The first Old Firm of the season delivered more frustration than fire, as Rangers and Celtic slogged their way to a goalless draw at Ibrox.
Here are the key takeaways from another frustrating afternoon for Russell Martin’s men.
Better, but Not Great
Rangers were slightly more competitive than in recent weeks, spending more time in the Celtic half.
Bojan Miovski debuted up front, he was a handful but a poor performance from Thelo Aasgaard in behind him seen the former Don isolated despite working his socks off.
But chances were minimal, deliveries from set-pieces poor, and the attack lacked cutting edge. Improvement? Yes. Game-changing? Not yet.
Defensive Line Dropped
With Djiga and Souttar holding firm, Rangers defended deeper than usual. Rangers had been caught with the high line for too often earlier in the season, but Daizen Maeda and co had no such joy today.
The back four limited Celtic’s threat, but the compact shape also contributed to the lack of attacking options.
Raskin Bombed Out
Nico Raskin’s absence was again felt. The Belgian was bombed out after Wednesday’s 6-0 defeat to Brugge despite some confusing presser comments from Martin.
The fans chanted his name, but he watched on from home. Joe Rothwell remained benched so Connor Barron came into start, the Scotland international did well, but you can’t help but feel Raskin’s energy and ability would have been enough to get us three points today.
Dessers’ Last Stand?
Cyriel Dessers replaced Miovski late on but offered little, often isolated as the North Macedonian had been. Despite his appearance rumours persist that a bid of £5m has been accepted by the Gers for the Nigerian.
He looks set to head to Greek side Panathinaikos before tomorrow’s deadline. No last chance to become a hero for a man who has grabbed some crucial goals but frustrated so many the past few years.
Ex-Rangers flop to Join Girona as Miovski heads for Ibrox
Russell Martin still winless as Rangers held by Celtic
Last time out: Dessers scored as Ferguson secured unbeaten Celtic streak
Draw Does Not Ease Pressure
A point in the Old Firm offers little comfort. Martin remains without a league win after a fourth consecutive league draw, with fan pressure intensifying and questions mounting over tactics and team selection he needs a run of wins as soon as the break is done if he has any chance of turning the tide and gaining fan support.
Celtic Are Poor – But We Must Sort Our Own Mess Out
Despite the goalless draw, Celtic offered little going forward, with a defence including the poor Anthony Ralston and Liam Scales, with Kieran Tierney looking a shadow of himself, and again failing to complete 90 minutes.
Rangers know the game is theirs to control if they fix their own inefficiencies. With a sharper attack and better midfield cohesion, the season is still very much alive BUT the Gers must address their own issues before tomorrow night’s transfer deadline.