Old Firm week is always a bit special and, for once, Rangers don’t have a midweek European game to distract them from one of the biggest derbies in years.
Since Steven Gerrard arrived at Ibrox, there has been a pretty even split in terms of results, however it is Celtic who have enjoyed a dominance in recent encounters.
Philippe Clement faces a similar story to that of Gerrard when he first set foot in G51 in that it has been a long time since a meaningful derby was won, in fact, in terms of league games, it was probably the former manager’s last derby.
Rangers Old Firm flashback sees Ryan Jack moment of magic
Michael Beale had an appalling record in derbies, guilty of overthinking team selection and game plans, rarely did he look like he believed that he could win.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst had mixed fortunes in that two heavy Parkhead losses bookended games that should have been won but were lost – at least he gave us the win at Hampden on the way to the Scottish Cup though.
This is Clement’s first Old Firm derby at Ibrox with a squad that is more confident and he will be wanting a similar result to the one enjoyed by Gerrard.
A game of firsts.
Rangers first derby win in 13 attempts and also Ryan Jack’s first goal for the club over a year after joining from Aberdeen.
Rangers had come close to breaking the deadlock in a performance that deserved more than just the 1-0 scoreline.
As he would do on several occasions until he left, Craig Gordon proved to be a hard man to beat.
On the half hour mark, he was beaten though and Jack finished a fine move in which Ryan Kent had been tormentor in chief.
Here it is in all its glory:
There may have been a deflection on its way into the net but, if you don’t buy a ticket, you’ll never win.
Speaking after the game, Jack was clearly delighted with his matchwinner:
“In the last few weeks I’ve been close to getting a goal and thankfully it came in this game.
“We know Old Firm games are always fierce and feisty right from the whistle but it’s important to play with your heads as well as being brave, putting your foot in and winning tackles. We’re delighted.”
More of the same will be needed this weekend with Philippe Clement never one to be worried about where the goals are coming from.
What he will want though, is the same intensity, the same dominance in midfield, and the same controlled aggression that Celtic simply couldn’t live with.
Rangers went joint top after that game in 2018 but ran out of steam, this time, Philippe Clement will be hoping it is full steam ahead.
