OLD FIRM PLAYER RATINGS: Kyogo Furuhashi eases the pressure on boss Brendan Rogers and Joe Hart silences the doubters in Celtic’s 1-0 win at Ibrox
- Match Report: Celtic beat rangers 1-0 at Ibrox in the first Old Firm of the season
- Danish-English midfielder Matt O’Riley put in a calm and assured performance
- Former Man City and England keeper Joe Hart silenced some of the doubters
Kyogo Furuhashi’s sixth goal in five Old Firm derby starts secured Celtic a controversial 1-0 win over rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
The Japan striker latched onto a sloppy Rangers mistake in defence to cooly finish just before the half time break.
However the game was marred by contentious refereeing decisions as Rabi Motondo had an effort disallowed for offsde inside the first minute, before Kemar Roofe had another striked off for a Cyriel Dessers’ foul.
Desser appeared to kick Celtic’s Swedish defender Gustaf Lagerbielke in the build-up to Rangers’ goal, with referee Don Robertson ruling it out after a VAR review.
JOHN MCGARRY provides the player ratings from Ibrox as Brendan Rogers’ side move two points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table going into the international break.
Japenese striker Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal was his sixth in just five Old Firm games for Celtic
Furuhashi’s sensational finish before half time was the only goal to split the two sides at Ibrox
Joe Hart celebrates with boss Brendan Rogers after the keeper put in a quality performance
Celtic (4-3-3)
Joe Hart 8
Smartly off his line to deny Dessers in first half. Fine reaction to put off Lammers then blocked Danilo’s attempt. A big performance to silence the doubters.
Alistair Johnstone 7
Had his hands full with Matondo and Sterling trying to combine down the flank but gave little away. Hobbled off.
Gustaf Lagerbielke 7
Could consider himself fortunate that Don Robertson felt Cyriel Dessers had impeded him. Otherwise, assured in everything that he did.
Liam Scales 7.5
Didn’t cover himself in glory against St Johnstone but delivered a measured and confident display when his side needed it most. Booked.
Greg Taylor 6.5
Couple of wayward passes broke Celtic’s rhythm as they tried to get going. But, to his credit, he never once hid.
Callum McGregor 7.5
Put an indifferent start to the season behind to dominate Rangers midfield. A model of composure in a white-hot atmosphere.
Matt O’Riley 8.5
Arguably his best performance in a Celtic jersey. Intelligent header over the top set up Furuhashi. Always had time on the ball.
David Turnball 7
Efficient use of the ball gave Celtic a foothold in the match. Tired in the second half and a couple of slip-offs came before he was subbed.
Liel Abada 7.5
Delightful cross for Furuhashi ended with the Japanese scuffing his shot. Was menacing and creative on the flank all afternoon.
Kyogo Furuhashi 7.5
Missed two good chances to open the scoring before he did. Just didn’t hesitate when O’Riley’s header caught the Rangers defence napping. An outstanding finish
Daizen Maeda 7
Plenty of service but not a lot of end product for the winger. Inches away from converting Abada’s cross.
Manager 7.5
Brendan Rodgers had to piece together a side to record a victory which will have felt every bit as sweet as any he enjoyed first time around at Celtic Park.
Matt O’Riley
Substitutes:
Ralston (for Johnston 64).
Yang (for Abada 64).
Holm (for Turnbull 64).
Bernabei (for Taylor 74).
Oh (for Furuhashi 76).
Not Used: Bain, Palma, Kobayashi, Kwon.
Referee 7
Asked to by VAR Alan Muir to view the Lagerbielke/ Dessers tangle, Don Robertson was immediately put in an impossible position. Got the big calls correct.
Brazilian forward Danilo was denied by Joe Hart as his side failed to get past the Celtic defence
Rangers boss Michael Beale has endured a difficult week, also losing 5-1 to PSV Eindhoven
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