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.
21. Cyriel Dessers
Made a nuisance of himself as Rangers' main striker and showed good predatory instincts to head home from close range for his first goal in this fixture. Was isolated once Rangers went down to ten men and emptied the tank before making way for Kemar Roofe. 7 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
22. Fabio Silva
There can be little denying how infuriating the Portuguese can be. Powerful, physical and always involved, he got himself into two very promising positions in the first half, only to fire a shot wide and then miss a presentable header. Played a part in Cyriel Dessers' goal and showed his empathetic side when helping out Alistair Johnston out with cramp. Replaced by Scott Wright. 5 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
23. Celtic substitutes
Adam Idah, pictured above, came on for Kyogo Furuhashi but missed a good chance at the end. Anthony Ralston was called upon at right-back, and Tomoki Iwata plus Nicolas Kuhn were also introduced. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
24. Rangers substitutes
Rangers brought on Scott Wright, above, and Ross McCausland to freshen up their attack and both were lively. Nicolas Raskin, Ridvan Yilmaz and Kemar Roofe were also summoned to try and make an impact, without success. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group