Rangers midfielder John Lundstram scored an own goal and was sent off as Celtic took a massive step towards retaining the cinch Premiership title with a 2-1 victory in a Parkhead thriller.
Celtic moved six points and seven goals clear of their city rivals with two matches left and set themselves up to clinch the first silverware of Brendan Rodgers’ second spell in charge at Kilmarnock on Wednesday, if Rangers do not drop points at home to Dundee 24 hours earlier. A flurry of activity in the final 10 minutes of the first half saw Matt O’Riley and Lundstram put Celtic two up, Cyriel Dessers pull a goal back, and the Gers midfielder receive a red card for a foul on Alistair Johnston. Rangers had struggled to get a grip on O’Riley and Callum McGregor in midfield although they created several chances of their own in an action-packed opening period. O’Riley missed a penalty as Celtic struggled to finish off the game against 10 men but the final whistle sparked a party.
We give each starter a mark out of ten for their performance at Celtic Park.
9. Greg Taylor
Not a vintage performance from the Celtic left-back, who left his part of the pitch too exposed as the match entered the latter stages. Was a combative force, though, and tried to help Daizen Maeda in attack. 6 Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
10. Borna Barisic
The Croatian was preferred to Ridvan Yilmaz at left-back by Rangers manager Philippe Clement. Was caught sleeping for the opening goal by failing match Celtic runners but stood up a delicious cross that led to Cyriel Dessers' goal. Made way on the hour-mark for Yilmaz. 5 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
11. Callum McGregor
The captain was the driving force for Celtic in the first half and set up Matt O'Riley for the opener. Became a little sloppy in possession in the second half but given his injury issues, battled on right until the very end, cajoling his team-mates and fans alike. Such an important player for Celtic. 8 Photo: Andrew Milligan
12. Reo Hatate
Out of the three Celtic midfielders, Hatate was the quietest. Was booked at the end of the first half and struggled to have a serious influence on the match. Taken off for Tomoki Iwata as the game reached its conclusion. 6 Photo: Ian MacNicol