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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Rangers player ratings vs Celtic as James Tavernier nets double in battling derby day defeat

Rangers battled back from going behind but left Celtic Park with a defeat in a thrilling Old Firm derby.

The away side had a few half chances to capitalise on in the early stages as Celtic's possession lacked. Alfredo Morelos knocked the ball in from a corner after tussling with Alistair Johnston but the Colombian was penalised for a foul. Celtic stung the Light Blues moments later as Kyogo slammed home a cross from Matt O'Riley on the turn to open the scoring. That was before captain James Tavernier notched in his 99th goal for Rangers with an inch-perfect free-kick on the stroke of half time to level the game.

In the second half, Morelos went close from a half volley and then a header as Rangers ramped up pressure. It was some classic Old Firm back and forth that followed before Ben Davies made an error that allowed Kyogo to slide the ball under McGregor for 2-1. That was before calamity from John Souttar's backpass allowed Jota to steer past Allan McGregor and slot in to the net.

READ MORE: Kris Boyd reveals Rangers selection fear as he names star who 'can't play' against Celtic if not fit

Celtic Park was bouncing and all looked lost for Rangers until Tavernier reached a landmark 100 goals with a header to bring the game back in to touching distance. It was tense in the closing stages but ultimately Ange Postecoglou's side go twelve points clear and banish hopes of a title turnaround for Michael Beale's side.

Allan McGregor - 6

Two good saves in opening twenty. Got a hand to Kyogo's goal. Could not get to the ball before Jota for 3-1.

James Tavernier - 9

Swept up well but O'Riley knocked by him for the goal. A beauty of a free-kick brought Rangers level. Then he made it 100 Rangers goals with a top header. A stunning individual showing despite the result.

John Souttar - 5

A big clearance nearly went wrong. He followed Davies in making a massive blunder to gift the Hoops a goal.

Ben Davies - 5

Lost Kyogo a bit for the goal but he looked solid. Then disaster with the second goal in a big error in the box.

Borna Barisic - 6

Caught on the hoof with Jota at times. But the Portuguese couldn't frustrate him enough. He made a clearance off the line that could have been crucial. Missed a free-kick in the dying stages.

Ryan Jack - 6

Moved the ball comfortably but Rangers began to lose the grip of the midfield in the second half. Did bring his experience.

Nicolas Raskin - 7

Looked tidy on the ball under pressure. A good first half showing. Booked for handbags with McGregor. Not bad for his first derby start.

Ryan Kent - 5

A frustrating first half from him. All in all not his most impactful performance for Rangers and couldn't frustrate Celtic.

Malik Tillman - 6

Picked up loose balls well. Flashed a chance just wide. Won the foul well for the equaliser. Drove Rangers forward well when he had the chance. Hooked with twenty to go.

Todd Cantwell - 6

Showed his physicality well and drew fouls. Booked on half time. Seemed to drift in to the background in the second.

Alfredo Morelos - 6

Nearly latched on to a chance. Scored but ruled out for foul. Decent double chance after the break. He may have felt he should've scored at some point.

Subs:

Fashion Sakala - 4

Couldn't get runs at Celtic which is what he was put on to do. Was offside for a top chance.

Antonio Colak - 3

Tried to link up in the final stages.

John Lundstram - 4

Few nice tackles as the game edged to a close. Big intervention in injury time.

Scott Wright - 2

On for the final moments.

READ NEXT:

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- Patrick Roberts on the Celtic bond with Kieran Tierney as he gushes over Parkhead 'privilege'

- Callum McGregor in Celtic 'trust the process' rallying cry as he lays out key factor in Rangers plan

- Andy Walker drops VAR bombshell as he reveals 'easiest way out' conversation on major decision

- Celtic vs Rangers on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for crunch Old Firm derby clash

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