Celtic ended Philippe Clement’s unbeaten Rangers’ document to maneuver eight away from their Previous Agency rivals after a frantic encounter at Parkhead.
The strain was on Brendan Rodgers’ facet with their Previous Agency rivals closing in on them on the prime of the Scottish Premiership, however targets from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi both facet of the break secured the win.
Leon Balogun was proven a straight pink card for hauling down Dazien Maeda as he raced via on aim as Rangers’ frustrations confirmed.
Captain James Tavernier’s beautiful free-kick pulled a aim again for the guests, but it surely was too little too late.
Rodgers has by no means misplaced to Celtic’s fiercest rivals at house whereas Rangers, who’ve two video games in hand, as soon as once more lose floor in title race.
How Celtic reasserted title management
The Celtic followers had been on their ft early on as Kyogo picked up a ball from the left, however Jack Butland tipped his shot around the put up for a nook which Rangers then cleared.
Rangers then went on the assault and Ross McCausland despatched in a low cross which Joe Hart saved earlier than efforts from Cyriel Dessers and Todd Cantwell had been blocked.
It was then again to Celtic as Luis Palma whipped in a beautiful ball for Paulo Bernardo who headed it simply huge of Butland’s far put up.
Kyogo’s blushes had been then saved by the offside flag as he failed to attach with Daizen Maeda’s cross because the hosts pushed for an opener.
Bernardo then let rip from 20-yards as his highly effective strike rippled the facet web, then minutes later he took his likelihood as Celtic Park erupted.
A nook was whipped in after Greg Taylor’s effort was deflected over the bar. It was cleared so far as the Portuguese midfielder who caught the ball fantastically, leaving Butland with no likelihood.
Dessers then had a superb likelihood to equalise as he robbed Welsh, however the Rangers ahead took too lengthy, permitting Alistair Johnston to clear.
The Celtic defender was instantly changed by Maik Nawrocki after injuring his shoulder as he tried to clear the ball.
Rangers had extra possibilities via McCausland and Todd Cantwell earlier than they thought they’d gained a penalty after Johnston appeared to deal with the ball within the field. Referee Nick Walsh was not even known as to the monitor with Abdallah Sima judged to be offside within the build-up.
Celtic doubled their lead simply after half-time, and in some model. O’Riley discovered the striker on the sting of the field and he despatched a curling strike into the highest nook.
Dessers once more handed up an opportunity for Rangers earlier than Celtic duo Johnston and Bernadro had been fortunate to keep away from second bookings for late challenges.
Rangers’ afternoon then went from dangerous to worse as Leon Balogun was proven a straight pink for hauling down Maeda as he regarded set to attain.
Brendan Rodgers’ facet continued to press. Butland denied David Turnbull minutes after he got here on, with the Rangers stopper additionally maintaining Kyogo and Palma at bay.
James Tavernier pulled a aim again late on, his highly effective free-kick leaving Hart helpless within the Celtic aim. But it surely was too little too late as Rangers suffered their second Previous Agency defeat of the season.
What’s subsequent?
Celtic’s subsequent Scottish Premiership match is at St Mirren on Tuesday, stay on Sky Sports activities. Kick-off 5pm.
Rangers’ subsequent Scottish Premiership match is at house to Kilmarnock on Tuesday. Kick-off 3pm.