Celtic managed to come away with a point at Ibrox despite having no away fans present in a turbulent affair this afternoon.
Daizen Maeda brilliantly hustled James Tavernier straight from kick-off, forcing the Englishman to divert a clearance off his shin that bizarrely evaded Jack Butland to open the scoring.
Connor Goldson’s handball gave the visitors an opportunity to double their lead in the 34th minute, and Matt O’Riley duly obliged, leaving Butland to pick the ball out of his net for a second time.
Tavernier and Abdallah Sima brought the hosts back to parity before Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah brilliantly took advantage of Paulo Bernardo’s excellent approach play three minutes from stoppages.
Rabbi Matondo left Joe Hart with no chance to salvage his side a point; nevertheless, Celtic still have their destiny where they want it heading into the final six Scottish Premiership fixtures.
Brendan Rodgers’ men take on St Mirren at home next Saturday; meanwhile, our rivals travel to Dundee and Ross County as the title race enters its final stages.
Brendan Rodgers loves what he saw from Celtic trio at Ibrox
The headline news earlier today was that Callum McGregor could only make the bench for the clash, leaving Tomoki Iwata, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate as his starting trio in midfield.
Speaking post-match, Rodgers complimented all three for their contribution on a day when Celtic played their part in a pulsating clash at Ibrox.
Rodgers stated [The Celtic Way]: “The midfield trio were absolutely outstanding. The midfield is the jungle as that’s where it’s won. All three played together. Tomo (Iwata) was excellent. He is 27 today so that was a nice birthday performance by him.
“He won the ball and passed it simply. Matty looked a threat and Jack Butland made a great save from his header in the first half. It was a brilliant save. You see what Reo (Hatate) brings. He elevates the team to the next level with his composure, his touch and his play.
“These players will get fitter over the coming weeks as well. I thought that, collectively, the team was excellent.”
It would maybe be a stretch to label our performance against Rangers a Jekyll and Hyde display; regardless, the first half will definitely live longer in the memory than the second.
Undoubtedly, Celtic’s engine room had its part to play in that, and it is refreshing to see Hatate and O’Riley dovetail nicely amid the former’s injury struggles.
Looking ahead, all three players mentioned will have an important role in the Bhoys’ quest to bring a domestic double back to Parkhead.