they couldn’t handle the heat of this fixture. Celtic are victors. Celtic should now go on to be champions. For Rangers, there’s always next year, again.
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