Connor’s the Goldson boy as Gers cruise to victory over champions
RANGERS 2
Steven Gerrard is adamant that Rangers’ Old Firm victory didn’t send a title message to Celtic.
But the fact he was reluctant to lavish praise on his players after comfortably securing back-to-back wins at Parkhead says a lot.
Celtic have nine titles in the bag, but there will be growing doubts about whether or not they can make it 10.
It was all over after nine at yesterday when Connor Goldson got the first of his two goals.
Gerrard was satisfied with taking the points, but still wants more from his players.
That will be deeply concerning for Celtic fans who watched the favourites easily swept aside.
The Rangers boss said: “I don’t think we were at our fluent best, but we were really assured, professional and controlled in what we did.
“There is no message to Celtic. I think it is for us.
“We have come here again and we have performed well. We have done the job that the players were asked to do.
“The big test, the big challenge, for us is: can we maintain it for a full season? I am happy with the start we have made, I am happy with where we are.”
It wasn’t losing an early goal that heightened anxiety levels amongst armchair viewers favouring the Hoops – a new defence had faced its first real task and failed badly.
Tavernier whipped a free-kick into the penalty area and Goldson was given space to flick a header into the net.
It was dream start for the Gers, but a defensive disaster for Celtic.
Injuries and Covid-19 isolation meant Neil Lennon was forced to give 20-year-old Stephen Welsh only his second start.
He lined up on the right of a back three alongside the experienced Shane Duffy – making his Old Firm debut – and Kristoffer Ajer.
The youngster couldn’t be blamed for the opener. He was well away from the cross and the lack of marking was down to his more experienced colleagues as Duffy tried to play the offside trap.
Goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas didn’t cover himself in glory either.
On-loan Uruguayan Diego Laxalt was thrown straight in to play as a left wing-back, with Jeremie Frimpong on the opposite side.
Rangers sprung a surprise of their own, with Brandon Barker in the team and Ryan Jack benched.
It was an indication that Steven Gerrard would try to play a version of the system that has served his team well in Europe.
When Lennon’s men had possession – and they had slightly more – the visitors had numbers back to limit the amount of action in their own penalty area.
Celtic failed to record a single attempt on target until Allan Mcgregor dealt with a tame Leigh Griffiths’ effort at the end.
Things might have been different if Mohamed Elyounoussi hadn’t passed up a glorious chance to equalise after 15 minutes.
Goldson was caught under the ball, allowing the attacker a clear attempt from close in, but he got it all wrong and shot over.
That might have given Celtic some of the belief they were sadly lacking. They looked a beaten side as soon as they went behind.
Rangers, in contrast, hardly had a failure.
Glen Kamara was a star turn in midfield, ably assisted by Steven Davis and Scott Arfield.
It was an extremely strange atmosphere for an Old Firm clash.
Celtic tried to inject a little of the normal passion by playing crowd noises throughout the 90 minutes.
The biggest difference from playing without fans came when a couple of flashpoints cropped up. Both involved Alfredo Morelos.
The Colombian fouled Celtic skipper Scott Brown and the pair had an exchange of views.
Morelos took it upon himself to give Brown a clip round the head.
John Beaton didn’t seem to notice the incident. It was probably worth a yellow card, but you can guarantee that 60,000 fans would have been screaming for his head.
He was booked along with Shane Duffy, then immediately substituted with five minutes to go after the Irishman retaliated to a physical challenge.
Rangers’ second goal in 54 minutes was forced home by Goldson at the second attempt after Arfield delivered a low cross from the right.
Celtic tried to change the pattern of play by bringing on Albian Ajeti and Griffiths, but they couldn’t summon up the energy to trouble Rangers.
There’s still a huge amount of football to play this season, but it looks like the power balance is now tipping in favour of Steven Gerrard’s side.
He’s spent two years talking about improving his squad and having two men for every position.
It now looks like his work is bearing fruit.
Celtic are currently the team out to prove they have the squad to take the title.