The first Old Firm derby of the season ended with a whimper for Rangers as they failed the capitalise on a weakened Celtic defence and fell to a 1-0 defeat.
It was less, to an extent, a case of the scoreline that will have annoyed the manager, players and fans, but the manner of the defeat as the home side sat off their rivals far too often in the first half and allowed them to come at them, which eventually punished them as Kyogo scored in first half injury time.
Rangers will feel disheartened that they didn’t take the lead themselves as Kemar Roofe’s finish was overturned by VAR questionably as Cyriel Dessers was adjudged to have fouled Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke in the build-up.
But at the end of the day, there still wasn’t enough quality in a performance that puts immense pressure on Rangers boss Michael Beale having failed to once again one a big match in charge.
With that being said, here are the player ratings from Rangers vs Celtic
Jack Butland – 7
Very little to do bar a fine save to deny Abada in the second half but commanded his box well and tried to push his team mates forward. No chance with the goal.
James Tavernier – 5
The captain continues to look a shell of himself as Maeda and Taylor tried to double up on him constantly which required Cantwell to do more defending than attacking.
Final product in opposition half also not there.
Connor Goldson – 6
Made a vital block off the line to stop Kyogo opening the scoring midway through the half and generally stopped most deliveries into the box.
Will think he should do better with header that preceeded the goal.
John Souttar – 5
Caught out a couple of times bringing the ball out of defence that went unpunished. His positioning played Kyogo onside for Celtic goal.
Dujon Sterling – 7
One of the few players with pass marks from the game as he got himself touch tight with Abada and pressed him back to stop his influence.
Replaced just after the hour by Ridvan as Beale went more attacking.
Ryan Jack – 5
Far too sloppy on the ball as he sat too deep when the Celtic midfield had possession which allowed them to dominate in that area in the first half.
Nico Raskin – 5
Having dominated this fixture in May, the Belgian struggled to make an impact as, like Jack, he couldn’t get in the face of the opposition. Should have had an assist though as a beautiful pass in second half set Lammers through.
Todd Cantwell – 6
Had to do more defensive work in the first half to help Tavernier which worked well but it meant his threat in attack and in the press were non existent at times.
Kemar Roofe – 6
Will feel hard done-by that he didn’t open the scoring with goal ruled out in the first half but at least tried to disrupt the Celtic backline. A change in role second half meant he gave McGregor less time on the ball which helped Rangers despite a lack of quality overall. Surprised to be hooked just after the hour.
Cyriel Dessers – 6
The big man caused Celtic a few problems in the first half with his pressure but at the end of the day, still appears to be lacking a bit of quality where it matters. Badly needs a strike partner playing with him.
Rabbi Matondo – 5
Had a goal rightfully ruled out for offside in the opening minute but failed to impact the game as much as he had recently as his final product let him down.
Subs
Sam Lammers – 4
Danilo – 4
Ridvan Yilmaz – 4
Tom Lawrence – 3
Abdallah Sima – 3