For Celtic, and the continuously high domestic standards we have set this year, this was up there with any of the worst showings in 2022. The passing was disjointed, it was very rare we could get any rhythm going in our attacks and defensively we were shambolic at times. Despite all of that however, we managed to get what will most likely be a defining equaliser in our season. In doing so, we managed to prevent the gap at the top being cut to 6 points and continue into 2023 with a healthy 9 point lead.
Before the game, Postecoglu mentioned that there had been a bug going around the camp however there was no sign of that being an issue in the early exchanges. Celtic's relentless pressing forced Morelos into a slack pass which Maeda picked up. The Japanese world cup star then brilliantly skipped past Tavernier and Goldson before calmly slotting the ball home.
We then continued to assert our dominance of the game without really creating any other further chances of note, apart from a clever low ball into the box from Forrest which was completely missed by Kyogo. Despite the lack of goal scoring opportunities, our control of the game began to transcend into the stands as the indigenous locals vented their frustrations with every misplaced pass or slight opening for Celtic.
As is often the case with these games however, it does not take a lot for the pendulum to swing. With barely any pressure being levelled at Celtic's backline, Joe Hart took it upon himself to gift Morelos an opportunity with a slack pass. Morelos won the ball which then found its way to Kent who was then denied by a smart save from Hart. Despite his redemption in the form of said save, this moment really did feel like a key turning point in the game. In his defence, our backline and goalkeeper have quite clearly been strictly instructed to retain possession at any given opportunity. Too many times however, most notably in Europe, this leads to moments of disaster at the back. Postecoglu clearly believes in his vision and I am sure with a few more transfer windows, we should be able to cut out the slack aspects of our play. He has been known to be ruthless in his transfer dealings and I have confidence that he will be fully aware of the areas he needs to improve upon in order to fully implement his philosophy in the long run.
Rangers began where they'd left off as the second half started, immediately targeting Juranovic who looked like he had been on the bevvy ever since the world cup. The decision to bring him on when he was quite clearly not 100% fit and also in an unnatural position has to come down to the manager. Bernabei was fit and ready on the bench and surely could not have put in a worst performance.
Both Rangers goals came from targeting our left side with Sakala getting the better of Juranovic to then set up Kent for the first, and then running past him again to win a penalty for the second. As the game progressed Celtic showed no signs of getting back into it truth. Most in Green and White feared the worst and the lead was nearly extended when Tillman was played clean through, however a last minute intervention from the colossal Cameron Carter Vickers prevented them from sealing the game.
Celtic then flexed their superior strength in depth. Abada, Giakoumakis and Jota came on at varying stages of the last third of the match, whilst Rangers took off one of their main attaching threats (Tillman) for a defender (Sands). Whilst we were not at the races creatively, this still allowed us to advance further up the field and invited pressure on the Ibrox side. In the 88th minute Jota went past Tavernier as if he wasn't there, found Mooy in the box and following a bit of luck, the ball found its way to Kyogo who calmly slotted the ball in.
With the way the game had panned out this was not expected, but it is at least testament to Ange's team that they can roll their sleeves up and get the job done even when all the cards are against us. For me, this was far from our strongest line up and you will struggle to see a worse performance from ourselves all season. This was Rangers big chance to put at least some semblance of pressure on us today and they completely blew it.
We got a first viewing of Alistair Johnston at right back, shining in an aggressive attacking and defensive display. If Juranovic is to go this window, we look to have a more than capable replacement. With two other additions already made, and our strongest 11 still to come back, you can only see our lead at the top increasing with the pressure mounting even further on Michael Beale. That being said, the competitiveness of yesterday's game will serve as a timely reminder of how quickly things can change in Glasgow. Hopefully this ensures a consistent aim to never stand still in terms of player recruitment.
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