I think most people will agree that Celtic’s first-half performance against Rangers really was one of the most accomplished 45 minutes at Ibrox we have seen in recent history in this fixture.
To take a 2-0 halftime lead and be cruising in one of the most high-pressured games of the season was of great credit to Brendan Rodgers and Celtic. Especially after heading into the game without captain, Callum McGregor.
Neil Lennon labelled Celtic’s first 45 minutes at Ibrox as an ‘annihilation‘. And it was. Rangers looked down and out and had it not been for the penalty that was awarded early into the second half, you would have found it difficult to see any way back into this game for the Ibrox club.
And it was at that point that Ally McCoist phoned Gabby Agbonlahor to discuss the game and share how he was feeling after watching his old side toil against Celtic.
Alan Brazil says Celtic will beat Rangers in next Glasgow Derby
The former Aston Villa striker had already spoken of his admiration of Matt O’Riley after he watched the Celtic midfielder’s performance in the derby.
And now, speaking to Alan Brazil, Agbonlahor discussed how McCoist was ‘devastated’ after witnessing those first half 45 minutes.
Agbonlahor said [talkSPORT], “We were speaking through the game. He phoned me at halftime and he was devastated watching the game with his two lads, I think he’s away.
“Then after the game he was buzzing.”
Brazil: “How can he be buzzing after 3-3?”
Agbonlahor: “He was buzzing for the draw. You tell me.”
Brazil: “I think it’s all to play for. I really do. I said I’d take a draw before the game knowing that they’ve got to come to Parkhead.”
Agbonlahor: “What if they come to Parkhead and get a draw?”
Brazil: “They won’t because we’ll gub them.”
Brendan Rodgers will be feeling more confident of the two managers after getting out of Ibrox with a draw.
With the next Glasgow Derby at Paradise, if Celtic can produce another performance for the whole 90 minutes as they did in that first half at Ibrox, then they will come out victorious.
However, that won’t matter worth a jot unless Celtic win the rest of their remaining Scottish Premiership matches.
With St Mirren up next at Celtic Park, Rodgers will know that nothing but three points will matter to ensure the pressure remains on Rangers at the top of the league.