Match Pictures | Matches: 2021 – 2022
Trivia
- KO: 12:00
- First Glasgow Derby for Ange Postecoglu; first meeting of both teams this season, with Sevco the league title holders for the first time in their history. Celtic never defeated Sevco last season and were hammered in the last meeting.
- Debut for Juranovic played at left back due to injury to Taylor.
- Sevco invalidate 750 tickets given to Celtic so no Celtic fans at Ibrox next Sunday.
- Sevco fans march thru Glasgow City centre: Marching through the streets of Glasgow chanting “the famine is over why don’t you go home?” is utterly abhorrent. No different to a far-right protest chanting “refugees go home”. Not sectarianism but anti-Irish racism. Police do nothing but escort them.
https://twitter.com/bobobalti/status/1431951022918938631?s=20 - After last weekend’s matches: Sevco investigating after a video on social media showed supporters on a supporters bus chanting a racist song about Kyogo Furuhashi, and doing ‘squinty eyes’ chanting ‘Lets all do a Kyogo’, deeply offensive to all those with any sense of decency. Sevco confirm the Sevco Supporters Club & fans banned. It all went global. Two Sevco fans got arrested for the incident. https://twitter.com/Liam_O_Hare/status/1429449608699207693
- Celtic added: “If reports are accurate then such sickening and pathetic racist behaviour directed towards Kyogo Furuhashi deserves absolute condemnation. Unfortunately, a number of Celtic players in recent years have suffered similar racist abuse. As a club open to all, we stand firmly against racism in all its forms and we will give Kyogo our full support. All stakeholders must work together in tackling all forms of bigotry.”
- Kyogo – What was the justification for the Kyogo getting booed every touch he had ? Surely the racist mob weren’t booing him for their own fans being racist towards him ? Clearly and sadly it was clear to all.
- Internationals in the next week! Annoyingly.
- Sports pundit Hugh Keevins on Radio Clyde given the opportunity to ramble out his half baked ideas on a prime time mainstream radio show about (in his view) the non existence of racism in this era or that era based purely on his own anecdotal experiences. He apologised the next day but only after a backlash.
- Sad passing of George Stein, son of legendary Manager Jock Stein, who passed away last night after a long illness. RIP
- Liam Scales signs for Celtic (£500k from Shamrock rovers).
- Leo Hjelde has joined @LUFC on a permanent basis.
- lined up £2.5million Greek striker Georgios Giakoumakis from Dutch club VVV-Venlo as a replacement for Edouard.
- Paralympics in Tokyo :
Scott Quin comes home in 3rd to take Bronze in the SB14 100m Breaststroke with a time of 1:05.91! Team GB win the coveted wheelchair rugby gold medal (their first Paralympics medal in the event). Congrats. - Transfer window to shut soon.
- EUROPA LEAGUE DRAW Trophy Bayer Leverkusen Germany of Scotland Real Betis Spain Ferencvaros Hungary
Summary
“It’s not about education and people are more than well aware of what’s right and wrong – just be a decent human being and treat people with respect.”
Ange on Kyogo after videos of racist abuse against him by Sevco fans went viral.
Ange on Celtic being underdogs vs a Sevco “Favourites, underdogs becomes really irrelevant. What becomes important for me is belief. Belief in ourselves, belief in our football, belief in our football club and to take every contest head-on.”
Ange Postecoglou on the match:” We need to take our chances when they come.”
(jbcity of TheCelticWiki)
The match was overshadowed beforehand by the racist videos that went viral of Sevco fans. To the credit of Sevco they did swiftly take action, and so point scoring should be parked in this case. However Sevco fans did marches thru Glasgow City centre chanting racist songs and the whole offensive repertoire (e.g. The famine song).
Both Sevco & Celtic have had a fair run of form coming into these games, with one domestic defeat each and then both being knocked out of the Champions League in the qualifying stages. Both sides had supporters who were confident of victory.
Sadly it was Sevco who got the rub of the green (so to speak) and scored a goal from a corner. Celtic had the better first half and vice versa for second half. Referee was weak and gave Sevco fouls for every Hun dive practically. Shambles.
Celtic had a few chances but squandered them inc what should have been a good assist to Edouard.
The much maligned defence actually had their best performance so far this season, although some people not giving Starfelt a chance at moment.
The attack was much criticised with Edouard said by some to be not giving his all whilst Christie was not at his best. Kyogo was unfortunate not to score,whilst there was a mixed view on Abada.
Disappointing to lose but Celtic have progressed since last season and there is much to respect Ange for so far. Needs time and it was a learning process for him as much as the supporters.
Much to take positives from despite a defeat.
AgentScotland – Celtic aren’t the same team when Kyogo plays left off Edouard, that said not sure what else Ange could’ve done, he obviously didn’t fancy Rogic & Turnbull in a midfield 3, Rangers using a narrow front 3 completely nulified the inverted fullback tactic, still 3 starters short, IMO
Celtic stretched their lead in xG over the last 9 largely fruitless derbiesThat comment will frustrate data lovers and haters equallyBut what unites us all is the sentiment that if you don’t take your chances…..
