MY ACCOUNT
Celtic extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 12 points after a 3-2 win in Saturday’s Old Firm derby to all but end Rangers’ title hopes.
A gripping game at Celtic Park saw the hosts pour more cold water on their rivals’ diminishing title chances, as Michael Beale’s side failed to cut the gap.
Kyogo Furuhashi gave Celtic the lead in the 26th minute, before a sumptuous James Tavernier free-kick pulled Rangers level just before the break.
Another for Kyogo restored the hosts’ lead before Jota extended it, though Celtic were made to sweat after Tavernier headed in another with just over 10 minutes remaining, his 100th Rangers goal.
Kyogo had the ball in the net after just five minutes but was denied by an offside flag, with a typically frenetic start to the game leading to numerous misplaced passes from both teams.
There was controversy in the 19th minute when Alfredo Morelos turned the ball in at the far post from a Rangers corner, only for referee Kevin Clancy to disallow it for a foul on Alistair Johnston that looked a harsh call, though the VAR turned down the chance to call for a review.
Salt was rubbed into the visitors’ wounds seven minutes later when neat work from Matt O’Riley on the left saw him cut the ball back to Kyogo, who took a touch before turning and finishing well to Allan McGregor’s left.
Rangers were level just before half-time though after Tavernier curled an inch-perfect strike from 25 yards to Joe Hart’s right that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
Kyogo restored Celtic’s lead just after the hour mark when Ben Davies made a mess of a clearance, giving the Japan international a simple finish when presented with the loose ball.
Another Rangers defensive error in the 73rd minute saw John Souttar mishit a backpass attempt, allowing Jota to run in and round McGregor before rolling the ball into the net.
Tavernier met a Borna Barisic cross to head in at the far post to reduce the deficit to one again, but Celtic held on to all but end this season’s title race.
What does it mean? Bhoys edge close encounter
Celtic came into this on a 15-game winning streak, last failing to find victory in the 2-2 Old Firm draw at Ibrox on January 2.
Rangers’ only failure to win in that time was the 2-1 loss to Celtic in the League Cup final, so this was always likely to be a tight contest.
As has been a theme of recent derbies between these two, it was indeed closely fought, with Celtic narrowly ahead on shots (9-8), but defensive errors and calmer finishing from the league leaders made the difference on Saturday, and arguably throughout the campaign.
Kyogo shines again
The 28-year-old had a relatively quiet opening to the game aside from his disallowed goal, but he took both of his latest strikes superbly.
The double makes it 21 goals in 29 league games this season for Kyogo, which is not bad for a player some continue to doubt.
Tavernier becomes centurion
It may have been a disappointing result but Gers captain Tavernier can at least take solace in reaching an impressive landmark.
The Englishman’s second goal at Celtic Park was his 100th for Rangers, and though many have been penalties, there will be very few right-backs who can claim to have done the same for their club.
What’s next?
Celtic visit Kilmarnock a week on Sunday, while Rangers host St Mirren next Saturday.
