Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner revealed the biggest disappointment from the Hoops’ 3-0 defeat at Ibrox post-match this afternoon.
With Celtic far from their best for the whole game, one aspect of the Bhoys’ lacklustre performance, in particular, stood out to Bonner.
He said: (BBC Sport), “The disappointment for Celtic today is the performance.
“You can get beat in a game, but if you get beat in a game and you do not do what you normally do, it is very disappointing.”
It’s a great analysis from Bonner. Celtic can lose Glasgow derbies; teams lose games.
However, supporters want to see the team give their all, and if they lose, lose while giving their all.
That simply cannot be said for this afternoon’s game.
Celtic in no way tested a Rangers back five consisting of a substitute goalkeeper, a left-back at right-back, a right-back at centre-back, and a centre-back who has been criticised all season for his lack of pace and awareness.
The opportunity was there for Celtic to lay down a marker, but they didn’t even lay a glove on Rangers.
Put simply, it’s a performance that was coming from the last Glasgow derby in the Premier Sports Cup final.
Philippe Clement has been able to nullify Callum McGregor’s threat in the last two derbies, with Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate unable to have any influence in midfield.
The opportunity was there pre-match for Brendan Rodgers to start Arne Engels; however, the Belgian was unwell this morning ahead of the game, which is why he did not start.
But this shows that there is room for improvement in midfield, as it is an area where problems are arising in Glasgow derbies, which is particularly concerning given that supporters have come to know over the last three years that the Hoops dominate the middle of the park in these games