Thecelticwiki – Really big few days coming up. Very likely season defining. I’m encouraged at the progress of the team to date but still lots to do.Where we want to be, at least domestically, is within our reach if the board support Ange and bring in the additional quality we need.
Aconroy- Ange Postecoglou admits he should’ve started Kyogo Furuhashi in Edouard’s position, but says that was difficult with Forrest out.
LL –Starfelt was getting it in the neck from some over the goal but I think he was on Goldson & realised Helander was free behind him. Letting a 6 feet 2 defender get a free run at the ball is poor defending. That type of defending crucified Celtic last season and needs to stop.
@BA – Think it’ll be over reaction on both sides Celtic fans thinking it’s a disaster Rangers thinking their amazing Reality, it was a coin toss game
Teams
Celtic:
Celtic
Formation 4-3-3
- 15Hart
- 56Ralston
- 57Welsh
- 4Starfelt
- 88Juranovic
- 17Christie
- 42McGregor
- 14TurnbullBooked at 38mins
- Substituted forRogicat 67′minutes
- 11Abada
- Substituted forMontgomeryat 86′minutes
- 22EdouardBooked at 64mins
- Substituted forSoroat 67′minutes
- 8Furuhashi
Substitutes
- 6Bitton
- 10Ajeti
- 12Soro
- 18Rogic
- 26Urhoghide
- 29Bain
- 54Montgomery
Goals:
Assists:
Rangers
Formation 4-3-3
- 28McCrorie
- 26Balogun
- 6Goldson
- 5Helander
- 31Barisic
- 17Aribo
- 10Davis
- 18Kamara
- 25Roofe
- Substituted forLundstramat 74′minutes
- 20Morelos
- Substituted forSakalaat 84′minutes
- 14Kent
- Substituted forArfieldat 89′minutes
Substitutes
- 4Lundstram
- 7Hagi
- 11Itten
- 22Bacuna
- 30Sakala
- 37Arfield
- 54Wright
Goals:
- Helander (66′ minutes)
Assists:
- Barisic (66′ minutes)
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
- Prior
- Match
- Post
- MoTM
Stats
- Possession
- Home34%
- Away66%
- Shots
- Home15
- Away10
- Shots on Target
- Home4
- Away3
- Corners
- Home4
- Away4
- Fouls
- Home9
- Away12
Articles
Celtic condemn ‘sickening’ racist abuse of Kyogo Furuhashi by Rangers fans
Mark Dobson
@kellysheroesmd
Sun 22 Aug 2021 22.36 BST
Celtic have described racist social media footage – featuring travelling Rangers fans mocking the Japanese forward Kyogo Furuhashi – as “sickening and pathetic”.
Rangers have launched an investigation after the video, from a supporters’ bus, emerged on Sunday afternoon, when Steven Gerrard’s side were in Dingwall for a 4-2 win over Ross County. Fans were seen singing racist songs and making offensive eye gestures to mobile phones.
Celtic said in a statement on Sunday evening: “If reports are accurate then such sickening and pathetic racist behaviour directed towards Kyogo Furuhashi deserves absolute condemnation.
“Unfortunately, a number of Celtic players in recent years have suffered similar racist abuse. As a club open to all, we stand firmly against racism in all its forms and we will give Kyogo our full support.
“All stakeholders must work together in tackling all forms of bigotry.”
The latest chapter in this depressing story is unlikely to calm tensions as Celtic visit Rangers next Sunday in the opening Old Firm clash of the Scottish Premiership season.
In response to the video, a Rangers club spokesperson said: “Rangers condemns all forms of racism and discrimination. Those who partake in such behaviour are not representative of our club or the loyal support who have stood by us through thick and thin.
“We are currently investigating to identify the individuals involved.”
Police Scotland has been approached for comment.
Furuhashi, 26, joined Celtic from Vissel Kobe this summer and has become an immediate favourite at Parkhead with six goals in seven games.
BBC
By Andrew SouthwickBBC Scotland
Last updated on
6 hours ago6 hours ago.From the section Scottish Premiership
Rangers’ Filip Helander beats Celtic’s Joe Hart with a header
Rangers’ Filip Helander (left) watches as his header beats Celtic’s Joe Hart to amke it 1-0
Filip Helander’s thumping header settled a pulsating Old Firm derby as a depleted Rangers inflicted Celtic’s second Scottish Premiership defeat of the season at a packed Ibrox.
The home side, with manager Steven Gerrard and several players absent after a Covid outbreak, made it seven derbies in a row without defeat, with victory in six of them.
Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard somehow squirted wide from close range with the game goalless, before Helander’s header claimed the points for the champions.
The victory moves Rangers to within a point of Hibernian and Hearts at the summit, with Celtic in sixth place after two defeats in four matches.
It also means Ange Postecoglou becomes the first Celtic manager since Tony Mowbray in 2009 to lose his first Old Firm derby.
Rangers more like themselves against unfamiliar Celtic
‘Familiar outcome as predictions falter’
It was the first Old Firm game in front of fans since December 2019, but Celtic had to face down the capacity Ibrox crowd without any of their own people to support them.
