Rangers player ratings vs Celtic: A quartet of 8/10s stand tall as McInnes' men lay down statement of intent
Here’s how we rated the Rangers players in action against Celtic as power shifts in Glasgow
Rangers made it two victories over Celtic in the space of eight days by following up their emphatic League Cup success with a narrow 1-0 win at Celtic Park in the Premiership to complete a statement double over their Glasgow rivals.
Frontman Ryan Naderi supplied the decisive moment in the 33rd minute, reacting quickest after Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo spilled a shot from Kim Min-Su to fire Rangers ahead. Djeidi Gassama then struck the post with an excellent lob before the visitors went on to produce the type of disciplined defensive display required to protect their advantage through a tense second half.
The hosts struggled to create many clear-cut clear opportunities, with their opponents organisation and energy in attack frustrating the home side for large spells. Visiting keeper Ivor Pandur made a crucial save after the interval from Colby Donovan’s header, while Rangers thought they had doubled their lead when Olwethu Makhanya found the net with a sublime volley, only for VAR to rule the goal out for handball.
The victory followed Rangers' 3-0 demolition of Celtic at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final last weekend and it represented a quickfire second Old Firm triumph for Light Blues manager Derek McInnes to ensure they closed the gap at the top of the table to just two points.
Here’s how we rated the Rangers players at Parkhead...
GK - Ivor Pandur (6/10)
The woodwork came to his rescue from Tierney’s fierce drive. Produced a big save to keep out Donovan’s header within seconds of the restart. Didn’t have any other real notable moments as Rangers’ defence stood firm.
RCB: Dujon Sterling (8/10)
Outstanding block to deny Duran a shot on goal shortly before half-time. Defended stoutly and won almost all of his duels, getting the better of the argument with the Colombian throughout.
CB: Emmanuel Fernandez (6/10)
Left walking an early tightrope after being booked for bringing down Duran just outside the box as Celtic’s penalty appeal fell on deaf ears. Looked rattled thereafter, stepping out to make a clumsy challenge on Nygren that went unpunished. Managed to compose himself and rarely troubled in the second half.
LCB: Olwethu Makhanya (8/10)
Proved physically too strong for Celtic’s attackers. Terrific volleyed finish ruled out after the ball struck his arm. Another no-nonsense display.
CM: James Penrice (8/10)
Can count himself unlucky to have been left out of the Scotland squad earlier this week. Excellent again, making another telling contribution in midfield. Took an ambitious early shot at goal from long range that flew wide of the target. Drilled a low shot on target, which was spilled by Sinisalo. Subbed.
CM: Nicolas Raskin (7/10)
Went about his business quietly and effectively again. Played in Gassama early on. Excellent through ball to Neil late in the first-half.
CM: Dan Neil (7/10)
Clever pick out for Naderi’s headed chance. Early delivery from Raskin’s pass almost found Kim before half-time. Low ball across the face of goal just part the hour mark almost resulted in a second goal. Subbed.
RW: Kim Min-Su (7/10)
Dipping drive from 20 yards was beaten away by Sinisalo but led to Rangers opener. Found Gassama to set up a glorious opportunity. Came within a whisker of connecting with Neil’s early cross late in the first half. Flashed a low second half strike narrowly wide from the edge of the box. Subbed.
LW: Djeidi Gassama (7/10)
Had the beating of Donovan. First touch let him down after being slipped in by Raskin in the opening minutes. Unfortunate to strike the frame of the post after taking a superb touch away from his marker and dinking the goalkeeper. Influence faded in the second half. Subbed.
CAM: Ryan Naderi (8/10)
Another hugely impressive shift. Headed Neil’s cross on target, but it was too close to the goalkeeper. Silenced Celtic Park by reacting quickest to sweep home the rebound from Kim’s initial effort. Denied a second goal just a few yards out by Carter-Vickers after the break. Set up a chance for Curtis. Worked his socks off for a second consecutive game.
CF: Kevin Kelsy (6/10)
A relatively quiet performance by his standards. Didn’t have many clear sightings at goal but was workmanlike and led the line effectively enough. Subbed.
Rangers subs
Badredine Bouanani: 2 - Replaced Gassama with 20 mins remaining and contributed little. Looked very lackadaisical and struggled to get up to speed of the game.
Findlay Curtis: 4 - Introduced for Kim Min-Su as part of a double change and brought a fresh injection of energy. Low shot saved by Sinisalo after being teed up by Naderi.
Ben Godfrey: 4 - Brought on for Penrice as part of a defensive reshuffle. Solid
Cammy Devlin: N/A - A first taste of the Old Firm fixture for the ex-Hearts midfielder late on.
Tochi Chukwuani: N/A - Replaced Neil in the closing stages to help see the game out.
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