Rangers claimed Old Firm bragging rights with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Celtic at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Center back Connor Goldson was the unlikely hero, finding the net either side of half-time with a deft header and a fine finish from close range.
Celtic hardly threatened the Rangers goal, with substitute Leah Griffiths having the hosts’ best chance after teeing up Alan McGregor, but they couldn’t find the net from a tight angle.
However, he failed to register a shot on target as Rangers recorded a second consecutive win over their rivals to remain top of the Scottish Premiership.
Let’s look at some player ratings…
Ajair starts as part of the Celtic back three / Ian McNicol / Getty Images
Vasilis Barkas (GK) – 5/10 – Should have done better with Rangers’ opening goal as Goldson’s header into his own net.
Christopher Ajir (CB) – 10/7 – conceded a free kick which led to a soft foul on Kent by Rangers’ opener. Made a brilliant second-half tackle when Kent was cleared, and another great block to deny the Rangers winger once again.
Shane Duffy (CB) – 5/10 – A bit defensive and often found sloppy in possession.
Stephen Welsh (CB) – 7/10 – A stunning start for the Celtic academy graduate – his first and thoroughly assured and solid performance since February.
Brown captains Celtic / Mark Runnickles / Getty Images
Diego Laxalt (LWB) – 10/6 – His first step since his move from Milan. It was written during the first half, but progressed more frequently in the second.
Callum McGregor (CM) – 7/10 – Provided Celtic’s brightest moments, particularly in the second half, when he moved forward from deep.
Oliver Ancham (CM) – 5/10 – Struggled against Rangers’ dynamic midfield three, and was replaced after the hour mark after failing to stamp his authority on the game.
Scott Brown (CM) – 6/10 – Mopped up from the back, won big headers, crashed into tackles and didn’t lose his temper when Morelos wrapped him around the ear.
Jeremy Frimpong (RWB) – 5/10 – Was dangerously unable to get forward and as usual he was often relegated to defensive duties – pushed up in the second half.
Kalimala starts the top-up for Celtic/Ian MacNicol/Getty Images.
Patrick Kalimala (ST) – 5/10 – Had a very quiet afternoon and was left to feed scraps. It was changed after the hour mark.
Muhammad Al-Ionosi (ST) – 5/10 – The winger was deployed in an unnatural striker role and squandered a golden opportunity after getting behind Rangers’ backline, but lifted the ball well over the bar.
56′ – #CelticFC sub:
❎ @Moielyo
↪️ Albayan Ajiti
?0⃣-2⃣?#CELRAN #DerbyDay pic.twitter.com/964eiJ01Ex
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 17, 2020
Al Bayan Ajiti – 6/10
Lee Griffiths- 6/10
Tom Rogic- 5/10
David Turnbull -N/A
Greg Taylor -N/A
Goldson opened the scoring for Rangers/Ian McNicol/Getty Images.
Alan McGregor (GK) – 6/10 – Celtic had little to do as failed to trouble the Rangers goal. A penalty could have been conceded after what looked like a foul on Griffiths, but the Celtic man stayed on his feet.
James Tournier (RB) – 10/7 – A wicked free kick is whipped in by Goldson to head home for Rangers’ opening goal.
Philip Helander (CB) – 6/10 – There was little to do defensively as Celtic hardly threatened Rangers’ backline. Good on the ball as Rangers build confidently from the back.
Connor Goldson (CB) – 8/10 – Opened the scoring by escaping the attentions of the Celtic backline and heading home Tavernier’s free-kick. He was lucky not to be penalized by Ilionosi after a poor effort, but he headed home from close range in his second on 54 minutes.
Borna Barsek (LB) – 7/10 – Made a great run and even better delivery to pick Kent in the second half as Rangers nearly added a third.
Davies starts in the middle for Rangers / Ian McNicol / Getty Images
Steven Davis (CM) – 8/10 – Fast and intelligent in control as Rangers moved the ball around with real confidence and authority and completely overwhelmed Celtic in midfield.
Scott Orfield (CM) – 8/10 – Rangers were excellent in possession, and the midfield three were influential. Orfield was at the heart of the build-up to Rangers’ second goal, slotting Goldson perfectly into the box after a flurry of team movement.
Glen Kumar (CM) – 8/10 – Cool and composed, showed excellent quick footwork to extricate himself from a tight spot early in the first half. Moves the ball forward so beautifully.
Kent was the best / Ian McNicol / Getty Images
Brandon Barker (RW) – 7/10 – Dynamic, adventurous and exciting, constantly switching flanks with Kent and linking up with Rangers’ midfield during a series of slick moves.
Alfredo Morelos (ST) – 6/10 – Had a bit of fun—of Housery, wrapping up Brown, setting up a niggling foul pick and dropping a late arm on Duffy.
Ryan Kent (LW) – 8/10 – Excellent from start to finish. An absolute nuisance at either back, terrorizing the Celtic backline with his quick footwork and trickery.
62′ SUB: First change for Rangers 0-2
➡️ On: Ryan Jack
⬅️ OFF: Brandon Barker
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 17, 2020
Ryan Jack- 7/10
Cedric Eaton -N/A
Joe Arebo -N/A