But there were absentees in the Rangers ranks, too. Most notable was manager Gerrard, who was not at Ibrox after a Covid outbreak, and was replaced by assistant Gary McAllister.
Goalkeepers Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin, captain James Tavernier, and fellow right-back Nathan Paterson, were among the others missing, with McAllister revealing afterwards he was unsure who would be available until Sunday morning.
The uncertainty and vulnerability both sides had shown this season made it all the more fascinating. The question was who would blink first?
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos shot over early on as he tried to hit the net for the third derby in a row, and Celtic’s Japanese forward Kyogo Furuhashi clipped an effort wide in his first taste of this occasion.
Back it swung again. Rangers’ Kemar Roofe chested the ball down in the box but couldn’t get a shot away, before Edouard inexplicably passed up a golden chance.
Kyogo squared the ball into the Frenchman’s path with just third-choice goalkeeper Robbie McCrorie to beat. The Edouard of old would have put it away in his sleep, but this time he horribly skewed in the wrong direction.
Rangers’ Kent whipped a low shot off the outside of the far post as the end-to-end action continued. But in all the frantic and absorbing action, neither goalkeeper had actually been tested in 45 minutes.
The tide appeared to turn in Rangers’ favour after the break, though. Connor Goldson, Kent and Roofe all had half-chances before Celtic responded with a tame David Turnbull free-kick into the hands of McCrorie.
And, with the momentum very much with Rangers, they broke the deadlock when Borna Barisic’s corner reached Helander, who made a late run to the back post and bulleted a header beyond Joe Hart.
The game still had more twists and turns in it, though. Moments after conceding, Kyogo found himself one-on-one with McCrorie, but the young Rangers goalkeeper denied him with a smart save in what was only his second appearance.
And the Japanese again broke through into the box, but elected for a strike instead of squaring the ball to an unmarked Ryan Christie, with McCrorie getting a foot to the shot.
A minute later he made he made the wrong decision again – squaring when he should have shot – before Celtic debutant Josip Juranovic shot over as Celtic applied late pressure.
Fashion Sakala might have burnished Rangers’ lead when he broke free on the right, but the hosts had done enough to maintain their dominance in Glasgow, and have now won their last 21 home league games in a row.
Man of the match – Leon Balogun
Rangers Leon Balogun and Celtic’s Josip Juranovic
Balogun (left) had to fill in at right back but kept the dangerous Kyogo quiet
What did we learn?
Both had to deploy makeshift defences; Rangers playing Leon Balogun at right back, while Croatian defender Juranovic made his Celtic debut in an unfamiliar left-back role. Despite that, both defences stood up well.
The game turned on a fantastic delivery from a Barisic corner, but Celtic will be left licking their wounds having passed up glorious chances of their own.
What’s next?
After the international break, Rangers travel to St Johnstone on Saturday, 11 September (12:30 BST) while Celtic are at home to Ross County later that day (15:00).
Rangers 1-0 Celtic: ‘Familiar Old Firm outcome as predictions falter’
By Tom EnglishBBC Scotland
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58377822
1 hour ago1 hour ago.From the section Scottish Premiership
Filip Helander, second left, scored yet another Old Firm set-piece goal for Rangers to decide the derby
Filip Helander, second left, scored yet another Old Firm set-piece goal for Rangers to decide the derby
The best-laid predictions toppled like nine pins for much of the day, the expected exuberance of Celtic’s attack and the forecasted vulnerability of Rangers’ defence being turned on its head.
One by one, the things we thought might happen at Ibrox did not.
Kyogo Furuhashi, Celtic’s devilish imp with goals coming out of his ears, was supposed to tear Leon Balogun, Rangers makeshift right-back, to shreds. Balogun was terrific.
Ryan Kent, Rangers’ danger man, was supposed to torment Anthony Ralston. It never happened. Ralston was excellent once again.
The smart money had Celtic’s relentless attackers scoring at least once. They drew a blank. Conventional wisdom had it that at least one of Kent, Alfredo Morelos or Kemar Roofe would take advantage of the anxious heart of the visiting defence. They, too, came up short.
Not many things went the way many had thought, but the decisive moment had a familiarity about it, a weary flashback for the Celtic supporters.
Helander header settles Old Firm derby
Rangers more like themselves – reaction
In these games last season, Rangers scored four goals when getting on the end of deliveries into the box, a Connor Goldson header from a James Tavernier free-kick, a Callum McGregor own goal off a corner, a Morelos finish from another corner and a Roofe goal from a cross.
For all the things that have changed at Celtic in the summer, the winner here was a throwback to the dog days of last season when a ball in their airspace at the back caused them untold grief.
It’s also a second defeat in four league games. The boom or bust continues – two 6-0 victories and two 1-0 losses. They’ve shipped 12 goals in 11 games in all competitions.
‘Nothing decided, but huge day for Rangers’
The irony was that before Borna Barisic swung in that corner for Filip Helander to nut home, the Croatian’s radar was badly off. He put crosses too low, too high and wildly into the stand, he put a free-kick tamely into a wall.
