Celtic were superb last night, heroes to a man. They competed, hassled harried and passed this very mediocre Rangers team off the park last night. Could it be that the Ibrox outfit has finally been shown up for what it is? Could this be the Scottish football version of the Emperor's new clothes?
The very fact that all Artur Boruc had to do last night was to pick the ball out of his net once only further compounds what a truly dreadful performance this was for the Ibrox side. Watties decision to put two right backs against McGeady was one of true folly. Yes Aiden has had better games but the two man markers did little to stop Aiden getting into dangerous positions, especially in the first half. A Masterstroke there Walter!
Every Celtic player put in a decent shift, played their positions well and most importantly won the majority of their individual battles, with Barry Robson being for me, man of the match. His dogged determined running, ball winning and general combatant attitude to the approach made a major contribution to the success of the team last night. Well done Barry.
A Special mention must also go to Nakamura, whose moment where technique, vision and skill came together in perfect harmony will live with me till the day I die. That has to go down as one of the best goals I have ever seen live, and I am glad that big Jan ensured that it wasn't to be in vain.
It was also good to see that when wee rat face managed to do the impossible and score a spectacular goal that Celtic heads never went down. The support got behind the team and sang songs about football and willed the team on. It has to be said though that the fan who chucked coins at the Rangers physio and McGregor should be strung up. I hope he is identified and has the book thrown at him. On the subject of the fans, I have to ask if the away support has any songs that they can sing that are about football? It must be really hard being a Rangers player because the fans never sing about players, the team or even some of the many legends that they have had at their club. Have you no aspects of your football 'heritage' that you would like to show your support for? We know no-one likes you, why do you feel the need to highlight it again and again. Scotland's shame indeed. Well done to the Green Brigade for the best piece of half time entertainment in years!
There are bound to be a few repercussions regarding the red cards that were shown last night that may have repercussions for the destination of the title this season. Celtic will be without the services of Gary Caldwell but have plenty of cover in that area (I can't see Lee "Elbows" McCulloch going in on Balde with his arms raised). Rangers resolve will be tested due to the fact that they will be without a first choice centre half for the next few games.
So what next? Well as we all know one swallow does not a summer make and Celtic at this stage in the season are really only as good as their next defeat given the precarious nature of things. Celtic has a few advantages in the run in, both in personnel and in momentum. I for one will not be casting my attention to the possible permutations of results in the coming weeks; I for one will be concentrating fully on the next game against Aberdeen.
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt