A KYOGO Furuhashi goal with two minutes of regulation time remaining earned Celtic a draw against Rangers in the second Old Firm game of the season at Ibrox this afternoon and maintained their nine point lead in the cinch Premiership.
Michael Beale, who was making his debut as manager in the derby, saw his side fall behind in just the fifth minute when Daizen Maeda scored for the visitors following a bad mistake by Alfredo Morelos.
However, James Tavernier and his team mates were transformed in the second-half – they netted twice in the space of six minutes to take the lead.
Ryan Kent levelled with a stunning effort and then Tavernier buried a penalty after referee John Beaton ruled that Carl Starfelt had brought down Fashion Sakala inside his own area.
However, Furuhashi, who had never been on target against Rangers before, struck in the 88th minute to equalise and a compelling encounter that was high on commitment but low on quality football finished 2-2.
There are still another 18 games to be played in the 2022/23 campaign - but Celtic will fancy their chances of retaining the Scottish title after this hard-fought result.
So what are the long-term implications of the draw for both sides? Here are five things we learned from events in Govan?
CELTIC NEVER STOP
How many times have Celtic scored late on to avert disaster under Ange Postecoglou now? It has been a definite trait of his side since he took over last year. You can never write off Callum McGregor and Co.
Postecoglou’s charges were second best for much of the second-half and could have no complaints about surrendering their lead.
But Furuhashi popped up at the death after good work by substitutes Jota, Aaron Mooy and Giorgos Giakoumakis to take his tally for the 2022/23 campaign to 16 and ultimately, after seven minutes of injury-time, secure a point for the Parkhead club.
The small pocket of 700 away supporters who were shoehorned into the corner between the Broomloan Road and Sandy Jardine Stands celebrated wildly at the end of the 90 minutes. Their reaction told a story.
RANGERS HEART
The lack of fight that Rangers showed in an Old Firm game against Celtic at Parkhead in September they lost 4-0 alarmed their fans. But they were not found wanting in that crucial department this afternoon. They showed great resilience after losing an early goal and were arguably the better team over the piece.
The final outcome may have disappointed their followers. It was certainly a better result for the league leaders than it was for their nearest challengers. Nevertheless, the display was a distinct improvement on their previous showing and is reason for them to be optimistic going forward.
KILLER KENT
The former Liverpool winger has struggled to scale the heights of previous campaigns in recent months. But the Englishman could never have been accused of a lack of effort. He was rewarded for his perseverance today.
Kent levelled early in the second-half after being supplied by Sakala. He cut inside Alistair Johnston and curled an inch-perfect right foot shot beyond the outstretched Joe Hart and into the top right corner of the net.
Beale spoke positively about the player when her took over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst back in November. Could being reunited with his countryman bring out the best in the mercurical talent? His contribution this afternoon was another step in the right direction.
JOHNSTON DEBUT
Postecoglou sprang something of a surprise before kick-off when he picked Johnston at right back ahead of Josip Juranovic.
Juranovic, who helped Croatia make it through to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar, was left on the bench for the league meeting with Hibernian at Easter Road last Wednesday night having only just resumed training the day before. But his manager had indicated that he was ready to return in his pre-match press conference.
Johnston, the Canadian defender who was signed from Montreal last month, got the nod and made his debut. It was the 33-times capped 24-year-old’s first competitive outing since facing Morocco with his national team in the Middle East a month ago. Would he justify his selection?
Having the vastly-experienced James Forrest, who was preferred to both Liel Abada and Jota, ahead of him will have helped to settle any nerves which he might have been feeling. But he was not lacking in confidence once play got underway.
He was composed on the ball, good in the air, got upfield regularly and played a couple of dangerous deliveries into the Rangers penalty box. He showed with the robust challenge which he made on John Lundstram that he will not be fazed by the physical nature of the game here.
Johnston could have done better at the Kent equaliser. Still, he looks to be £3m well spent.
Juranovic came on for Greg Taylor at left back in the first-half after the Scotland internationalist suffered an injury and will have been pleased to get back involved.
MORELOS MISHAP
The Colombian has been struggling for both form and fitness since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off back in August. But he made quite an impact on proceedings this afternoon. Unfortunately for Rangers, he helped Celtic to take an early lead.
His underhit and ill-advised crossfield pass to Tavernier in the fifth minute went straight to Maeda and the Japanese forward burst into the area and slotted underneath Allan McGregor to open the scoring and his account in the world-famous fixture.
Morelos was not the only one at fault. Lundstram could have done better before the ball came to him in his own half and Tavernier should have cleared to safety or blocked his rival. Still, it was another error by the errant icon.
The 26-year-old did well to pressurise Hart, win the ball and tee up Kent for a shot which the former England goalkeeper pushed onto his left post. He also headed over and wide after getting on the end of crosses. But he has to do more. Will he retain his place when Antonio Colak regains full fitness?
