Rangers were humiliated by Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season - as their rivals opened up a five point gap at the top of the Premiership.
Celtic swept past their Glasgow rivals 4-0 with two goals from Liel Abada and a stunning finish from Jota at Celtic Park and a gift from Jon McLaughlin to David Turnbull. Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men had braced themselves for a fast start from Ange Postecoglou's free scoring team but were handed a huge defeat as Celtic laid down an early marker.
It took just eight minutes for the home side to take the lead after the Gers defence was caught sleeping at the throw in. The quick throw was slid through to Jota who slotted in a one-touch cross for Abada whose strike slipped past McLaughlin despite his efforts.
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Antonio Colak came close to netting on his Old Firm debut but instead it was Celtic who dealt another blow, Matt O’Riley firing a pass through to Jota who chipped the ball over McLaughlin.
Rangers were again stung when Liel Abada’s strike passed through the legs of McLaughlin and then made a shocking error as he passed the ball straight to David Turnbull who fired home a fourth. Here are three things we learned about the Light Blues.
McLaughlin mistakes
McLaughlin has become Rangers first choice keeper this season with Allan McGregor becoming the back up.
The keeper had a shocker, his gift to Turnbull was a moment of madness helping Postecoglou to his biggest win over the Ibrox side. He failed to get a strong hand on Abada’s opener and was done by a classy Jota finish, as the Portuguese lobbed the hapless keeper.
McGregor has shone in previous meetings pulling off outstanding saves and relishes this type of occasion. Many will be wondering after McLaughlin's nightmare performance if McGregor should be back in the fold.
New signings fail to deliver
Rangers new signings were brought into the fold for their first taste of the Old Firm. Malik Tillman and Colak made their derby bow inside the Celtic Park cauldron.
After a fast start from Celtic, Rangers enjoyed a spell of possession. Tillman had chances to link up with James Tavernier and Colak but was robbed of possession too easily. In-form striker Colak also failed to get a grip of the game.
Despite some strong early performances in blue, it was a day to forget for the new men.
Rangers too slow
Rangers struggled with Celtic’s relentless pace as quick free kicks, throw ins and pressing caught the Light Blues out. Postecoglou's motto might be We Never Stop but the problem is Rangers did on too many occasions.
Celtic looked sharper and played with a pace van Bronckhorst's side couldn’t live with. But when Rangers did have possession they were wasteful and laboured. Their opponents were able to handle everything that was thrown at them today, with only crosses from Borna Barisic threatening.
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