Rangers 2-2 Celtic: Three things we learnt from title-defining Ibrox stalemate
Rangers 2-2 Celtic: Three things we learnt from title-defining Ibrox stalemateThe latest instalment of the Rangers and Celtic rivalry delivered everything you expect from a derby that will likely determine where the Scottish Premiership title ends up.Rangers raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to the electric Youssef Chermiti, who bagged a stellar brace to stun Celtic.However, the Bhoys turned the tide in the second half, clawing their way back via Kieran Tierney before a late penalty sealed a 2-2 draw.Here are three things we learnt.Reo Hatate can still be a difference-maker for CelticCeltic star Reo Hatate has had a poor season by his own standards.He has struggled for confidence and looked out of sorts, a shadow of the influential figure that once starred in these big games.However, he came off the bench at Ibrox to deliver the dagger against the Gers, reminding everyone of his quality.Before he came on, Celtic desperately needed a spark. They were overrun physically and tactically.Hatate changed the complexion of the tie. His first effort sent Rangers retreating.Hatate played two key passes and completed 27/28 total passes. He played a key role in driving Celtic up the field.His penalty, which was saved twice before he could eventually score, summed up his afternoon. Relentless.Sixteen of Celtics 17 shots came after the first 45, and he was key to that shift in momentum.In this title run-in, Hatate can be an ace up the sleeve for Celtic boss Martin ONeill. They need the Japanese midfielder to be brave, assertive, and decisive.Hatates performance today embodies the phrase Form is temporary class is permanent.Rangers title race is effectively overFor 45 minutes, Rangers looked like they could win the tie and go on to clinch their first league title since 2021.The Gers were ferocious, formidable, slick, and absolutely dominant. They raced into an early lead, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Then came the familiar capitulation.Rangers have squandered a good advantage in recent weeks and continue to stutter when they should be hitting their stride.Their soft underbelly was on display again. Celtic roared, and they cowered. They went from being the aggressors to being passive, and unsurprisingly, their confidence waned.Manager Danny Rohl reiterated that there are nine games left, which is massive, to recover a six-point gap.Mathematically, it is possible. Psychologically, this Rangers team does not have it in them.This was their chance to show that they are made of stronger stuff than their rivals. Suffocate them and their hope of holding on to the crown, but they wilted.With only three wins in their last eight games across all competitions and Hearts leading the way, this draw feels like the final nail in the coffin of their title pursuit.Celtics second-half level is the best in ScotlandCeltic struggled badly in the first half, but they responded like the reigning champions.Suddenly, they were no longer the team that had been bullied in the first 45. They were relentless.The Bhoys deserved the Tierney goal. They had sustained pressure and eventually broke through the Rangers rearguard. From then on, the Gers were on the ropes.The psychology of it all is fascinating. Rangers were brimming with confidence, but they were suddenly paralysed while their rivals were reborn from nothing.Celtic were braver and set the tempo, playing like a team determined to hold on to their Scottish Premiership title for another year.If Celtic can keep up this intensity for 90 minutes, they are the best team in Scotland.Unfortunately, they have been wildly inconsistent this season, drifting through games they should be winning.Still, they have the highest ceiling in the league.With momentum on their side following their derby exploits and a game in hand, this clash could be looked at as the reignition of their title charge.Ultimately, a draw favours Hearts, but Celtic showed they will be there to make them uneasy, waiting for any slip-ups.
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