Kemar Roofe starred while Callum McGregor bombed big time as Rangers thrashed Celtic 4-1 at the Ibrox Stadium in the final Old Firm derby of the 2020/21 season.
After a nervy start, the game burst into life midway through the first half as Celtic came close through Mohamed Elyounoussi, whose strike was tipped onto the crossbar by Allan McGregor before Rangers took the lead through Kemar Roofe in the 26th minute, in the aftermath of which the Hoops were also reduced to ten men as Callum McGregor was sent of for his second bookable offence of the game.
Nonetheless, Celtic struck back almost immediately, with Odsonne Edouard restoring parity in the 30th minute from close range, only for Alfredo Morelos to put Rangers back in front three minutes later. There were no more additions to the scoreline as half-time arrived but post the restart, the Gers continued to be on top with Roofe scoring his second in the 57th minute, after David Turnbull had spurned a great chance at the other end.
The newly-crowned champions were in cruise control from that point on and did conjure up a few more chances before finally making it 4-1 in stoppage time through veteran striker Jermain Defoe. It was the first time since 1999/2000 that Rangers went through a full season with losing to Celtic, as they stamped their authority over their Old Firm rivals with a thumping win on Sunday afternoon.
Here are our player ratings for both Rangers and Celtic stars after what was an entertaining contest at the Ibrox Stadium.
Rangers
Allan McGregor: 7/10
Did brilliantly to get fingertips on Elyounoussi’s effort to tip it onto the bar and was alert to tip over Jonjoe Kenny’s cross, although the corner from that led to the equaliser, which he could not have stopped. Hardly called into action for the rest of the game. Passed well from the back.
We talk about our defensive record, but Allan McGregor has been worth 20 points this season pic.twitter.com/vMMvb6Lr97
— Pena_Cartel (@Pena_Cartel) May 2, 2021
James Tavernier: 7/10
Still not at his full-flowing best following a recent injury but the Rangers captain provided a constant outlet down the right-hand side and produced some inviting crosses into the box. Not troubled much defensively. Finished with one key pass.
Connor Goldson: 7/10
Another rock solid effort from the former Brighton & Hove Albion man as he constantly swept up anything that came his way, making a team-high five clearances while also producing a couple of tackles. Composed with the ball at his feet as well.
Jack Simpson: 6.5/10
Starting his first Old Firm derby, the former Bournemouth defender was cautioned after 15 minutes after a flailing arm caught Edouard. Did not let it affect him though and kept his discipline to see out the game without any mishaps. Made three tackles and two clearances.
Borna Barisic: 8/10
?? Borna Barišić (28) got an assist in the Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic where the champions won 4-1.
Unfortunately, he had to come off in the 79th minute while holding his thigh, possibly a muscle injury. Injuries keep on coming… pic.twitter.com/8ai0ifp7ey
— Croatian Scout (@CroatianScout2) May 2, 2021
Like Tavernier on the right, Barisic was a constant menace with his forward forays on the left. His cross for Roofe’s second goal was absolutely top-notch while he played in a few more teasing passes into the box. Made a game-high four dribbles and completed three key passes – the second-most on the day.
Joe Aribo: 7/10
May not have had a direct hand in any of the goals but the midfielder’s ability to make driving runs from the middle were on full display. Made three dribbles and a key pass, while being accurate with his passing to ensure Rangers stayed in control.
Steven Davis: 8/10
Today's man of the match IS Steven Davis (even if Sky says otherwise).
He was everywhere. Starting and finishing everything.
Do u have any comments Blue?
— Rangers#55 (@RedWhiteandGers) May 2, 2021
Might not get as many plaudits as some of the goalscorers but it was another classy performance from the Northern Ireland captain that was critical to Rangers’ triumph. Always present to cut out attacks, tackle to stop Edouard in the first-half was a standout moment while he made another important block to stop a dangerous cross after the break.
On the ball, set the tempo with some nice passes, always trying to open up the opposition defence. Won three tackles and aerial duels each, completed 87% of his passes.
Glen Kamara: 7/10
Had a few iffy moments at times but grew steadier as the game wore on and was one of the key reasons why Rangers dominated the midfield battle as they did. Won five of his six ground duels and misplaced just five of his 65 attempted passes.
Ryan Kent: 8/10
Ryan Kent today
A special special player, they are terrified of him & he owns then
£7m? we’ve turned him into a £20m+ player, management have done a terrific job and he has grown immeasurably
He had them on strings today
Not even mentioned as a POTY candidate & he should be pic.twitter.com/eHQiAmrqAU
— Four Lads Had a Dream (@4ladshadadream) May 2, 2021
Lively from the former Liverpool man as he caused all sorts of problems to the Celtic defence each time he was on the ball. Got the assist for the opening goal, albeit with a scuffed shot and continued to fashion opportunities for his teammates as he played a game-high five key passes while also completing four dribbles. Could have scored one himself late on.
