They weren't at their free flowing best but Celtic showed they never stop no matter the game in their pulsating derby success over Rangers.
The Hoops emerged 3-2 victors over Michael Beale's side to move themselves 12 points clear at the top of the Premiership table and on course for an 11th league crown in 12 years. Kyogo netted a double and Jota finished things off to cancel out James Tavernier's double, but controversy arose in the game with Alfredo Morelos' strike at 0-0 ruled out for a free-kick to Celtic by ref Kevin Clancy and VAR official Nick Walsh.
But those in green and white will care not as they take one major step towards claiming the kings of Scotland tag thanks to some key performances from their main men. Here is how Record Sport rated the winning side on a dramatic day of action in Glasgow's east end.
Celtic player ratings
Joe Hart: Would have needed another keeper alongside him to stop the free kick but was a strong presence throughout. Made a smart save early in the second half to keep out Morelos. 6
Alistair Johnston: Heading for cult status at Celtic. He can be a bit rough and ready and there are few nearby moments. But he got tore in and the fans lapped it up. 8
Cameron Carter-Vickers: Made an uncharacteristically nervy start to the game, giving the ball away early on and then getting booked for diving in late. Settled down and made some key interventions when Gers came on strong. 7
Carl Starfelt: Outstanding. Had to mop up the mess a couple of times in the first half when some of his teammates gave the ball away. A real rock on the occasions when Rangers were on top. 8
Greg Taylor: Major boost for his side to win fitness battle and he was a key man for Celts, showing the composure some of his teammates were lacking. Would have been hurting but dug deep until the end. 7
Callum McGregor: The captain caused a minor panic with a slack pass in the opening few minutes but quickly steadied the ship to become the main man. Drove his side on to make sure they stayed on top despite not playing the best. 8
Aaron Mooy: The Aussie was passed fit but looked very rusty after a few weeks out. He was caught in possession a couple of times and was guilty of taking too much time on the ball. Eventually replaced after an hour. 5
Matt O’Riley: Quiet start but grew into the game. Played a huge part in the opening goal with a run in behind and a clever cut back for Kyogo. The crazy pace caught up with him eventually and he was replaced. 6
Daizen Maeda: Relentless pace was a problem for Tavernier all day. Celtic looked to stick balls in behind to make it a race and it worked well at times, but sometimes guilty of taking the wrong options. 6
Jota: Looked in the mood and gave Borna Barisic constant problems down the tight. Keen to go for goal as well and hit the target with a couple of whipped first half efforts. Got his reward when he nicked in for the crucial third. 7
Kyogo: Thought he’d got Celtic off to a flier early on when he nicked in behind, only to be denied by by the offside flag. There was no stopping him when he brilliant spun in the box for the opener and quickly pounced for the second. 9
Subs
Tomoki Iwata: (for Mooy 62) Calm influence who helped Celts get a grip of the game again in second half. 5
Oh Hyeon-gyu: (for Jota 75) Gave his side an outball late on and almost set up a fourth. 2
Sead Haksabanovic: (for O’Riley 75) Kept the ball to take off some of the late pressure. 3
David Turnbull: (for Kyogo 85) Brought some energy in the middle to see it out. 2
Alexandro Bernabei: (For Maeda 85) Fluffed a great chance to seal it when through on goal late on. 2
Not used: Bain; Kobayashi; Welsh; Vata.