It just takes one moment, though. One piece of accuracy, one piece of hesitancy, one piece of barrelling belligerence from a defender-cum-attacker who wanted nothing more in those seconds than to get his head on a ball and put it in the net.
The fact Celtic made his life easier was just a reminder that, for all the progress Ange Postecoglou feels he has made, he still has a way to go in the rebuilding of this team.
Nothing is determined this early in the season, but this was a huge day for Rangers.
Covid denied them their manager, Steven Gerrard; their captain, Tavernier; and their top two goalkeepers, Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin. And yet they found a way of winning what was a fine derby.
They did it against a backdrop of doubt. The narrative that they struggle to carry the burden of expectation when playing in front of their own people had taken hold in places (Celtic places mostly), but this will have stalled that chat – or killed it stone dead.
Rangers have had some wobbles of late, but this was a return to sterner stuff. A win, clean sheet and a move up the table. In their last seven derbies, they’ve won six and have drawn one, they’ve scored 13 goals and conceded just three.
Gerrard made no secret of his view that his team have been struggling to find themselves this season. In his absence, this was the victory he’d been waiting for.
‘Celtic left to rue Kyogo’s peripheral role’
Kyogo Furuhashi made a difference when moved into a central role
Kyogo Furuhashi made a difference when moved into a central role
It was toe-to-toe stuff all day. There weren’t buckets of chances but there was an amount of intrigue.
In going with a front three of Kyogo, Odsonne Edouard and Liel Abada, the Celtic manager ramped up his reputation as a man who likes to target an opponent’s jugular before they have a chance to strike at his solar plexus.
Kyogo off the left was a mistake, though, and one Postecoglou conceded afterwards. He’s been wonderfully effective through the middle in his early games but starting out wide to make way for Edouard, he was a diminished force. Virtually the second he was put through the middle, with 20 minutes to go, he started causing trouble.
The excellent, and third-choice Robby McCrorie denied him once and then twice. Late in the game, Kyogo shot when he should have passed – Ryan Christie was howling for the ball like a banshee in the night – and then when he went again soon after, the Japanese passed when he should have shot.
If Celtic can draw any comfort, it’s that there was very little in the game, that they had chances they didn’t convert.
Edouard had one opportunity and he missed it. A veritable sitter too. It would have put them ahead. It might have changed the entire day. It could have seen Ibrox turn in on its team and the whole atmosphere turn stressful and angry.
Coulda, woulda. Edouard let them off the hook. Postecoglou will ponder a few things after this. He’ll want to get the Edouard situation sorted once and for all. For too long, Celtic have lived with speculation about the Frenchman moving on. Window after window, supposed suitor after supposed suitor. But in Glasgow he remains.
As a Celtic player he looks like the light of other days, a guy who needs to leave in order to get himself going again.
For the individual and the Celtic collective this speculation needs to stop. Get as much money for him as possible and get on with life with Kyogo and Edouard’s heir-apparent, Georgios Giakoumakis, scorer of 26 goals in 31 games for a VVV Venlo side that finished 17th of 18 in the Eredivisie last season.
There will be activity at Celtic right until the transfer deadline on Tuesday. Postecoglou is not the type to curl up in a ball and bemoan this defeat, but its lessons won’t be lost on him.
Another experienced central defender is needed, another wide player, another striker. Will he experiment with Kyogo on the flank again? Opposing teams in Scotland would love if he did.
Gerrard will be thrilled his spell in isolation has seen them progress into the group stages of the Europa League before making a 2000-mile return journey from Armenia to beat Celtic. Gary McAllister has been the steadiest of hands.
A lousy week off the pitch could scarcely have gone any better on it.
Rangers 1-0 Celtic: Champions ‘more recognisable’ but Celtic pay the price for unfamiliarity
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58377349
4 hours ago4 hours ago.From the section Scottish Premiership
Rangers v Celtic
Rangers’ victory was their sixth in seven Old Firm matches
Rangers were more like themselves, but Celtic paid for their unfamiliarity in the first Old Firm derby of the season, according to the respective managers.
Gary McAllister, leading the Ibrox side with Steven Gerrard caught up in a Covid outbreak, paid tribute to his side’s mentality after Filip Helander’s header settled the game, saying “you saw a club coming together”.
But Celtic’s Ange Postecoglou rued the turbulence in his recast squad after six players made derby debuts, adding “we’ve thrown guys in at times”.
Rangers had three Old Firm new boys of their own, though, with Robby McCrorie starting and John Lundstrum and Fashion Sakala appearing from the bench.
And McAllister was thrilled with how his players responded after their Covid issues and a sticky start to the campaign.
“A lot’s been thrown at us in the last two or three games but I thought we were more recognisable today,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s a massive boost in confidence and the manager’s very, very happy.”
The victory moves Rangers to within a point of Hibernian and Hearts at the summit, with Celtic in sixth place after two defeats in four matches.
‘From 1 to 11 we were outstanding’ – the Rangers viewpoint
As well as Gerrard having to watch from home, goalkeepers Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin, captain James Tavernier, and fellow right-back Nathan Paterson, were among those missing.
