Michael Stewart shares Rangers and Celtic verdict live on BBC Sportscene in Scottish Premiership
Michael Stewart has insisted the main difference between Rangers and Celtic this season is that, even when the score is tight, Philippe Clement’s side always looks comfortable.
This difference was illustrated over the weekend when Celtic led 1-0 for the majority of the game against Kilmarnock at Parkhead but never looked settled and conceded a 92nd-minute equaliser.
Meanwhile, Rangers led 1-0 at St Johnstone until the 79th minute, when they stepped up and eventually won the game 3-0 thanks to a James Tavernier brace, never looking like they would concede.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene [18 February], Stewart shared: “St Johnstone never offered anything in attack. Rangers, even when it was 1-0, they looked comfortable. That’s the big difference at the moment with Rangers and Celtic.
“Even when the game is tighter and it’s 1-0, it’s not a dominant performance, but there isn’t a nervousness about their game. They look assured, and are deservedly sitting top of the table now.”
Will Rangers win the SPFL title ahead of Celtic?
Stewart is right, it’s the confidence and swagger about Clement’s team that has many tipping them to win the title. That air of knowing they can win each game they go into without much fuss, even when the game is tight.
Such has been the effectiveness of the boss’ management that even Chris Sutton has recommended Celtic take notes, with his calm and measured approach credited for Rangers’ recent success.
However, with two Old Firm clashes still to come this season, that appears to be the final hurdle they must overcome if they want to reclaim the SPFL title from their bitter rivals once again.
Celtic have been prone to errors this season, as they showed yet again at the weekend, but when it comes to the Old Firm, they have turned up on both occasions – something which has kept their title hopes alive.
If Clement and Rangers can continue to build confidence into the next top-of-the-table clash, rather than just against the sides they should be beating, it will be a true measure of whether they should be Champions.
In other Rangers news, Celtic fans have aimed a new dig at Rangers after the latest Old Firm controversy.
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