CELTIC are celebrating after their victory over Rangers in the second Old Firm derby of the Scottish Premiership season.
Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops edged out a 2-1 win at Parkhead to go eight points clear at the top of the table.
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Two stunners from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo respectively put the hosts in front.
And they hung on for the three points, despite an excellent late free-kick from Gers skipper James Tavernier.
It’s a first defeat for Ibrox boss Philippe Clement, whose side would have been hoping for a positive result with two games in hand.
Here’s how the stars rated from Saturday’s lunchtime showdown:
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Celtic
JOE HART
Made decent low saves from Todd Cantwell and Ross McCausland in the first half as Celtic defence fell asleep. No chance with James Tavernier’s free-kick.7
ALISTAIR JOHNSTON
Booked for early foul on Abdallah Sima and didn’t look comfortable. Recovered well after slack pass let in Cyriel Dessers. Penalty drama but Sima would have been offside.6
STEPHEN WELSH
Replaced the crocked Cameron Carter-Vickers and did fine before picking up an injury trying to tackle Dessers and was forced off in 35 minutes.5
LIAM SCALES
One first-half lapse let in McCausland but an impressive display apart from that. Won his battles and used the ball well from the back. Booked late on.8
GREG TAYLOR
Saw loads of the ball as he constantly moved infield to get involved. McCausland’s pace caused him problems but he used his experience in a strong display.7
PAULO BERNARDO
Old Firm debut and he made his mark. Came close twice before crashing in a volley for the opener. Booked for celebration and dodged second yellow for late tackle.8
CALLUM McGREGOR
Pumped up from the start and set the tone for Celtic with a tireless midfield display. Produced a captain’s performance when his team needed it most.Booked. 9
MATT O’RILEY
Quiet first half as he played deeper but wonderful turn and pass to find Kyogo as Celtic made it 2-0. Showed plenty of dig to go with his talent. Booked.7
DAIZEN MAEDA
Relentless running in the first half but his touch let him down on more than one occasion. Pressing and pace helped lead to Leon Balogun red card.7
KYOGO FURUHASHI
Now on seven goals in last seven games against Rangers and this was probably the pick of the bunch. Talisman came alive to leave Jack Butland with no chance.8
LUIS PALMA
Derby debut and full of guile on left flank. One cross for Bernardo deserved a finish and he was always available to take the ball in tight areas.8
SUBS: MAIK NAWROCKI (7) on for his first appearance since August and looked the part after a shaky start. Booked. DAVID TURNBULL (5) on for the shattered Bernardo and was booked for stopping a Rangers counter. MIKEY JOHNSTON (4) on for Palma. OH HYEON-GYU (3) replaced Kyogo. Booked. LIEL ABADA (3) great reception on comeback.
Rangers
JACK BUTLAND
Keeper had no chance with either Celtic goal as the Hoops produced two clinical finishes. Gers No1 had a couple of routine saves other than that.6
JAMES TAVERNIER
Captain didn’t get forward as much as usual in first half but kept trying to carry the fight and curled in a terrific free-kick to cause a nervy finale.7
CONNOR GOLDSON
Declared himself fit but lost Kyogo for an early Celtic chance and then didn’t get close enough to the Japanese striker as he curled in the second goal.Booked. 5
LEON BALOGUN
Day to forget was capped when he hauled down Daizen Maeda for a second-half red card. Got himself in a fankle and had no complaints when red appeared.4
RIDVAN YILMAZ
Tough task against the speed of Daizen Maeda. Coped well for the most part and also showed some nice touches going forward but fell out of the game.6
JOHN LUNDSTRAM
Shook off an ankle injury to take his place in midfield. Sat deep and tried to control the game but never looked fully fit. Taken off after Balogun red card.7
DUJON STERLING
Old Firm debut in his new midfield role and showed up well. Came on strong late as Gers chased an equaliser as he covered the yards. Booked.7
ROSS McCAUSLAND
Old Firm debut for the Gers kid and forced Joe Hart into two saves in the first half. Occasion didn’t faze him and can hold head high.7
TODD CANTWELL
Busy as ever in the No10 role and always looked to drive Rangers forward and cause problems. Surprisingly hooked with around 25 minutes to go.6
ABDALLAH SIMA
Powerful attacker caused Alistair Johnston problems all afternoon before he was forced off through injury. Weak defensive clearance led to Paulo Bernardo’s opener.6
CYRIEL DESSERS
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Left Gers boss Philippe Clement frustrated even before he fluffed a golden chance after slack Celtic play. Willing runner but wasted any openings that came his way.5
SUBS: KIERAN DOWELL (4) replaced Cantwell but couldn’t really get a hold of the game against 11 men. SCOTT WRIGHT (4) on for the injured Sima and got stuck in during Gers’ late rally. JOHN SOUTTAR (3) late runout as Lundstram was protected. Booked for a spat with Oh Hyeon-gyu.
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