By Daily Sports on December 30, 2018

Rangers moved level with Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership after inflicting Brendan Rodgers’ first defeat in 13 Old Firm games.

The home side dominated at a raucous Ibrox to defeat the reigning Scottish champions for the first time since April 2016.

An off the pace Celtic remain top on goal difference, and still have a game in hand over Rangers. Ryan Jack scored the decisive goal during a one-sided first half.

The visitors were indebted to a string of excellent Craig Gordon saves for keeping them in the game.

Celtic did have a Callum McGregor goal ruled out for offside after the break, but otherwise spent most of the contest at Ibrox on the back foot. Rangers’ intent was evident from the moment Andy Halliday – filling in at left-back for the injured Borna Barisic – celebrated winning a tackle on Olivier Ntcham in the opening minute as though he had scored.

The hosts were urgent, imposing and dominant across the pitch, but the foundation for their performance was the midfield three of Ross McCrorie, Scott Arfield and Jack.

Celtic were hustled and harried out of their normally peerless rhythm, and a waywardness was forced into their play that saw the likes of Dedryck Boyata, Scott Brown and McGregor either pass the ball straight off the field or to a Rangers player.

It was a reflection on the dynamic of the game that Celtic’s best player was goalkeeper Gordon, who kept the score down with saves from a Daniel Candeias volley and Connor Goldson’s header.

Before Rangers broke the deadlock, Alfredo Morelos and Brown competed for a Halliday corner, and sent the ball spinning off an upright. (BBC)

•Photo shows Scottish Rangers players 

Source Daily Sports

Posted December 30, 2018

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