McAllister revealed afterwards he was unsure who would be available until Sunday morning, but McCrorie kept a clean sheet on his second first-team appearance and Leon Balogun filled in admirably at right-back.
Helander header settles Old Firm derby
‘Familiar outcome as predictions falter’
“It’s been a very strange three or four days,” McAllister added. “You saw a club coming together today and, wow, the fans were outstanding.
“I thought from one through to 11 we were outstanding. If I had to pick one, Leon was superb. He stood out today, and it was a proper man’s performance.
“We’ve seen a big change in Robby – a maturity in his demeanour. He’s more talkative and I think he feels he belongs now. He looks an impressive figure in the goal. Last season getting to Livingston [on loan] was so valuable for him.”
‘We’ll settle down and start building’ – the Celtic perspective
It was Celtic’s second defeat in four Scottish Premiership matches – their worst start to a season since 1997-98 – as Postecoglou became the first Parkhead manager since Tony Mowbray in 2009 to lose his first Old Firm game.
The Australian was left frustrated by his side’s missed chances, with Odsonne Edouard and Kyogo Furuhashi in particular passing up golden opportunities. And he acknowledged that he “probably should have” started the Japanese through the middle, rather than Edouard.
“Getting that first goal was going to be important. We didn’t. Unfortunately, we paid the price,” he told Sky Sports. “Unfortunately, we fell behind but we had a couple of good chances towards the end.”
Report
Croatian defender Josip Juranovic made his debut in an unfamiliar left-back position, while goalkeeper Joe Hart, defender Carl Starfelt, and forwards Liel Abda and Kyogo Furuhashi all made their first Old Firm appearances, along with substitute Adam Montgomery.
“As soon as the window ends, we’ll settle our squad down and start building for the next batch of games,” Postecoglou added. “We need to hit some form and start winning games, particularly in the league, and get a run going.”
‘Not much in it’ – the pundit opinion
Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson: “Whatever Gary McAllister said to them at half-time, they came out fired up, it was so evident. They were winning every second ball and pinning Celtic back.
“I thought it might just come down to a set piece but Rangers had to put a lot of hard work in because Celtic were at it.”
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner: “Celtic defended well from open play, but the more set-pieces they gave away, the more it looked like Rangers would have that chance. At the goal Filip Helander gets a free run; no-one picks him up.
“But Celtic did show character to come back in that second half, and I think they should have had a draw. They were as good, if not better, than Rangers at certain parts but Rangers managed the game better.”
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Match ends, Rangers 1, Celtic 0.
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Full Time
Second Half ends, Rangers 1, Celtic 0.
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Post update
Attempt blocked. Stephen Welsh (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ryan Christie with a cross.
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Post update
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Borna Barisic.
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Post update
Foul by Ismaila Soro (Celtic).
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Glen Kamara (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Attempt saved. Fashion Sakala (Rangers) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Steven Davis.
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Post update
Hand ball by Scott Arfield (Rangers).
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Substitution
Substitution, Rangers. Scott Arfield replaces Ryan Kent.
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Post update
Attempt missed. Josip Juranovic (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Adam Montgomery.
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Post update
Carl Starfelt (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Post update
Foul by Fashion Sakala (Rangers).
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Substitution
Substitution, Celtic. Adam Montgomery replaces Liel Abada.
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Post update
Attempt saved. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Tomas Rogic with a through ball.
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Substitution
Substitution, Rangers. Fashion Sakala replaces Alfredo Morelos.
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Post update
Foul by Carl Starfelt (Celtic).
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Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Post update
Attempt missed. Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Joe Aribo.
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Post update
Attempt blocked. Ryan Kent (Rangers) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Joe Aribo.
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Post update
Foul by Ryan Christie (Celtic).
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Post update
John Lundstram (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Substitution
Substitution, Rangers. John Lundstram replaces Kemar Roofe.
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Josip Juranovic (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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Post update
Foul by Leon Balogun (Rangers).
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Attempt missed. Carl Starfelt (Celtic) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Ryan Christie with a cross following a corner.
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Post update
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Robby McCrorie.
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Post update
Attempt saved. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Anthony Ralston with a through ball.
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Substitution
Substitution, Celtic. Ismaila Soro replaces Odsonne Edouard.
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Substitution
Substitution, Celtic. Tomas Rogic replaces David Turnbull.
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Goal!
Goal! Rangers 1, Celtic 0. Filip Helander (Rangers) header from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Borna Barisic with a cross following a corner.
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Post update
Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Joe Hart.
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Post update
Attempt missed. Connor Goldson (Rangers) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right following a set piece situation.
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Post update
Foul by Carl Starfelt (Celtic).
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Post update
Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Booking
Odsonne Edouard (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
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Post update
Odsonne Edouard (Celtic).
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Post update
Robby McCrorie (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Post update
Attempt saved. David Turnbull (Celtic) right footed shot from long range on the left is saved in the centre of the goal.
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Post update
Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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Post update
Foul by Leon Balogun (Rangers).
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Post update
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Joe Aribo.
