George Overhill

Sun 3 April 2022 14:10, UK

Rangers may have waved goodbye to their title defence as they fell to defeat in the Old Firm Derby at Ibrox despite a blistering start.

The Light Blues came flying out of the traps from the first whistle in a reverse of what was seen in the previous meeting, and duly took a third-minute lead through Aaron Ramsey on his Old Firm debut after a lovely move involving Ryan Kent and Calvin Bassey.

Tom Rogic had the Hoops level minutes later when he put in the rebound from an Allan McGregor save.

John Lundstram hit the self-destruct button as the half drew to a close, being booked for a foul on Giorgos Giakoumakis then bumbling on the ball from the free kick, allowing Cameron Carter-Vickers to score.

Gers were unable to test Joe Hart sufficiently throughout the second period as the Bhoys held on to go six points clear.

Ibrox News reviews the players from the Old Firm derby…

Allan McGregor – (9) – Man of the Match

A save from Reo Hatate was not parried far enough to safety leaving him powerless to keep out the Rogic rebound but was colossal when called on from then on. Made a crucial stop to prevent Daizen Maeda taking the ball round him half an hour later. Produced a stunning save to tip a Liel Abada shot over late on. Game would have been out of sight without him. Shouldn’t have been the best performer.

James Tavernier – (5)

Strangely off colour. Was playing Rogic onside for the equaliser as the Gers defence was suddenly caught cold. Looked shell-shocked in the aftermath and was short of his brilliant best in dead ball situations. Celtic had clearly planned to put him under pressure and it worked as he failed to influence proceedings as he usually does.

Connor Goldson – (6)

Started well. Made an excellent block in the build up to the equaliser but to no avail. Was calm in the face of furious Celtic pressing after the scores were levelled. Made a crucial block to deny Rogic after McGregor had thwarted Maeda. Looked increasingly ragged as the game wore on then went forward in desperation late.

Leon Balogun – (6)

Slid in with a meaty challenge to deny Maeda that got the crowd going. Having looked sharp, his header under pressure from Carl Starfelt only succeeded in nodding the ball into the danger area where Carter-Vickers scored. Like with Goldson he had a decent first half but after half time structure went missing.

Calvin Bassey – (6)

Fantastic start saw him play an excellent ball inside Josip Juranovic for Kent to assist the opener. Better going forward than at the back. Was beaten by McGregor in the build up to Rogic’s equaliser, and visitors were able to get in behind him too often. Sent in a beautiful cross that Roofe couldn’t convert midway through the second half.

Aaron Ramsey – (7) off for Sakala ’65

The absolute dream start for the Juventus man in his first Old Firm derby as he steered a first-time finish past Hart in the third minute from Kent’s centre. Influence faded after the leveller but when he got time on the ball his quality was clear to see.

John Lundstram – (2)

Was playing his way into the game before a terrible sequence late in the half. In a game filled with fouls it was his wild challenge on Giorgos Giakoumakis late in the half that drew the first booking, then from the free kick he couldn’t sort his feet out allowing Carter-Vickers to slam Celtic into the lead. Proved to be pivotal.

Ryan Jack – (2) – off for Arfield ’65

Very disappointing. Way off the pace in the fast-paced start, and was barely noticeable for the majority of the first 45 minutes. Nearly played Goldson into trouble as the second half opened, then gave the ball away again to demonstrate his poor display. Was replaced seconds after being taken out by Giakoumakis just as it looked like he might have woken up.

Joe Aribo – (7)

Showed good strength and composure in the typically combative midfield exchanges of the first half, providing greater control than some of his teammates. With a better first touch would have had a wonderful chance from a Bassey cross 20 minutes in. Decent without being decisive thereafter.

Ryan Kent – (8)

Main threat as so often. Perfect start to completely lose Juranovic and lay a first-time cross on a plate for Ramsey to score. Crowd were delighted when he chased down Hart and forced the keeper to concede a throw. Was everywhere for most of the half, threatening in attack and diligent in defence. Couldn’t find the final ball as frustration built after half time, as he was repeatedly fouled.

Kemar Roofe – (5)

Looked lively early on filling Alfredo Morelos’ role up front. Put pressure on visiting defenders but his comparative lack of goal threat became more and more of an issue with Gers chasing the game. Couldn’t get on the end of a great Bassey cross, then fired over from Goldson late. Would have been okay as a midfield display, not good enough as the central attacker.

Substitutes

Fashion Sakala – (7)

Took an excellent low save from Hart to stop him scoring the equaliser soon after coming on.

Scott Arfield – (6)

In other Rangers news, the opposing boss in the upcoming Europa League clash with Braga was “minutes” away from becoming Gers manager.