Final Score: Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Celtic were held to a goalless draw by bitter rivals Rangers FC at the Celtic Park, in the Glasgow Derby on Saturday.
In a match where both the sides were guilty of wasting gilt-edged chances, the reigning champions had the better of the opportunities in the first half, but the likes of James Forrest and Scott Sinclair failed to find the back of the net. Post the break, Graeme Murty’s Gers threatened to take home all three points but were denied by some brilliant goalkeeping by stopper Craig Gordon.
The result doesn’t have any major implication on Brendan Rodgers’ side’s position in the Scottish Premiership table, as they sit comfortably at the top, with a 9-point lead over second-placed Aberdeen who have a game in hand. Here’s how the Bhoys fared on the day.
Celtic Player Ratings
Craig Gordon – 8/10
Pulled off two brilliant stops to deny James Tavernier and Alfredo Morelos in the second period, after having stopped the Colombian once in the first-half as well.
Mikael Lustig – 4/10
Poor from the Swede. Lost the ball early in the game, allowing the visitors a chance to score and was generally quite a way below his usual standards.
Dedryck Boyata – 6/10
Not always the most convincing when in possession. Was given a stern test by the Light Blues after the break, but defended strongly to come out unscathed.
Kristoffer Ajer – 8/10
Another highly impressive display from the youngster. Strong in the air, extremely comfortable carrying the ball out from the back. Had Morelos under wraps for most parts of the game.
Kieran Tierney – 6.5/10
Put in his usual shift down the left-hand side, running up and down the flank. Booked for a tactical foul on Daniel Candeias.
Scott Brown – 6/10
Wasn’t at his usual dominant best in the middle of the park. Lost possession quite a few times, but still managed to win a fair share of his duels. Booked.
Stuart Armstrong – 6/10
Sliced an early effort wide. Worked hard in the midfield and recovered possession regularly in his own half.
James Forrest – 6/10
Had an early effort thwarted by Wes Foderingham. A fairly quiet night for the Scottish winger who has been in good form of late. Did create a couple of chances in the second period.
Callum McGregor – 6/10
Harried the opposition defence and linked the play well in the final third. But things did not always fall in place for him. Grew tired as the game went on.
Scott Sinclair – 4/10
Had two attempts saved in the first period. Missed the best chance of the game, close to half-time, when he fired his shot wide, with the goal gaping.
Moussa Dembele – 4/10
Struggled to get into the game. Poor hold up play at the top, offered very little in terms of goal threat before being replaced at the hour mark.
Substitutes
Leigh Griffiths – 4/10
On for Dembele in the 60th minute. Was just as ineffective as the Frenchman. Booked in the added time.
Olivier Ntcham – 6/10
Replaced Sinclair for the final twenty minutes. Looked lively and played some enticing passes to open up the Gers’ defence. Should have started the game.