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Daily Record
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Chris Sutton

Ange is taking Celtic on an incredible journey and I can't wait to see what's next – Chris Sutton

It was tense. It was nerve-wracking. It got a bit fraught in the end.

But what did people expect? This was a derby between two good sides, two teams fighting for every inch to win the big prize.

And while it might have ended up a draw, we all know the real winner.

This was a result Celtic would have gladly taken before a ball was kicked and they now have the title within their grasp.

Listen, it’s still not done. We’ve seen some incredible swings in leagues in the past and you never bank on anything until you are officially done and dusted.

But let’s be realistic. Celtic have gone 29 games without defeat in the league under Ange Postecoglou this season.

Let’s just say, it’s highly unlikely they are going to lose two of the next three. With the goal difference, one will will do it.

(SNS Group)

They are just about there and at this stage of the season it doesn’t really matter how it’s achieved.

It’s only about getting over the line.

The point yesterday wasn’t particularly pretty but Celtic did what they needed to do.

This is not the time for pretty.

It was always going to be an awkward one for Postecoglou and his team. Their natural instinct has been to go on the front foot. That’s they style that’s got them to this point of the season.

But you can’t help but feel a bit of caution come in to your game when there’s so much at stake.

This was one team with nothing to lose and another with everything to lose.

There was bound to be some nerves kicking in.

Celtic could have been more comfortable if they’d stuck away a few gilt-edged chances.

Daizen Maeda did a power of work again but he really should have found the ball in the back of the net.

He felt he was going to get clattered by Allan McGregor when he closed his eyes and fluffed his header.

The one in the second half was more of a snap shot but it was still a huge chance. Jota had one as well and if any one of those were put away Celtic would have had the feet up for the rest of the afternoon.

(SNS Group)

You could argue Ryan Kent had a big chance at 0-0 as well and you have to give Rangers credit in general. They have shown they are a good side and this was their last throw of the dice. Of course they were going to have a go – and they did.

They came on strong at the start and then went for it in the second half.

They might have even sneaked it at the end. I understand the jitters in the stands and on the pitch.

This is not the Brendan Rodgers era when Celtic sealed the title against Rangers by sticking five past them and supporters were simply turning up for a party and the only question was how many.

No, we’ve seen in the games this year there is not much between these teams.

Celtic’s 3-0 win in February was the only really one-sided derby as all of the others ebbed and flowed either way.

Rangers were not going to go down without a fight.

It’s just a testament to Celtic they managed to withstand it and are now on the verge of history.

This has been an incredible journey under Postecoglou. Twelve months ago, Rangers strolled past their ragged rivals.

It was 4-1 at Ibrox and a complete spanking. Celtic looked years behind.

A 25 point winning margin was just proof there was a gulf between the teams.

It would have been hard for any manager to get from that stage to this, but when you consider what Postecoglou had to come through it makes it all the more remarkable.

Rangers managed to kept their squad intact while Celtic had to build an entirely new one.

To be six points ahead with three games to go – with a huge goal difference – is nothing short of remarkable.

Postecoglou’s signings have all played their part and you look at yesterday’s line up, which included eight new arrivals.

Jota celebrates (SNS Group)

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt were important again, you look at Maeda and Jota, Kyogo as well. I would probably have started with Giorgos Giakoumakis up front, but it only proves the strength in depth on the bench these days.

I also look at the goalkeeper. Forget about pointing the finger at Joe Hart for the opener. He may have been beaten at his near post but it was all about the power.

I would point to the huge save he made towards the end instead. That’s what having a top keeper is all about.

Hart produces when it matters. He’s a proven winner and one of the main men this season.

His experience will be needed in the next few weeks because this is the hard part – getting over the line.

This time of the season isn’t about the fancy football or the spectacular goals, it’s about getting the results you need to finish the job.

Celtic have been exceptional for long spells over this campaign and they deserve to be top of the league with one hand on the trophy.

The exciting thing for Celtic fans is this is just the start of Postecoglou’s journey and I think there are still improvements to come in the summer.

But the important thing for now is reaching their first big goal, which is now tantalisingly in sight.

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