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Post update
Attempt missed. Kemar Roofe (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Steven Davis.
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Post update
Attempt saved. Ryan Kent (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Glen Kamara.
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Post update
Attempt missed. Connor Goldson (Rangers) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Borna Barisic with a cross following a corner.
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Post update
Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Carl Starfelt.
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Post update
Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Josip Juranovic.
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Post update
Attempt blocked. Glen Kamara (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
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Post update
Foul by Carl Starfelt (Celtic).
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Post update
Kemar Roofe (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Post update
Attempt blocked. Borna Barisic (Rangers) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
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Post update
Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).
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Post update
Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Second Half
Second Half begins Rangers 0, Celtic 0.
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Half Time
First Half ends, Rangers 0, Celtic 0.
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Post update
Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Filip Helander.
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Post update
Attempt missed. Ryan Christie (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Kyogo Furuhashi.
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Post update
Attempt saved. Steven Davis (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
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Post update
Foul by Ryan Christie (Celtic).
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Post update
Ryan Kent (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Post update
Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).
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Post update
Joe Aribo (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Post update
Stephen Welsh (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).
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Booking
David Turnbull (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
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Foul by David Turnbull (Celtic).
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Connor Goldson (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Odsonne Edouard (Celtic).
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Filip Helander (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Callum McGregor (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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Foul by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).
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Ryan Kent (Rangers) hits the right post with a right footed shot from outside the box. Assisted by Alfredo Morelos.
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Carl Starfelt (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Filip Helander (Rangers).
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Attempt blocked. Ryan Kent (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
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Foul by Stephen Welsh (Celtic).
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Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Attempt missed. Odsonne Edouard (Celtic) right footed shot from very close range misses to the left. Assisted by Kyogo Furuhashi.
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Attempt missed. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right.
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Attempt missed. Ryan Kent (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.
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Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Stephen Welsh.
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Offside, Celtic. Joe Hart tries a through ball, but Liel Abada is caught offside.
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Callum McGregor (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
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Foul by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).
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Odsonne Edouard (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Foul by Connor Goldson (Rangers).
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Attempt blocked. Callum McGregor (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Ryan Christie.
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Attempt missed. Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) left footed shot from the centre of the box is too high.
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Kick Off
First Half begins.
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Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Lethargic Celtic and a Europa hangover but today proves we need more bodies
By Niall J 29 August, 2021 No Comments
Lethargic Celtic and a Europa hangover but today proves we need more bodies
There will be a period of introspection for all at Celtic after a 1-0 defeat at Ibrox that laid bare the limited options Ange Postecoglou has to work with. At least you hope it will be for all.
The manager post-match, indicated a lack of left-wing options forced him to play Odsonne Edouard through the middle in a game that demanded the movement of Kyogo centrally. However with James Forrest injured, Tom Rogic looking defensively suspect in midweek and a lesson being learned that in competitive away fixtures Rogic and Turnbull offer too little protection to Callum McGregor, still playing as a six when his talents are required in an eight position, Ange Postecoglou had little choice but to move Ryan Christie into the middle of the park and gamble he and Turnbull could bring both composure and defensive endeavour to the team this afternoon.
That of course backfired as one had much endeavour but little composure and the other was anonymous in attacking or defensive positions throughout.
Odsonne Edouard looked off the pace and romantic notions of a ‘skelping farewell pre-match were put to bed as the striker’s first touch deserted him throughout and as such offered no hold up option for his midfield. Ultimately, even when landed an opportunity on a plate, luck deserted French Eddy as the easiest of looking conversions came off his heel and wide instead of his instep and the back of the net.
In truth the continued involvement, good player as he is, at Celtic is fast becoming a distraction. Bids have been made for the player, he himself has had a head out the door for some time and is desperate for his feet to follow. We now need to facilitate that and quickly.
Yet as much as there will be disappointment at today’s result there shouldn’t be disillusionment. Celtic for large swathes of the game dominated possession and particularly but not exclusively when Edouard was substituted and Kyogo moved centrally, Celtic created chances despite being far from assured as normal.
Yet there appeared a lack of zip that can perhaps be attributed to a draining Europa play off in the Netherlands less than three days ago and a fatigue hangover but there was more than that when it came to today’s Derby defeat.
The players looked physically suspect from the start and mentally there appeared to also have been an impact as both passing and decision making looked far from assured. Regularly players asked for the ball, Captain McGregor in particular, yet teammates chose to turn back and take the safe option to recycle possession. In this system players have to demand the ball and it has to be delivered at pace, you don’t make the decision for a teammate that he has a player up his backside, even two, and so decline his request. If he wants the ball, it’s because he knows he can handle it and move it on. We had to be braver in such instances but instead we retreated into our shells and exhibited excessive caution throughout.
Ultimately however today came down to a lack of trusted options for Ange Postecoglou to deal with players showing fatigue and those missing through injury. Injuries to McCarthy, Forrest and Taylor showed a squad depth that remains lacking, clearly exhibited by not only a Glasgow Derby being handed to Josip Juranovic, signed as a right back but also being asked to debut at left back.
