Celtic are firmly into the international break, but the feel-good factor is still fresh after the Bhoys disposed of Rangers last weekend.
The Bhoys were a level or two above their opponents on the day in what turned into a truly dominant performance, extending their lead over their rivals to five points.
While Celtic occupy top spot in the Scottish Premiership on goal difference, the mood music is very different across the other side of the city.
Both sides of the divide look to be in completely different mindstates at what is still admittedly an early stage in the season. Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers won’t be getting carried away; he’ll know there is still plenty of football to be played.
However, rejoicing in your rivals’ misfortune is one of the pleasures of being a football fan. Simon Donnelly has offered his thoughts on why Celtic seem to be having such joy in the fixture at the minute.
Simon Donnelly on why Celtic have an advantage over Rangers
Speaking on the official Celtic FC Podcast, Donnelly indicated there is a certainty about which way the Glasgow Derby will go if Celtic start to seize control in proceedings.
Last weekend, the tide turned regarding territory when Kyogo Furuhashi saw his goal ruled out for offside. From then on, the Bhoys dominated their rivals, something the former Hoops man believes can be attributed to their rivals’ lack of mental fortitude in tough situations.
He explained: “I just thought Celtic didn’t start the game very well; the other half are giving themselves credit for the way they started it. They were trying to curb that, but good players get out of that.
“The Celtic midfield as well, if you are trying to stop one player (Callum McGregor), there are two others in there as well that are capable; they are just as strong. That first goal that got cancelled out, he’s broke, he’s got away from whoever was trying to put the pressure on them.
“All of a sudden, we’re on the other side, and he’s stuck Kuhn in. The more and more that happens, the more you look at guys like Tavernier with Maeda; they must think, ‘Here it comes again’; this is the start again, and it’s inevitable.
“It’s almost as if (it’s) an acceptance as well. We’ve played in games before when maybe Rangers have got the upper hand, but there was always fire in your belly to go and try and smash somebody or do something in the game. It was as if there was an acceptance, Celtic are too strong for us here and I thought it was a very comfortable afternoon for Celtic.”
Celtic were streets ahead of Rangers last weekend
Piling on the agony and putting on the style, Celtic were miles in front of their rivals last weekend and won the battle in every department.
Admittedly, Rangers did have their share of chances, but they couldn’t show any clinical edge in crunch moments. The same cannot be said for the home side, who capitalised on their frailties.
Now, the Glasgow Derby will be at the back of Rodgers’ mind. There are bigger fish to fry after the international break, including the challenge of juggling domestic football and the Champions League league phase.
The memories of last Sunday will last for a while. However, there are a lot of matches to be played as the fixture schedule starts to clog up, which is now the main focus for everyone connected with Celtic.
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