Celtic finally extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership after three months of waiting in a 3-2 derby day win over Rangers at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Despite the last league meeting between the duo falling on January 2 - well over three months ago - both teams have won every single league game possible since, with the gap remaining at nine points for the entirety of the calendar year. That run would have carried on further today with a draw, though it was Celtic who had the final laugh on a sunny day in the east end of Glasgow.
Kyogo's offside goal early on threw warning signs for the away side, who despite the attacking line up of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and Malik Tillman, rarely threatened the Celtic goal in the first half. They thought they had taken the lead themselves when Morelos turned home from a corner, though he was perhaps harshly adjudged to have fouled Alistair Johnston in the build-up via VAR.
And Rangers were made to rue any decision made by Kevin Clancy when Kyogo - like he always does - turned home against the Gers to score his fourth goal against Beale's men in four games. A smart move from Matt O'Riley found Kyogo waiting in the box, and the former Vissel Kobe man swivelled home to blast the ball past Allan McGregor.
Celtic fans were gloating, with the entirety of Celtic Park beginning to think that a potential win would mean the title returning to Celtic Park. However, when Matt O'Riley fouled on the edge of his box, it gave James Tavernier the chance to score a free-kick - which he did with aplomb on the stroke of half-time to level the game. A relatively cautious second half ensued, with Rangers being the better side until the hour mark, where chances for Alfredo Morelos and Malik Tillman were flashed wide of goal, much to Beale's annoyance - and they were made to pay when Kyogo punished a Ben Davies howler from all of five yards to restore Celtic's advantage.
Another Gers howler just moments later then saw Jota round Allan McGregor, with John Souttar's pass being miles short for the veteran goalie to chase and the nippy Portugal star stole in to hand them the lead - and despite James Tavernier's late strike, the Hoops held on for three points.
The lead in the league is now extended to 12, and the title looks to be in reaching grasp. Here's how Glasgow Live rated the players.
Joe Hart - 6
Absolutely nothing he could do for Tavernier's goal, truth be told. An over-zealous challenge from O'Riley gave the Rangers right back the chance to drill the ball home - but nothing Hart could've done to stop a pinpoint strike. Commanded the box relatively well and didn't really do anything wrong, as such.
Alistair Johnston - 8
Top drawer performance, and the Canadian star is really beginning to impress as one of Celtic's more consistent players. Josip Juranovic being missed less and less each passing week; a top display of attacking continuity and defensive brilliance.
Cameron Carter-Vickers - 6
Unusually sloppy passing in the opening stages, and coupled with a yellow card, this saw his game become more cautious. Not the best of games from the USA star, but solid enough to warrant real criticism.
Carl Starfelt - 7
Solid as ever. Usually the shakier of the two central defenders but exuded some level of calmness and leadership on a day when someone had to step up and make themselves heard. Great from the Swede.
Greg Taylor - 7
Tenacious performance from the Scot. Seemed to win almost every tackle in sight and came into a role which, after Bernabei's performance last week, could've been under threat. No danger.
Aaron Mooy - 5
Quite the poor performance from the Australian. Billed as arguably Celtic's best passer of a football, it was roles reversed. He could barely string a pass together at Parkhead, and that led to quite a few counter attacks for Rangers to feast upon - fortunately for him, they didn't take advantage. Yellow for holding back Morelos and the first to be hooked.
Callum McGregor - 6
Rose to the challenge and was obviously a target for Rangers' midfield to close down. He didn't rise to the challenge despite tactical fouls to stop counter attacks becoming a reality, but his yellow card and lack of creativity meant it wasn't one of his better performances.
Matt O'Riley - 7
Showed fight that has rarely ever been seen in him before. Superb pick out to Kyogo for the opener, and really shone on a day where Mooy toiled.
Jota - 7
Kept going for the fancy, the audacious, the move that would put his name in the headlines. Never quite paid off despite the aesthetics but he constantly made the Rangers defence drop that extra 10 yards. Extra point for seizing upon John Souttar's dreadful error.
Daizen Maeda - 6
Again, just lacks the creativity to properly make an impact on the game. His work-rate and willingness to create a chance is admirable - but sometimes, you just don't trust him to make the final ball work.
Kyogo Furuhashi - 8
Tidy finish in the first five minutes but was ruled offside. Not that it mattered much - the striker tucked home as he always does in these big games to further fuel Rangers fans' nightmares. Inevitable second from this season's most impressive forward - he is winning this title on his own.
Subs
Tomoki Iwata - 5.
Largely unnoticed in the middle as Rangers went direct, bypassing the midfield.
Sead Haksabanovic - 4
A solid Jota replacement but didn't quite influence the game when Celtic needed to counter attack most.
Oh - 5
Didn't quite have enough time to impose himself upon the game.
Alexandro Bernabei - 4
Who on earth was he trying to square the ball to in the final ebbings? Good energy but a howling decision.
David Turnbull - 3
Came on in the final few moments.
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