Juranovic performed admirably it must be said in trying circumstances, but the left side of Celtic’s attack became predominately right footed and as such the right side of theRangers team, weakened to the point Balagoun had to play right back, looked comfortable knowing both options were always going to cut inside rather than commit the opposition on their outside. For a team who like to force their opponents into a congested central area and set traps it was far too simple.
Yet the alternative was to throw Adam Montgomery in to the fray or bring Boli Bolingoli in from the cold. The former was risky for the development of a young player recently converted to a full back and with few competitive 90 minutes under his belt, good prospect as he certainly is, and the other is so far outside the managers circle of trust it would be better for all concerned if he moved on by Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
However, left full back is not the only concern, Celtic’s central defence remains one injury away from Nir Bitton returning to the starting eleven and those lack of left-wing options, coupled with a need for two Callum McGregor’s to play as a six and an eight are serious a serious cause for concern, possibly more so than even the striker options we appear to be addressing now.
If we are waiting on selling Odsonne Edouard before finalising deals for other players we are playing a dangerous game, such reticence has cost the club Champions League progression and has now hamstrung a manager into moving a tailor made fit of a striker to play against the likes of Goldson into a wide left position, to in turn accommodate a player who at best now blows hot and cold where previously he was red-hot, and ultimately cost us a second away day defeat in two Scottish Premiership outings.
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There is still just about time to address such concerns but with the transfer window closing in a couple of days do we really have belief that the introspection shown by the manager after the game will be replicated in the Boardroom? I for one won’t be holding my breath, it all seems to be a little bit of history repeating.
There were certainly positives to take from today’s game and it is fair to say no wheels fell off a title challenge today, indeed this manager and his team is more than capable of winning a league title. But if they are to perform in Europe and in domestic cup competitions alongside such a title push, further help has to be signed sealed and delivered by the time the transfer window closes. The square pegs in round holes at Ibrox today, and at such an early stage of the season, is all the evidence required.
Niall J
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou speaks on losing belief of support, ‘OK’ Josip Juranovic debut and Odsonne Edouard miss in defeat by Rangers
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou insists he has no fears over losing the belief of his own support in his remake of the team and their style following the club’s latest defeat by Rangers.
By Andrew Smith
Sunday, 29th August 2021, 3:38 pm
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-boss-ange-postecoglou-speaks-on-losing-belief-of-support-ok-josip-juranovic-debut-and-odsonne-edouard-miss-in-defeat-by-rangers-3363881
The 1-0 loss at Ibrox in the season’s first derby could be perceived to have undone much of the good work the Australian has produced across the early part of his managerial tenure in Scotland. Yet he refuses to consider that the inability to change the mood music round a pivotal fixture that Celtic are now without a win in seven in – six of these lost – will lead to the fanbase directing discordant noises in the direction of him and his players.
“That depends,” the 56-year-old said. “The reaction could be big from people other than our fans. But in terms of our fans, we’re disappointed with what happened here today, but they can see what we’re trying to build and what we’re trying to put out here. It’s not going to be game of the month, that’s for sure. But I think there have been some positive signs over the last few weeks. It is just disappointing today that we weren’t able to capitalise on it.”
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Postecoglou appeared largely nonplussed about the contribution of new arrival Josip Juranovic, the Croatian right-back deployed on the left of the back four as a consequence of Greg Taylor failing to recover from a shoulder injury sustained in the Europa League play-off progress in Alkmaar on Thursday.
“He did OK,” said the Celtic manager. “It has been that kind of month where we are throwing guys in. He got thrown in today. He went in at left-back and he is a right-back, but I thought with his experience he would be able to handle it okay. I thought he did OK. The experience will help him adjust.”
Read More
How the Celtic players rated in defeat to Rangers with a host of poor performers
In lamenting the loss of a “tight game” with “not a lot of chances, not a lot of open spaces”, Postecoglou did not get hung-up on a familiar failing resulting in the deadlock breaker, which he figured would be crucial – a set-piece delivery, that allowed Borna Barisic to curl a corner on to the head of Filip Helander approaching the hour.
“I am bitterly disappointed to lose any goal. I don’t think a set piece is any different to anything else. It is still about being organised. To be fair, it was an alright corner, it was a great header. There are moments in games, in tight derby games and you have to take those moments. But we had a couple of great chances after that.”
A complete mishit when close in midway through the first period denied Odsonne Edouard that first goal, and Postecoglou did not downplay its significance. “If we had scored that then it changes the complexion, puts them under a bit more pressure. They are the big moments. It didn’t work out for us. It is disappointing in a tight game that when we could have taken a foothold in it we didn’t.”
How Rangers maintained their Old Firm dominance with Filip Helander winner against misfiring Celtic
Rangers reinforced their status as Premiership title favourites as they overcame both adversity and their oldest foes to secure a victory which kick-starts their previously spluttering campaign.
By Stephen Halliday
Sunday, 29th August 2021, 2:33 pm
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/how-rangers-maintained-their-old-firm-dominance-with-filip-helander-winner-against-misfiring-celtic-3363849
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With manager Steven Gerrard forced to watch from the confines of his own living room, his team built on the dominance of the Old Firm fixture he established last season with a hard-earned but ultimately fully-merited success.
