On the brink of title, Ange call spot on; 3 things we learned as Celtic show up rivals

By John McGinley

April 3, 2022

Celtic have beaten Rangers at Ibrox 2-1 this afternoon thanks to goals from Tom Rogic and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The travelling Bhoys were under the cosh early on in the encounter but weathered an initial storm to fight back into the game and get ahead by the interval.

In the second half, Celtic’s defensive prowess came to the fore with our resilience proving just too much for the home side to break down. They were desperate for a victory but couldn’t even manage a draw.

What did we learn from the match? Here are three big talking points…

The countdown to a title win is on

Incredibly, Celtic are now six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership with just six games remaining. That’s a hell of a margin at this stage of this season, with just one derby on the books at Celtic Park.

Given that Celtic haven’t been beaten in the league since September and have only dropped a handful of points in draws, only a calamitous fall from grace would see us lose the league now.

There’s still lots of football to be played and lots of hard work ahead. The players and the manager won’t be celebrating yet. But it really is time to dream.

It’s ours to lose now folks and we don’t look like slipping an inch.

Tom Rogic is born for these occasions

One of the big calls the manager had to make for this game was whether to play Tom Rogic or Matt O’Riley. He went with his fellow countryman and it was spot on.

Rogic was terrific in this game, especially in the first half, scoring and terrorising the home side to put them on the back foot.

He has the poise for these occasions. He plays above the madness with a cool head and patience. It was exactly what we needed and had he stayed on the pitch he may well have been our man of the match. He still might be.

No-one should have any doubts about playing the Australian in this fixture ever again.

A team of leaders

The determination Celtic showed today was impressive. Led by Callum McGregor, multiple players popped up all over the park to produce big moments of play at crucial parts of the game.

Greg Taylor, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Joe Hart – every one of these players showed they are warriors and fight for the team unit.

A lesser group would have undoubtedly wilted after that frantic opening to the game. Postecoglou’s work over the last 9 months has created a unit that can overcome big challenges.

Today was a huge game and ultimately Rangers got bodied. We have a team of leaders and they’re on their way to a title.

In other news, What a strike: Celtic post video of yesterday’s must-see Owen Moffat wonder goal.