Rangers player ratings v Celtic: How Fashion Sakala, Steven Davis and John Lundstram shaped up in title crunch
Rangers head into Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg on a high after a spirited second half display against Celtic extended the title race by at least another week – and the gap at the top of the cinch Prmeiership could have been cut.
The draw means the gap at the top remains six points with nine still to play for, and the goal difference - 19 in Celtic’s favour – intact.
Fashion Sakala fired in an equaliser to cancel out Jota’s opener, and hit the post late on as the visitors piled on the pressure for the win. It was not to be but there is encouragement for Giovanni van Bronckhorst ahead of Thursday night's crucial game.
He fielded a strong starting XI despite the semi-final looming and was rewarded by the performance, despite falling behind to the Portuguese winger in the first half. He drifted into the box to beat Borna Barisic to Daizen Maeda’s goalmouth pass and put his side infront after an even opening where both sides had chances – particularly Ryan Kent in a carbon copy which he fired wide.
Maeda could have extended Celtic’s lead with a header but it was a midfield battle and while Celtic finished the first period stronger, Rangers impressed in the second and equalised through Sakala’s low drive and the Zambian also hit the post as his game rose to a crescendo as 90 minutes approached.
It remained level though and while Celtic attention turns to the title – six points ahead with nine to play – Rangers now look to RB Leipzig on Thursday.
Here’s how Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side shaped up as they denied their rivals a win and a title expectation party.
He fielded a strong starting XI despite the semi-final looming and was rewarded by the performance, despite falling behind to the Portuguese winger in the first half. He drifted into the box to beat Borna Barisic to Daizen Maeda’s goalmouth pass and put his side infront after an even opening where both sides had chances – particularly Ryan Kent in a carbon copy which he fired wide.
5. Connor Goldson - 7
Defender joined the attack late on but in his usual position at the back was relatively solid, though relieved to see Maeda head over shortly before half-time after being caught ball-watching. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
6. Steven Davis - 8
Dictated the tempo and brought a sense of calm to Rangers midfield early on and defence - performing roulettes under pressure in the box. Sacrificed as Rangers grasped game in second half for a more attacking approach after excellent display. Photo: Ian MacNicol
7. John Lundstram - 8
Utilised the early midfield control to ping long passes early on and nullified Celtic's middlemen. Dropped deeper into recent defensive shift but still managed to show usual all-action performance and drove team on in the second half. From nowhere in the first half of the season to Rangers' main man. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
8. Scott Arfield - 7
Took one for the team and sacrificed his personal effectiveness to marshall McGregor in the first-half, an involved plenty in the second as Rangers enjoyed more possession and typical midfield energy from the Canadian international. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group