George Overhill

Mon 2 January 2023 14:28, UK

Fashion Sakala was the catalyst as Rangers came back from an early deficit to lead before a fortunate, late Celtic equaliser in Michael Beale’s first Old Firm derby.

It was a depressingly familiar start as the visitors went ahead inside the first five minutes through Daizen Maeda following a dreadful error from Alfredo Morelos which was compounded by James Tavernier.

But Ryan Kent returned the favour after half time, following nice work by Sakala, as he bent a wonderful finish inside the far post, before the Zambian quickly won a penalty which Tavernier fired into the top corner, before a late Kyogo leveller after a penalty box scramble saw it finish 2-2.

Here, Ibrox News rates the Rangers players out of 10 for their performances in the Old Firm derby.

Allan McGregor – 6

Hung out to dry by Morelos and Tavernier for the opener but might be disappointed to let it under him. Not much he could do for the second.

James Tavernier – 7

Poor start but ended up being important. Very slack in allowing Maeda to latch onto Morelos’ sloppy ball and score with a weak challenge. Played himself back into the game and then smashed an unstoppable penalty into the top corner for his 100th career goal. Excellent defensive header late on got him a bloody nose when Maeda’s head crashed into his face, but maybe disappointed he was beaten in the build up to the late equaliser.

Connor Goldson – 7

Made a key stretching intervention when Celtic threatened a second as he looked like he was standing against the tide alone, but was increasingly comfortable as Rangers took charge. Nearly everything seemed to hit him in the second half, and he survived a couple of VAR reviews for handballs, one of which looked fortunate.

Ben Davies – 7

Quietly went about his business and did what needed to be done. Didn’t look like a weakness in the most high-pressure situation, to assuage some doubts over his robustness in this team. Unlucky that the late equaliser bounced nicely for Kyogo.

Borna Barisic – 6

His trademark delivery from the left was missing as he overhit multiple early crosses, but crucially in light of recent Old Firm defeats he didn’t find himself in the spotlight as a weakness defensively.

Glen Kamara – 7

Busy while the Light Blues were under pressure if somewhat overrun, and tidy when they were on top. Wasn’t perfect but was an important presence in the middle.

John Lundstram (off for Jack ’71) – 7

In the wars throughout as he made and received plenty of full-blooded challenges. Ultimately caught up with him as he went off injured, but a decent showing in the centre of the park.

Malik Tillman (off for Sands ’85) – 7

Grew as the crowd came to life and showed plenty of desire, even if neat touches didn’t always lead to the right final ball. Overshadowed by Kent and Sakala but battling display in tune with what the fixture required.

Ryan Kent – 8

Produced a performance that has been long overdue, backing up his offensive threat with the end result. Looked to inject some early purpose that was quickly lost with the goal but was inches away from the equaliser when Joe Hart tipped his shot onto the post from the edge of the box. Superb finish to equalise after the half in exactly the sort of contribution everyone wants to see more often.

Fashion Sakala – 9 Man of the Match

Inconsistent maybe, but crucial here. As so often his second half performance dwarfed the first as he played a key role in turning the game on its head. Whatever he lacked in quality he made up for in commitment early with determined pressing and strong challenges but his attacking contribution failed to match that. Finally got it right in a big way with his work in the build up for Kent’s equalising strike and there he was again soon after to win the penalty. Had Celtic’s defence terrified after the break.

Alfredo Morelos (off for Wright ’79) – 5

Heavily involved but not necessarily in a good way. Responsible for the latest nightmare start in this fixture when he played a blind pass across the midfield that Maeda took advantage of. Once he’d finished shouting at the injured Greg Taylor on his way off he almost forced Hart into an error as Kent went close. Missed two huge opportunities with his head from corners just before the half. Gave Celtic their goal and should have scored.

Substitutes

Ryan Jack (on for Lundstram ’71) – 6

Decent display in taking over from Lundstram.

Scott Wright (on for Morelos ’79) – N/A

James Sands (on for Tillman ’85) – N/A

In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton mocked Ally McCoist over backing of forgotten Gers star.