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.
We give each starter a mark out of ten for their performance at Celtic Park.
5. Cameron Carter-Vickers
His inch-perfect crossfield pass to Daizen Maeda led to Celtic's crucial second goal and he was an assured presence at the heart of the hosts' defence. 7 Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
6. Liam Scales
The Irish centre-half grew in stature as the match went on and as Rangers pressed for a leveller, he was the defender clearing and thwarting attacks. This match epitomised his growth as a player throughout this season. 8 Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
7. John Souttar
Left his mark early on Kyogo Furuhashi with a flailing arm to the face and so nearly scored an own goal with a clearance. Was kept on his toes throughout first half by Celtic attack but failed to reappear after the break, presumably due to injury. 4 Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
8. Ben Davies
There were fears about the centre-half's lack of match practice, given this was his first start since December 14. However, the ex-Liverpool man battened down the hatches and helped keep Rangers in the match right until the end when down to ten men. 6 Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group