All the fallout and the controversy of the incidents in the 3-3 Glasgow Derby draw between Celtic and Rangers has actually overshadowed one thing.
Just how good Celtic were in this high-pressured game that they went into as underdogs and without their captain, Callum McGregor.
The legendary midfielder was consigned to the bench due as he was not deemed fit enough to start, but did make a second-half appearance to help Celtic get out of Ibrox with a precious point.
In a superb first-half, Celtic dominated Rangers and should have been out of sight as, if we are all honest, the 2-0 scoreline didn’t do Brendan Rodgers’ side any justice at all.
Whilst credit must go to the whole team for the performance and the result, there was one Celtic standout that deserves a special mention.
Matt O’Riley was superb for Celtic vs Rangers
Matt O’Riley has a habit of shining in the big games for Celtic. Even on his debut against Hearts, the Danish international laid on an assist to help Ange Postcoglou claim a vital 2-1 win at Tynecastle.
In the Champions League this season, O’Riley has been imperious with three assists and a man-on-the-match performance in the 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid.
But against Rangers, the Celtic midfielder just seems to shine, and on Sunday, it was no different.
Described as ‘outstanding‘ by Brendan Rodgers, O’Riley was rated as the starman for Celtic at 8.1 by Fotmob, O’Riley put in a superb performance agianst our rivals.
In the 82 minutes O’Riley was on the park he had 55 touches of the ball, made 39 passes with an accuracy of 79%.
The Denmark international also created four chances, has six passed into Rangers’ final third, hit the target with both of his shots at goal and, of course, scored that crucial penalty.
O’Riley also did his work defensively as he made six defensive actions, four ball recoveries and won six duels as he helped control the midfield for Celtic.
It truly was a polished performance by O’Riley whose stock just continues to rise.
Matt O’Riley is a nightmare for Rangers
O’Riley seems to save his best perfomances for the Glasgow Derby. In 13 appearances against Rangers, the 23-year-old has been on the winning side eight times, drawn three and lost only two.
He has scored once but created five assists as he continues to be a thorn in the Ibrox club’s side. [Transfermarkt]
O’Riley has had an extremely successful two years at Celtic since signing in January 2022.
Picking up five trophies out of six, including a record-breaking eighth domestic treble, the midfielder will be hoping to another league title to that list and his performance on Sunday at Ibrox may well have helped Celtic take a step towards that.