Lack of quality. Lack of organisation, Lack of fight. This was another sobering day in Glasgow’s east end for desolate Rangers as they slumped to a humbling 3-0 defeat to Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season.
With no away supporters in attendance once again at Parkhead, the pressure was firmly on Philippe Clement’s shoulders to not only clinch his first derby win at the FIFTH attempt but also to end the club’s four-year wait for a victory at the home of the reigning champions.
This match evidently outlined the clear gulf in class between both sides. This was a really ominous statement of intent from Brendan Rodgers and his Celtic players against a Gers side devoid of answers as thee Hoops head into the international break top of the table, having opened a five-point gap already over their bitter rivals with only four league games played.
Starting the day as massive underdogs having won just one of the last 12 meetings against Celtic, the Ibrox side began the match on the front-foot but were unable to seriously test new Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel. It took 15 minutes for Celtic to find their stride before reasserting their dominance in the fixture.
Goals from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor wrapped up a comfortable three points as Rangers folded tamely. This was a total capitulation, with captain James Tavernier enduring one of his worst-ever days in a blue jersey.
The result means Clement has now failed to win his first five derbies, losing four and drawing one - a record only matched by their first-ever boss William Wilton. Patience will already be wearing thin among the Gers fanbase.
Here’s how we rated the Rangers players at Celtic Park.
9. Rabbi Matondo - 3/10
Diverted a Tavernier cross from the right wide of the target under pressure. Lost Johnston far too easily in the build up to Celtic's opening goal. Went to ground with a muscular issue after 20 mins but was determined to soldier on. Unable to do so and subbed after 37 mins. A day to forget. | SNS Group
10. Vaclav Cerny - 4/10
Whipped in a dangerous early free-kick. Didn't have much joy down the right-hand side up against Taylor. Got into some threatening areas but end product was lacking. No improvement after the break. Subbed. | SNS Group
11. Cyriel Dessers - 3/10
Should've opened the scoring after Rangers pressed high to win the ball back. Collected Tavernier's pass on edge of the box, cut inside but his close-range strike was scruffed straight at the keeper. Early chance after the restart after controlling McCausland's pass but shot lacked any sort of conviction. Booked for dissent summed up his day. Strikers are often judged on their impact in this fixture and the Nigerian let himself down here. | SNS Group
12. Ross McCausland (SUB) - 5/10
Introduced much earlier than expected for the injured Matondo after 37 mins. Had a few positive moments. Started the second half brightly, winning the ball back before finding Dessers, which led to a chance. Passed up a great opportunity from Jefte's low cross but didn't connect cleanly with the ball. | SNS Group