Celtic still have their destiny under control after drawing 3-3 away to Rangers in a pulsating clash at Ibrox earlier today.
Daizen Maeda’s persistence paid off after just 21 seconds, as he closed down James Tavernier, benefitting from a ricochet to put the Bhoys 1-0 up in the early stages.
Matt O’Riley doubled our advantage from the spot with a cooly-taken penalty awarded due to a handball from Connor Goldson around ten minutes before the interval.
In the second half, a frantic 45 minutes were in store, and Rangers found a way back into the match as Tavernier converted from the spot following Fabio Silva’s tumble in the area.
Abdallah Sima levelled four minutes from time; nevertheless, Adam Idah took his tally to six goals in nine Scottish Premiership appearances before Rabbi Matondo denied Celtic all three points.
Brendan Rodgers chose to talk up the positive aspects of his side’s performance, stating post-match, where he cited the first-half display: “I thought the performance was very, very good. To come here, play with no supporters and play with that courage – the first half we were excellent, we could have had the game out of sight. The composure in how we played and the pressure we put them under was very, very pleasing.”
On the face of it, Celtic are in the same position they started today in, and a draw at Ibrox has given us plenty to play for heading into the final six league fixtures of the campaign.
Celtic striker Adam Idah reacts to ‘crazy’ Glasgow Derby
Republic of Ireland international Idah took the floor at Ibrox today and once again proved his credentials as a Celtic marksman by claiming the third goal, which was supplied expertly by Paulo Bernardo.
The 23-year-old arrived on loan from Norwich City in the January window to little fanfare, though he has since gone on to offer a different dynamic from Kyogo Furuhashi in the final third.
Speaking to official club channels, Idah has been reacting to a ‘crazy’ contest at Ibrox, where he netted a brilliant strike in his first experience of the Glasgow Derby.
Idah stated [Celtic TV]: “I thought the boys done excellent from start to finish; to get the early goal was amazing, it was crazy! My first time being here, it’s amazing, and what the boys did with no fans is fantastic, so it was a good experience, but I’m looking forward to playing them at home.”
He later added on the reverse fixture: “Look, we take each game as it comes now. We’ve got a game next Saturday, and that’ll be a good test for us; when the next game comes (vs Rangers), we’ll be ready for it.”
Anticipation is already growing for our next clash against Rangers post-split; however, there is a good chance the Bhoys will have a couple more fixtures to take care of before a showdown against Philippe Clement’s men at Parkhead.
St Mirren come to town next Saturday, and hopefully, we can go into the last five matches of the season top of the table, where Rodgers will plan to be once all is said and done.