Sizzling Celtic ripped rivals Rangers apart with a derby day demolition at pumped-up Parkhead as Ange Postecoglou’s relentless champions moved five points clear of the Ibrox men to give them the perfect boost going into their Champions League showdown against Real Madrid.
Liel Abada netted a dream double either side of an exquisite Jota strike as the champions were three goals to good at the break to leave Giovanni van Bronckhorst shellshocked in a repeat of his first dug-out appearance in the east end of Glasgow back in February . Substitute David Turnbull added a fourth after a Jon McLaughlin howler.
And the Dutchman will have to pick up his depleted troops ahead of their own return to European football’s biggest stage away to Ajax on Wednesday. They already face a big ask in clawing back Celtic who are going to take some stopping on this form with a tricky trip to Aberdeen to come.
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Postecoglou went with an attacking line-up as Liel Abada was given the nod ahead of Daizen Maeda while the visitors went with the experienced Steven Davis in the middle of the park.
Celtic were dealt a huge early blow when talisman Kyogo was forced off with less than five minutes on the clock with a shoulder injury but the champions strength in depth was underlined when the Japanese international was replaced with Giorgos Giakoumakis.
And it wasn’t long until Parkhead erupted as the home side grabbed an early lead. It was down to the quick thinking of the Hoops as Jota took a quick throw - disputed by the Gers players who felt the ball came off a Celtic player last - to Matt O’Riley and his cross found Abada whose shot squirmed past McLaughlin’s despairing hand.
O’Riley then picked out Giakoumakis with an inch perfect cross but the Greek couldn’t direct his header on target as golden chance was squandered. Rangers were rattled yet should have been level midway through the half when Borna Barisic - who picked up the first booking of the game - sent in a cross which Antonio Colak just failed to get on the end of.
Celtic, though, were in rampant mood and doubled their lead in stunning fashion just after the half hour. Again, it was all about the quick thinking of the Hoops as Callum McGregor took a quick free kick to O’Riley and he fed Jota. After that it was all about the brilliance of the Portuguese with a sublime first touch before he clipped it over McLaughlin.
And it got worse before half-time as history repeated itself. Greg Taylor drilled a low ball across goal and it went all the way through to Abada, left unmarked, and the Israeli drilled a shot through McLaughlin to complete his double.
It was damage limitation for Rangers and Scott Wright replaced Glen Kamara at the break before Carl Starfelt limped off for the Hoops with Moritz Jenz replacing him. Alfredo Morelos and Scott Arfield were then thrown in a desperate bid by Van Bronckhorst to get back in the game.
Celtic had the luxury of bringing on Aaron Mooy, Turnbull and Maeda and with that kind of quality they didn't need a helping hand - but Gers gave them one anyway as McLaughlin gifted the ball to Turnbull who side-footed home the fourth to complete the rout.
Here’s five talking points from Parkhead.
Scintillating Celts look title certs
Ange Postecoglou couldn’t believe it when his Celtic side were being written off last September - and that was at the end of the month. And he was proved right as they came back to win the title. But just three days into September this time around his side already look a good bet to retain their Scottish Premiership crown. Even the most ardent of the light blue legion would be unlikely to bet on their side. It’s now a club record 25 goals in their opening six league games and it’s hard to see anyone stopping them.
Go-slow Gers
Celtic are lightning quick in everything they do under Ange Postecoglou and if you ain’t fast your last. But as much as the Hoops were sharp in everything they did, Rangers were caught napping on too many occasions and you just can’t afford to do that against Celtic. For the opening goal they didn’t react to the quick throw-in and then for the second three players in light blue jerseys allowed a quick free kick to be taken which caught them out.
Rattled Rangers
Giovanni van Bronckhorst must have been feeling a sense of de ja vu after that first half. It was frighteningly similar to his first appearance in the Parkhead dug-out in February when the Hoops ran riot in the opening 45 minutes under the lights in the east end of Glasgow. Given that experience, the Ibrox side should have been prepared and learned lessons from that drubbing but instead they allowed history to repeat itself. They have to pick themselves up but the pressure is already on the Dutchman domestically.
Bring on the Spaniards by the score
This was the prefect pre-Champions League boost for Celtic as they prepare for the daunting challenge of taking on Real Madrid. A lot of talk before the game was of Ange Postecoglou not having a Plan B but he brushed that off. However, his Plan A of all-out attack will be given its biggest test in Europe. They disappointed on that stage last season but have improved and it will now be interesting to see how they cope.
Ibrox recruitment now in focus
There was a lot of surprise at the fact Rangers didn’t add to their squad on deadline day, especially after securing Champions League group stage football. There was also the fact Tom Lawrence has been ruled out for a number of weeks. Giovanni van Bronckhorst said he is happy with his squad but the fans who felt they needed more have seen their argument strengthened.
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