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Ange Postecoglou has celebrated his maiden Old Firm triumph as Celtic leapfrogged Rangers to the top of the Scottish Premiership with a thumping 3-0 defeat of their rivals at Parkhead.
In a frenetic first half, Reo Hatate – an Ange signing – marked his debut in the historic fixture by grabbing a stunning brace before Liel Abada added a third.
Had it not been for Rangers keeper Allan McGregor the rampant Hoops would have inflicted more damage.
With no travelling supporters inside the ground, Rangers appeared a beaten lot at the interval and despite some improvement after the break a comprehensive and sobering defeat was confirmed by the final whistle.
⏱ FULL TIME | @CelticFC 3️⃣-0️⃣ @RangersFC
☘️ A HUGE win for Ange Postecoglou and the Bhoys, who reclaim top spot in the Scottish Premiership from Rangers!
???? HIGHLIGHTS + REACTION at https://t.co/xQTjtmR2Yi | #SPFL #OldFirm #CELRAN #CelticRangers pic.twitter.com/qptXW783No
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_AUS) February 2, 2022
Postecoglou’s men are now 18 league fixtures without defeat after ending a seven-game winless run in Old Firm derbies and are at the summit of the division for the first time since August.
But after a 13-game unbeaten start, the defeat is Giovanni’s van Bronckhorst’s first as Rangers manager and could prove to be season-defining – not just because they slip behind Celtic but also due to the crushing nature of the loss.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates at full time. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Postecoglou’s side are one point ahead of their fellow Glasgow giants having sealed their first league win over Rangers since September 1, 2019.
“Our first 45 mins were outstanding; three great goals, our football was pretty special, and their keeper pulled off some great saves. Considering the context of the game, I thought our football was outstanding,” said the Aussie manager.
“Second-half, we had to defend a bit more but we’ve been a team that can do that. It shows another layer. We knew the consequences, what it meant to our supporters, and we stood up.”
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst said: “It seemed like it was the first Old Firm game we’d played. We know what it will bring and we know what to do. It seemed like we weren’t ready for it.
“We’re not the first Rangers team to lose. I lost big here as a player, but we eventually became champions that year. These games don’t decide the championship.”
Despite being without a host of players including Socceroos ace Tom Rogic due to international commitments, Celtic did welcome back captain Callum McGregor from a facial injury, wearing a mask.
His presence was noticed as the intensity and pace Postecoglou’s side played at proved too much for the Gers.
⚽️⚽️⚽️ GOAL! Celtic Park is SHAKING as @CelticFC makes it 3-0 just before half-time! Can @RangersFC turn it around in the second-half?
???? Watch LIVE NOW on beIN 3 via @Foxtel, @kayosports, Fetch TV & CONNECT ???? https://t.co/ADzUFcuNGp | #OldFirm #SPFL #CELRAN pic.twitter.com/8Symf0CUyB
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_AUS) February 2, 2022
It took less than five minutes for the home crowd to explode into a frenzy in the first midweek fixture between the two sides in more than 10 years.
Matt O’Riley’s corner from the left was cleared by Joe Aribo but the ball fell to Hatate who took a touch before sending a right-footed shot into the far corner of the net.
Four minutes before the break Celtic ‘keeper Joe Hart was smart off his line to deny Scott Arfield an opening and moments later Celtic were two ahead, Abada playing in Hatate who curled home a terrific shot from 20 yards.
Abada then almost casually flicked in a cross from Hatate with a minute of the first half remaining, with Rangers defenders caught out.
The visitors had more of the game in the last quarter of the game and went close to a consolation goal on more than one occasion but Celtic’s night was not to be spoiled.
The result was met with obvious glee from fans around the world.
That is this @CelticFC team taking their intensity of play to a higher level. Combined with confidence and a partisan crowd. New recruits are shining. The Ange effect. @RangersFC have struggled to catch their breath and get a footing. Compulsive viewing. @spfl #oldfirm
— Adrian Bevington (@ABevington11) February 2, 2022
Celtic are clear here. They're gonna win the league. For Ange to have done what he's done in such a short amount of time is ludicrous.
— Mark Serrels (@Serrels) February 2, 2022
I don't want to go over the top, but Ange Postecoglou may be the greatest manager ever ????????????
— FUTWIZ Jamodo (@JamieODoherty) February 2, 2022
Tremendous performance from Celtic.
Fantastic watch even though it was one-sided. Rangers were never really at it.
The transformation under Ange Postecoglou is remarkable and he deserves so much credit.
His recruitment isn’t bad either. ????????????
— Ben McNicol (@Ben_McNicol00) February 2, 2022
© AAP
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