"That just killed the season"; BBC Sportsound pundit thinks Celtic just ended Rangers challenge

By John McGinley

January 2, 2023

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner thinks the Bhoys earning a point at Ibrox today has effectively killed off Rangers’ title challenge in the second half of the season.

Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi scored in a 2-2 draw at Ibrox, with Kyogo’s effort coming late in the match to secure the point and maintain a healthy lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Ange Postecoglou’s team sit nine points clear with 20 games remaining and have only been defeated once since the opening day. For Bonner, is too big a gap for Rangers to overturn after they failed to get the job done this afternoon.

He told BBC Radio Scotland [14:53]: “I know you were talking about the league isn’t over. I think the league is over. That last goal that Celtic scored, that second goal, that just killed the season when you’re nine points ahead.

“I don’t think Celtic will play as bad again. To lose four games now, and having Rangers at home. It’s just a huge task for Rangers to turn that around. In my opinion, that was a crucial goal.”

There are still 18 games remaining in the top-flight and the last people to get complacent will be Postecoglou and his players. That’s become clear during the Australian’s reign in charge. He demands the maximum at all times.

However, as observers, it’s easy to where Bonner is coming from. The points lead on current form and trends looks almost impossible to reverse after they could cut the deficit this afternoon.

In some ways, it was a frustrating day for Celtic, who at one point looked to be heading for a win. But you absolutely have to take the point as a positive considering the way the game panned out.

Kyogo’s goal may well be looked back on as a massive moment in the context of the season.

In other news, Chris Sutton delivers instant verdict as Celtic earn point vs Rangers; questions VAR.