We’re almost a fortnight removed from Celtic’s 3-0 thumping of Rangers but it’s clear that the result still weighs heavy on the minds of those across the city.
Goals from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor sparked scenes of celebration at Celtic Park but the fallout at Rangers has been savage and fierce.
Altercations on the street, significant criticism of Philippe Clement and rumours about captain James Tavernier’s future have all spun out of the derby result.
For prominent pundit Barry Ferguson it’s been a long couple of weeks, as he makes clear the burden now facing their key players such as Tavernier.
Barry Ferguson hurting over Rangers defeat to Celtic
He said [Daily Record]: “It’s hard to believe the Old Firm game was only two weeks ago. It’s felt more like two months as far as I’m concerned.
“Too much time to think. Too much time to replay the events at Celtic Park over and over inside your own head. Too much time to hurt. And that’s just me. I can only imagine what it’s been like for the guys who are actually still wearing that Rangers shirt. And, in particular, for the man who pulls on the armband.
“I’ve been thinking about him over these last two weeks ever since I saw the footage from outside Ibrox following the derby defeat when he was confronted by angry supporters. Now I’m not on social media but the clip was sent to me and my first thought was, ‘That’s too much!’.”
“I wish I could give him a bit of advice but I can’t. Deep down only he knows if he wants to be released from the weight of this responsibility, or if the desire and appetite is still burning as brightly as ever. And it seems he’s chosen the second option. But what I do know is that Rangers will arrive in Tayside on Sunday morning with no room for error.”
Celtic’s eight-point chance
Another strong victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side against Hearts on Saturday would put them eight points ahead of Rangers in the table and really pile the pressure on them ahead of their trip to Dundee United.
| Position | Team | PlayedMP | WonW | DrawnD | LostL | ForGF | AgainstGA | DiffGD | PointsPts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 12 | 12 |
| 2 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 12 |
| 3 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| 4 |  RangersRangers | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 7 |
It’s far too early in the season to land definitive title race blows, but if Celtic keep asking the right questions of their rivals then the evidence suggests they’ll wilt.
Since the turn of the year Rodgers and his team have expertly turned the screw on Rangers and everyone else in Scotland. Long may it continue for more days of hurt in the blue half of Glasgow.
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