Celtic defeated Rangers by three goals to nil at Celtic Park.
First-half goals by Japanese internationals Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda gave Celtic a two-goal advantage at halftime.
Then, in the second half, Celtic captain Callum McGregor added a third goal in spectacular fashion to secure a comfortable victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Here are five things that we learned following the match at Celtic Park.
Brendan Rodgers remarkable record against Rangers continues
In both spells as Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers has a remarkable record in matches against Rangers.
Following today’s victory, Rodgers has won fifteen, drawn three, and lost only once in 19 matches against Rangers.
Crucial to today’s victory were Kyogo and Daizen Maeda. Both Japanese internationals were signed during the Ange Postecoglou era and are fan favourites at Celtic Park.
It’s easy to understand why when you analyse their performances in the games that matter, notably in derby matches against Rangers.
Kyogo has now scored three goals in the last six derby games, while Maeda has two goals in the same number of games.
A stark difference in quality between both sides
Celtic had a sloppy opening ten minutes, with a number of slack passes leaving them pinned in their own half.
Despite this, Rangers did not create anything of note to trouble Kasper Schmeichel in the Celtic goal.
Moreover, when Celtic took the lead through Kyogo after 17 minutes, the game already seemed over.
Celtic played with confidence, pace, and energy, whereas Rangers were, at best, reactive and slow in possession—qualities that are never going to help in an away game against your biggest rivals.
Reo Hatate and Kyogo spurned further glorious opportunities to add to the scoreline, while Rangers did not test Schmeichel until Ross McAusland had a chipped effort parried away by the Dane in the dying stages of the match.
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd summed up this thought process on Sky Sports, stating that “Celtic make things happen; Rangers hope things happen.”
Boyd also described the performance of his former club as “embarrassing.”
Damning words indeed from a Rangers legend, further showcasing where the club is at just now.
Phillipe Clement’s recruitment uncertainty
Michael Beale was ridiculed by Rangers fans for some of his recruitment decisions while in charge of the club, despite being given a sizeable budget in the summer of 2022/23 with the aim of challenging Celtic for the SPFL title.
Signings such as Sam Lammers and Jose Cifuentes came and went within one season, emphasising the perceived lack of quality in of these players in the view of the club upon their arrival.
However, it should be noted that Beale did sign Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, and Cyriel Dessers, who have become key players under Philippe Clement, so there were some signings that worked out.
So far under Clement, Rangers have signed Mohamed Diomande, Nedim Bajrami, Hamza Igamane, Robin Propper, Jefte, Connor Barron, Liam Kelly, Clinton Nsiala, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Oscar Cortes, and Vaclav Cerny.
All of those players, except for Cortes and Diomande, arrived at Ibrox this summer, so it remains to be seen what kind of impact they will have as the season progresses.
Rangers’ prospects in the title race and domestic cups likely rely on some of these signings finding form and consistency quickly.
That remains uncertain for now and will be worth watching as the season progresses.
Sloppy day at the office for Butland
Jack Butland has received plenty of plaudits since arriving at Rangers in the summer of 2023.
He produced some big performances in European football as the Ibrox club reached the knockout phase of the Europa League last season.
Such displays led to him being linked with a return to the Premier League in England, with clubs such as Southampton and Ipswich both credited with interest in the player.
However, his quality was not on display at Celtic Park today.
Granted, he was not helped by the players in front of him, but there are real question marks over his positioning for Celtic’s second goal in particular.
Whether he could have done anything to stop McGregor’s third goal is uncertain, given the space McGregor had to drive forward and get a free shot away at the Rangers goal.
There is still a long way to go in SPFL title battle
With only four Scottish Premiership games played, Celtic have a five-point cushion over their rivals while sitting at the top of the league.
No fan of Celtic or Rangers needs to be reminded that any title race is a marathon, not a sprint.
That being said, Celtic have laid down a marker with their performances in the opening weeks of the season and in the transfer market by breaking their transfer record to sign Bundesliga midfielder Arne Engels from FC Augsburg.
The pressure is now on Clement and his side to turn the tide as quickly as possible to give Rangers fans hope that this season can be more than just another season as Scottish Premiership runners-up.
Featured image: CM Football Writing
Callum McFadden 