Crisis, what crisis? Celtic’s injury-ravaged and depleted squad have shown up rivals Rangers with a massive 1-0 victory at Ibrox.
Brendan Rodgers and his team had big questions to answer off the back of two poor results in recent weeks. They did so with a determined and battling performance, with one moment of quality from Kyogo Furuhashi enough to win the game. Rangers, for all their summer hype and tales of being on the march against Celtic, couldn’t find a way to goal despite and it’s the Bhoys at the top of the table.
What were the big takeaways from the encounter? Here are three of ours in an instant reaction…
Kyogo’s class
Kyogo had a number of chances at Ibrox, certainly more than Rangers would have liked. He didn’t capitalise on most of them, but the one he stuck away is ultimately the one that has delivered Celtic’s three points.
His quick thinking to capitalise on Matt O’Riley’s header and smashed finish that took Jack Butland by surprise was outstanding. It was one of the only moments of real quality in the entire match. You always have a chance of victory with a player like Kyogo in your team.
The Japanese international now has a superb six goals in 10 matches against Rangers, marking himself out as the prime derby day performer in Glasgow. He relishes these occasions and, although he could have had even more goals or assists today, again showed up when it counted.
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Callum McGregor turns it around
Speaking up turning up when it matters, captain Callum McGregor certainly did that today. The midfielder hasn’t had the best of starts to the competitive season. He’s been one of the criticised players in the early stages. However, today, especially in the first half, he was superb.
For some reason, Michael Beale didn’t deploy the tactic of sitting a man on him and pressing when the defence were playing out. He got plenty of space to dictate the play in the opening period and capitalised, helping Celtic string together solid periods of possession.
The entire team started sitting a little too deep after the interval, so McGregor’s influence waned a little, but he can be proud of his efforts today. Under pressure, he’s led this Celtic team to a huge result. Full credit to him for doing so.
Weakened Celtic still the best you get in Scotland
Today’s Celtic team was far from as strong as it could have been. Reo Hatate is out, Cameron Carter-Vickers is out, Maik Nawrocki is on the sidelines and Alistair Johnston is still working back to full fitness, despite starting. We have new signings to come into the team too. Rangers meanwhile were about at full strength apart from Borna Barisic. So today’s victory bodes very well for the season ahead.
Even depleted, with a defensive injury crisis, concerns in transition from Ange Postecoglou and much more improvement ahead – Celtic are still the best around in Scotland. And that will surely lead to massive questions for Rangers and Michael Beale.
Celtic were not at their best across today’s 90 minutes yet still sit proudly at the top of the Scottish Premiership, coming through the first derby test away from home with no Bhoys support.
In other news, Celtic legend Scott Brown sacked from first management job; statement released.