Rangers left the east end of Glasgow without a point but they certainly made a point that they are set to make the Old Firm derby a competitive one again. Michael Beale lost his first league match but will be happy with aspects of his side's display at Parkhead, especially given they went to the home of their fierce rivals without any supporters.
James Tavernier netted a double to take his tally for the club to 100 goals but it ended up counting for nothing as defensive blunders from Ben Davies and John Souttar cost them a couple of goals. And it means they are twelve points behind the champions and realistically no hope of winning the title. However, the bigger picture is that they will have belief going into the Scottish Cup final later in the month and optimistic of mounting a challenge next season.
Record Sport has looked at how the visitors performed in a pulsating derby encounter and rated Beale's men who must now pick themselves up for a home league clash against St Mirren next Saturday and then a trip to Pittodrie before that huge Hampden showdown.
Allan McGregor Got gloves on the ball but couldn’t keep out Kyogo. Managed to stop plenty though, with first have saves from McGregor and Jota. Slow to get off his line for the third goal though. 6
James Tavernier This one would have hurt. Free kick was out of this world and one Beckham would have been proud of. Managed to grab a lifeline late on with his back post header but had a tough day at the other end. 7
John Souttar Tough game to come in to after limited game time and he had his work cut out at times. Strong in spells but was short with a pass back to expose his keeper for the crucial third goal. 6
Ben Davies Did well in the first 20 minutes but got spun by Kyogo for the opener and never really recovered. Made a total mess of the second, duffing his clearance and then heading right into Jota. 5
Borna Barisic A threat with the ball at his feet and produced a brilliant ball to land the ball on Tavernier's had for the second Gers goal. More unsure when he had Jota breathing down his neck at the other end. 6
Ryan Jack A cool head in the engine room and it was needed at times when Celtic piled on pressure. Allowed Raskin room to operate and offered protection, particularly to Tavernier down the right. 6
Nicolas Raskin Took a while to get going and adjust to the frantic nature of the game. Put in a heck of a shift and became a real influence before and after the break before drifting away in the last half an hour. 6
Malik Tillman Did a decent job early on cutting down the space for Callum McGregor to operate. Task got harder as the game opened up but he was a threat before and after half-time before running out of steam. 7
Todd Cantwell Had an important roll going in both directions as forced to make the space in between McGregor and the rest while also providing a threat. Couldn’t quite find the balance and never quite got into it. 5
Ryan Kent Forced into a more disciplined display as he had to keep tabs on Celts. Meant he was deeper than he would have liked at times and flitted in and out of the game as service dried up. 6
Alfredo Morelos In the thick of it as you’d expect from the striker. Thought he’d grabbed an equaliser but it was ruled out for a shove on Johnston, which it seemed both were guilty. Missed second half chance. 7
Substitutes
Fashion Sakala (for Tillman 69) Pace gave Celtic something to think about amid late push. 4
Antonio Colak (for Morelos 86) Too late to produce the impact he wanted. 2
Scott Wright (for Cantwell 86) Was battled the clock to make in impression. 2
John Lundstram (Jack 86) Tried to inject some urgency. 2
Not used: McLaughlin; Yilmaz; Hagi; Kamara; Arfield.
READ NEXT