Kemar Roofe: 8/10
Bit of a luck involved in his first goal as Kent’s scuffed effort bounced off his chest and into the back of the net. Took the second one really well though planting a firm header on Barisic’s cross after making a fine run. Could have had one or two more if he was a bit more sharper with his finishing. Completed two key passes as well.
Kemar Roofe
Was just about to tweet he’s picked his game up then, boom pic.twitter.com/cALato4XSq
— B4zzB0wsk1 (@B4ZZ_B0W5K1) May 2, 2021
Alfredo Morelos: 7/10
Sharp movement, good energy, took his goal very well from a tight angle to put Rangers back in front right after Celtic had equalised. Could have had another goal but hit his effort straight at Scott Bain.
SUBSTITUTES
Scott Wright: N/A
On for the injured Barisic in the 79th minute.
Ianis Hagi: N/A
Replaced Morelos in the 84th minute. Got the assist for Defoe’s late goal.
Jermain Defoe: N/A
Came on for Roofe with less than five minutes of normal time left. Scored in stoppage time to make it 4-1.
Celtic
Scott Bain: 5/10
Had little chance to stop the first goal but should have done better to stop Morelos for the second. Did make a couple of smart stops with the scoreline at 1-1. Still ended up letting in four goals on the day as his defence left him completely exposed.
Jonjoe Kenny: 5.5/10
Tried hard to keep things tight at the back, as he made five tackles and three interceptions but Kent and Barisic enjoyed a lot of joy on his side. Not always enterprising going forward although did force McGregor into a save with a cross/shot.
Stephen Welsh: 5.5/10
May have made a game-high nine clearances but the young defender never really looked comfortable up against the Rangers’ attackers. Was turned inside out for the fourth goal.
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeey hey baby
I wonna knooooooooooowJermain Defoe pic.twitter.com/IDvGhCbNwC
— B4zzB0wsk1 (@B4ZZ_B0W5K1) May 2, 2021
Kristoffer Ajer: 5/10
Not good enough from the Norwegian. Not quick enough to react for the opener, ducked under Morelos’ effort for the second and got caught under the ball for the third. Did well to set Edouard up for the equaliser at the other end but failed at his primary task.
Greg Taylor: 5/10
Had his hands full with the onrushing Tavernier which meant he was never really able to get forward much and have an impact in the attacking half. Defensively, not always convincing although he did make three tackles and a couple of clearances.
Scott Brown: 5/10
Playing his last Old Firm derby, the Celtic captain never really was at the races. Hardly got a foothold as the Rangers midfield were dominant from start to finish. Did make a couple of interceptions before being taken off at the hour mark.
Callum McGregor: 2/10
Callum McGregor.
Often immune to criticism but he's been so far off it this season, he's really offered nothing other than looking busy.
I get he's probably overplayed but there's no excuse for the carelessness he's showed today, he let the club down.
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) May 2, 2021
Booked very early in the game for a foul on Kent and then brought down Glen Kamara recklessly in the buildup to the Gers’ goal which resulted in a second yellow and a sending off just 26 minutes into the game. Let his team down big time. Shame really, as he had looked good up until that point
James Forrest: 5/10
Back from injury and back into the lineup, Forrest provided width up top and delivered a few tasty crosses. Asked to play more centrally following the sending off which reduced his impact. Still not fully match-fit and made way for Ryan Christie in the 60th minute. Did create one big chance.
David Turnbull: 6/10
No lack of effort from the 21-year-old who tried to make things happen every time he got on the ball. Played in three key passes, showed some neat movement but needed to do better with a great chance early in the second half.
Mohamed Elyounoussi: 6/10
Lively early on, almost opened the scoring only to see his goal-bound effort tipped onto the bar by Allan McGregor. Caused a few problems to the hosts’ defence, made two dribbles and a key pass but should have found the back of the net with a chance in the second period.
Odsonne Edouard: 7/10
Celtic 1-0 down with 10 men and they fight back straight away and Edouard scores pic.twitter.com/ujyBApdNPQ
— Lydia ?⚒ (@whulydia) May 2, 2021
The Player to Watch in our match preview, Edouard brought Celtic back into the game with a fine strike soon after Roofe had opened the scoring. Was deprived of quality service for large parts but posed a threat each time he got involved and had a couple of shots blocked. Taken off in the 75th minute. Made one key pass.
SUBSTITUTES
Ryan Christie: 5/10
Replaced Forrest at the hour-mark. Made a few tackles and got stuck in but could not turn the game around.
Ismaila Soro: 4/10
On for Brown at the 60th-minute mark. Lost the ball leading to the fourth goal.
Mikey Johnston: N/A
Came on in place of Edouard for the final 15 minutes to mark his return from injury.
