Celtic cruise to Old Firm derby win as three players let Rangers down

Celtic Rangers

Celtic cruised to victory over Rangers in the first Old Firm derby of the new season

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 01/09/2024

- 14:24

Brendan Rodgers' side were a class above their rivals on Sunday

Celtic cruised to victory in the first Old Firm derby of the season, with Brendan Rodgers' side beating Rangers 3-0 on Sunday.

The reigning Scottish Premiership champions thought they'd gone ahead early on, only for Kyogo Furuhashi's strike to be chalked off by VAR.


Celtic then did go ahead in the 17th minute, with Daizen Maeda swiping home from close range after a delivery from Alistair Johnston, with Kyogo getting on the scoresheet just before half time.

The Hoops made the result safe via Callum McGregor, whose stunning strike sailed beyond the reach of Jack Butland. GB News now takes a look at four things we learned from the clash.

Three players let Rangers down

Celtic Rangers

Celtic cruised to victory over Rangers in the first Old Firm derby of the new season

PA

While Rangers improved after the break, it was mistakes from individuals that ended up costing them dear.

Rabbi Matondo missed a sitter, with the Gers winger heading over the bar when he should have hit the target.

James Tavernier was guilty of switching off for Celtic's opener, while Jack Butland should have done better for Kyogo's goal. Had it not been for these mistakes, the result could have been extremely different.

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Celtic lay down a marker

Celtic are the dominant force in Scottish football and have been for some time, even if Rangers did once win the Premiership under Steven Gerrard.

It was clear right from the off that they were superior in every department, with Rodgers' coaching clearly paying off.

If Celtic don't win the league, then something crazy will have had to happen. This result is a statement that they don't want to give up their league crown any time soon.

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Kyogo continues stunning form against Rangers

Kyogo loves a goal against Rangers.

He thought he'd got on the scoresheet earlier on, only for VAR to intervene. Not one to let his head drop, however, he then responded by opening the scoring.

Kyogo has now netted eight times against Rangers over the years. Given he's vital to Rodgers' team, his goal today is unlikely to be his last.

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Rangers overawed by the occasion

Celtic Rangers

Celtic were a class above Rangers in their Old Firm derby clash on Sunday

PA

It was bizarre to see Rangers so flat and insipid on a day where they could easily have laid down a marker of their own.

Phillipe Clement's side seemed to be overawed by the occasion, with Celtic fans making an almighty din to cheer their side over the line.

Rangers will have to go back to the drawing board after this defeat. At the current moment in time, finishing second - rather than first - looks more likely.

When do the teams play next?

Celtic Rangers

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers outfoxed Phillipe Clement in his side's Old Firm derby win over Rangers

PA

Celtic are next in action against Hearts on September 14 as they look to maintain their 100 per cent start to the new campaign.

As for Rangers, the Gers will lock horns with Dundee United the following day.

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