Connor Barron didn’t deserve to be on losing side after Rangers embarrassment vs Celtic
Connor Barron can hold his head up high despite Rangers‘ embarrassing Old Firm derby defeat to Celtic on Sunday.
Gers were beaten 3-1 by the Hoops at Celtic Park to put the knife through their remaining Scottish Championship hopes, while also blowing chances of finishing in a top two spot.
Danny Rohl put Barron back in the starting eleven for the first time since he picked up a knee injury that left him sidelined for a few months.
The Scot gave everything for the badge, and all things considered, had a decent game.
There were many Rangers players who were terrible against Celtic, but Barron was not one of them, as his statistics from the game prove.
⚽Rangers match day ⚽
Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Rangers fixture.
These stats show Connor Barron was best of bad bunch vs Celtic
Mikey Moore’s goal topped off what was a good performance from the Tottenham loanee, but apart from him and Barron, there were no other standout performances for the Bears.
The blame ultimately lies with Rohl for the loss, but players also have to take some flak for the lack of passion and quality that some of them showed at Celtic Park.
| Area of game | Stats |
| Minutes | 90′ |
| Passing accuracy | 88% |
| Accurate crosses | 2 (2) |
| Ground duels won | 71% |
| Was fouled | 3 |
Barron made seven defensive contributions against Martin O’Neill’s side, winning two tackles, and 71 per cent of his ground duels.
He also completed both of his two crosses, while having an 88 per cent passing accuracy, hitting four successful long balls, too.
The 23-year-old had a whopping nine passes into the final third, whereas Moore, Oliver Antman, and Mohamed Diomande had one between them.
For someone who hadn’t started since the 2-0 win over Aberdeen at the start of January, Barron didn’t look out of place and didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
Should Baron keep his place?
The injured Nico Raskin opened up space for Barron to make his starting eleven return, but some had already suggested on the latter being reintroduced before this.
Diomande and Tochi Chukwuani can both play in the holding midfield role, though concerns have mounted over the latter in recent weeks.
If fit, Raskin will always play, but given Barron’s performance, Rohl owes him another start, regardless of the fitness of other players.
Barron needs to have a crucial role in this team even if Rohl isn’t at Ibrox next season, as the midfielder knows what it means to play for this club.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Rangers Insider Access
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.