HE’S FUR’ TWO GOOD
Kyogo comes up trumps in Old Firm again while Bhoys find another gem
CELTIC fans were in a state of mourning after the loss of a Portuguese hero in the summer. But at Parkhead yesterday a new one was born.
Former Hoops star Jota produced big moments in Old Firm derbies against Rangers.
And young Paulo Bernardo came up with a cracker of his own here to help Brendan Rodgers’ side secure victory over their Glasgow rivals.
The on-loan Benfica kid struck a stunning first-half opener to put the champions in front.
And there was an even better strike from Kyogo Furuhashi to make it 2-0 as he effectively sealed the points.
This was a huge victory for Rodgers’ men who moved eight points clear at the top of the Premiership, albeit Rangers have two games in hand.
But this result was about more than just positions or bragging rights.
With Rangers bang in form under new boss Philippe Clement, the narrative in the city has been about the Ibrox outfit potentially taking over.
Instead, it was Celtic who reasserted their authority by claiming their second derby victory of the season – and Clement’s 16-game unbeaten run.
It was a miserable day all round for the Belgian boss who also saw defender Leon Balogun sent off in the second half.
Neither side were able to field a full-strength starting line-up due to injuries.
By kick-off the snow had disappeared and it was red hot inside Celtic Park.
As you’d expect, the champions started at a frenetic pace. And their two attacking midfielders – Bernardo and Matt O’riley – were the ones causing Rangers problems.
Celtic’s first chance came from a simple ball over the top of Gers’ defence which Kyogo latched on to.
The angle was tight but he still managed to force Jack Butland into his first save.
Bernardo then darted into the box to head a Luis Palma cross wide then flashed a shot inches past Butland’s post.
That was a warning shot across the bow of Clement’s side. But it was one they failed to heed.
Palma’s corner should have been dealt with at the front post by Abdallah Sima. But his header was poor and fell straight to Bernardo 14 yards out.
His technique was superb as he got over the ball to produce a controlled, thunderous finish that flew past Butland – and sent Hoops fans wild.
Some of The Green Brigade in the corner spilled on to the pitch in celebration.
And with no away fans in the ground, Rangers were now up against it.
Clement’s side did have chances to equalise. They just weren’t decisive enough in the final third.
Cyriel Dessers mugged Welsh after a hospital ball from Alistair Johnston and the big Nigerian was clean through on goal. But he was cumbersome in the box and allowed the Canadian to get back and make amends for his error.
There was a moment of controversy just before the break.
Johnston – who was already on a booking – was trying to shield the ball at the back post with Sima putending ting him under pressure. He knocked it out of play with his hand, which prompted a VAR check.
Between ref Nick Walsh on the pitch and Willie Collum at Clydesdale House, they ruled there was no case to answer.
But while Clement might have raged at the decision it emerged that Sima was initially offside in any case.
If the Gers gaffer, who had earlier picked up a yellow card, thought he was having a bad day, it got worse just after the interval.
Bernardo was the heart of it again with a clever turn and crisp pass into Kyogo’s feet.
Goldson allowed him too much room just outside the box – but Kyogo’s finish was out the top drawer with his weaker left foot.
Balogun’s error killed off any lingering Rangers hope as he was dismissed.
But Tavernier came up with another moment of brilliance from a free-kick with two minutes left – curling the ball past Hart into the rigging for 2-1.
It proved too little too late for Rangers.
Despite pressing with 10 men late on, Celtic held on for a deserved win. And in doing so, cemented their place as top dogs in the title race.