Thursday, September 19, 2024

Celtic 3-0 Rangers: Analysis

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Thomas Duncan, BBC Sport Scotland

If the familiar derby feel was comforting for Celtic, it is haunting for Rangers who have won just one of the last 12 meetings. And even that was a victory when the league was already lost.

After a purposeful start in which they harassed Celtic and occupied their centre-backs to allow space out wide, they folded after the disallowed goal.

Their discipline disappeared, as did the midfield three of Connor Barron, Mohamed Diomande, and Dujon Sterling. James Tavernier was again guilty of switching off at the back post as he lost another round of his ongoing bout with Maeda.

It wasn’t as if they didn’t have their moments. But as has been the case for an age, they couldn’t take them when they did arrive.

Philippe Clement has now failed to win his first five derbies, losing four, a record only matched by Rangers’ first ever manager William Wilton. The Belgian has emphasised the need for patience as he remoulds the squad with young players.

It is true he has been firefighting since walking in the door at Ibrox 10 months ago but there is still no sign of a clear style and gameplan. Rangers need to find one quickly or thin patience among some fans will disappear completely.

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