Filip Helander was a hero for Rangers at both ends of the pitch, the big Swede heading the game’s only goal midway through a dominant second half display and also providing several crucial contributions in defence.
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Rangers are now unbeaten in their last seven games against Celtic, six of them in the league which is the first time they have enjoyed such a sequence since the turn of the century.
Rangers’ man of the match Leon Balogun challenges Celtic debutant Josip Juranovic during Sunday’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Rangers’ man of the match Leon Balogun challenges Celtic debutant Josip Juranovic during Sunday’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
For new Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou, his first experience of Old Firm combat might have been a very different story had Odsonne Edouard not missed a simple chance when his side were in the ascendancy before half-time.
If this is to be Edouard’s final appearance in a Celtic shirt before moving on in the next couple of days, it was an underwhelming way to say farewell.
Celtic lacked the kind of cutting edge they have been able to showcase against other teams in recent weeks. Whenever they did call Robby McCrorie into action, the young goalkeeper was more than up to his task as he kept a clean sheet on a league debut he will never forget.
On a day when both teams came into the contest with question marks over their defensive performances so far this season, the greatest intrigue in the respective team selections was in the full-back positions.
Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard’s dismay is clear as he misses a first half chance against Rangers at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard’s dismay is clear as he misses a first half chance against Rangers at Ibrox. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
With Rangers captain James Tavernier among those self-isolating along with Gerrard after the return of positive Covid-19 tests in the Scottish champions’ camp, he was joined on the absentee list by his deputy at right-back, Nathan Patterson.
It looked like a real blow for the hosts and left Nigerian central defender Leon Balogun to face the challenge of stepping into a role where he had looked less than convincing on the occasions he was deployed there last season. But Balogun rose to the challenge magnificently with a near faultless display.
For Celtic, the injury sustained in Alkmaar on Thursday by Greg Taylor meant a debut at left-back for new signing Josip Juranovic. The Croatian international normally operates on the other flank but was immediately asked to show his versatility. He didn’t look entirely comfortable throughout.
The return of Kemar Roofe and Ryan Kent was a significant boost for Rangers in an attacking sense and they were at the heart of their most menacing moments in a game where they did not enjoy the dominance of possession they are accustomed to in most domestic assignments.
Roofe linked up with Borna Barisic to create the first opening inside two minutes for Alfredo Morelos whose shot flew a couple of feet over Joe Hart’s crossbar.
A loose pass from Ryan Christie presented Rangers with their next sight of goal, although they might have preferred referee Kevin Clancy to blow for a free-kick when Roofe was taken out of the play by Stephen Welsh rather than be given the advantage which saw Kent shoot well off target.
Although generally well policed by Balogun, there were still glimpses of the threat posed by Kyogo Furuhashi.
The Japanese forward curled a shot over after pouncing on a poor attempted clearance by Connor Goldson then created the best opportunity of the first half which Edouard inexplicably managed to pass up.
Having seconds earlier been beaten to a through ball by the outrushing McCrorie, the French striker was picked out on the edge of the six yard box by Furuhashi’s low cross. Even under some pressure from Goldson, it looked like a tap-in but Edouard got it all wrong to send the ball horribly wide.
It was Rangers who came closest to a breakthrough in a first half when neither goalkeeper had to make a save worthy of note.
Morelos held the ball up brilliantly before feeding it to Kent on the edge of the penalty area and the winger was unfortunate to see his curling shot hit the beaten Hart’s left hand post.
Rangers almost gifted Celtic the lead in first half stoppage time when slackness from Goldson allowed Edouard to burst into the penalty area but Helander came to his defensive partner’s rescue with a superbly timed challenge.
The home side were a much different proposition in the second half, pressing much higher up the pitch and throwing Celtic out of their stride. The greater intensity of Rangers’ work saw the visitors increasingly on the back foot and their resistance was broken in the 66th minute.
Barisic’s delivery hadn’t previously been of the highest standard but the Croatian pulled one out of the top drawer with a corner from the right which Helander met with a powerful header which Hart got a hand to but couldn’t keep out.
Celtic tried to respond quickly as McCrorie had to rush smartly off his line to deny Furuhashi. The 23-year-old ‘keeper saved the best for last, showing superb reactions to keep out another Furuhashi effort five minutes from time. It was the kind of save Allan McGregor would have been proud to have on his lengthy Old Firm showreel.
Rangers (4-3-3): McCrorie, Goldson, Goldson, Helander, Barisic; Aribo, Davis, Kamara; Roofe (Lundstram 74), Morelos (Sakala 84), Kent (Arfield 89). Subs not used: Wright, Hagi, Itten, Bacuna.
Celtic (4-2-3-1): Hart, Ralston, Welsh, Starfelt, Juranovic; McGregor, Turnbull (Soro 67); Abada (Montgomery 86), Christie; Furuhashi, Edouard (Rogic 67). Subs not used: Bain, Bitton, Ajeti, Urhoghide.