Celtic decline has been a topic of discussion for many years, with some critics suggesting that the Hoops have been suffering from a steady decline in recent seasons. However, based on the performance of the team in their recent match against Rangers, it appears that this decline may be greatly exaggerated. In fact, Celtic appeared to be on top of their game, dominating their opponents in every department and winning the match with ease.
The contrast between the two teams was stark, with Celtic displaying a level of skill and cohesion that Rangers simply could not match. The Rangers midfield, in particular, was overrun by their Celtic counterparts, with players like Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn causing all sorts of problems for the opposing defense.
One of the most striking aspects of the match was the way in which Celtic were able to win the physical battle. This was typified by a sequence of play in which Cameron Carter-Vickers outmuscled Cyriel Dessers to win a loose ball. The Rangers man ended up on the floor, while Carter-Vickers was left standing, looking every inch the dominant force.
This ability to win the physical battle gave Celtic a platform from which to dominate the rest of the game. They were able to put pressure on the Rangers defense, forcing errors and exploiting them to great effect. In short, Celtic were a class apart, and it was clear from a very early stage in the match that they would emerge victorious.
That they did, and with a winning margin that could have been even greater. Philippe Clement, the Rangers manager, was left clutching at straws after the match, suggesting that the score could have been 3-2 or 3-3 if his team had taken their chances. It was a comment that drew more than a few blank expressions, with many watching the game struggling to see how the Rangers manager arrived at that conclusion.
Dissecting the Rangers Performance
It’s hard to take away too many positives from Rangers’ performance in this match. They were comprehensively outplayed in every department, and were lucky to escape with just a two-goal defeat. In fact, there was a sense that the outcome of the match was never really in doubt, with Celtic dominating from the very start.
One of the most concerning aspects of the Rangers performance was their ability to create chances. Time and again, they failed to make the most of possession, making the wrong runs and failing to put the Celtic defense under pressure. This was in stark contrast to their opponents, who were ruthless in their finishing, with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi taking their chances with aplomb.
Rangers’ biggest problem, however, appears to be their midfield. Time and again, they were overrun by the Celtic midfield, with players like McGregor and Kuhn controlling the tempo of the game and forcing the Rangers defense to chase. This gave Celtic a sense of control that they never really lost throughout the match.
The Celtic Midfield: A Key to Victory
No discussion of the match would be complete without mentioning the Celtic midfield. McGregor and Kuhn, in particular, were outstanding, controlling the game and creating all sorts of problems for the Rangers defense.
One of the most impressive aspects of their performance was their ability to switch the play. They would take possession of the ball in a deep position, before distributing it to a teammate making a run down the left or right flank. This would stretch the Rangers defense and create space for other Celtic players to exploit.
A Victory that Gives Celtic a Platform for Success
This victory gives Celtic a platform to build on for the rest of the season. They have set the bar high with their performance in this match, and will be looking to maintain their level for the remainder of the season.
The Road to Europe
The victory over Rangers is an important one for Celtic, as it sets them up for their European campaign. Brendan Rodgers’ men will be looking to make a good impression in the Champions League, and a strong domestic campaign is essential for this.
On the basis of this performance, there’s no reason to believe that Celtic can’t go a long way in Europe this season. They have a talented squad, a strong sense of team spirit, and a manager who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Is This a Turning Point for Celtic?
This victory marks a significant point in Celtic’s season. They have shaken off the notion of Celtic decline and demonstrated their leadership in Scottish football.
Celtic as Europe’s Challenger
Rangers Rebuilding Project
Rangers, on the other hand, face a significant rebuilding project. The gulf between the two teams on the pitch is representative of where the club is at the moment.
They have to move out players who no longer contribute and find ways to bring in better talent to strengthen their squad. This difficult process is crucial to ensure that Rangers do not fall behind Celtic in a way that becomes irreparable.
A Bright Future for Both Celtic and Rangers
Though this result signifies that there is a big gap between both sides, we need to remain optimistic for their futures. The rivalry will only increase with the arrival of new players and most importantly a management capable of transforming this rivalry into one for European qualification as well as competitive and technical recognition.