Celtic moved four points clear of bitter rivals Rangers heading into the international break after Kyogo Furuhashi’s volley at Ibrox clinched the Glasgow derby bragging rights.
Facing off against each other for the first time this season, Brendan Rodgers and Michael Beale went head-to-head and it was the Northern Irishman who celebrated his first victory over Rangers since returning to the Parkhead hotseat.
Any question marks surrounding Rodgers were put to bed with that statement win settled by Kyogo’s decisive moment on the stroke of half-time when he capitalised on some slack Gers defending to rifle home his sixth goal in five starts in the showpiece clash.
Celtic were let off the hook within the opening minute when Rabbi Matondo’s effort was disallowed for offside, before Kemar Roofe had another chopped off by referee Don Robertson for a contentious Cyriel Dessers’ foul on Gustaf Lagerbielke in the build-up.
Despite the presence of NO away fans in Govan, it was the Scottish champions who stood firm in the closing stages to move top-of-the-table.
Here’s our Celtic player ratings following the narrow victory:
Unused subs: Scott Bain (GK), Luis Palma, Yuki Kobayashi, Kwon Hyeok-kyu.
5. Liam Scales - 7/10
Also making his Old Firm debut, the Irishman recovered well from a shaky start by making some crucial interceptions. Used the ball well under pressure and soaked up some late Rangers pressure. | Getty Images
6. Greg Taylor - 7/10
Former Rangers youth player grew in confidence as the game wore on. Defended quite steadily before being subbed. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
7. Callum McGregor - 8/10
Much more like it from the skipper who looked to dictate the play and get on the ball at every opportunity. Made a few driving runs forward and showed why he is such an important player. | Getty Images
8. Matt O’Riley - 8/10
Looks to be improving his game under Brendan Rodgers and his passing range was outlined here. Header played in Kyogo for the goal and was very neat and tidy on the ball. | Getty Images