Last update on. From the section Scottish Premiership
Filip Helander, Rangers (left), watches as Joe Hart from Celtic beats his header to make it 1-0
Filip Helander's thundering header ended a lively Old Firm derby, as depleted Rangers dealt Celtic their second Scottish Premiership loss of the season at packed Ibrox.
With Steven Gerrard as manager and many players absent due to a Covid epidemic, the home team won seven consecutive derbies without losing, with victories in six of them.
Odsonne Edouard, a Celtic striker, somehow missed the goal from close range. Helander's header won the points for the champions.
Rangers move to within one point of Hibernian, Hearts and Rangers at the summit. Celtic is sixth after two losses in four matches.
Ange Postecoglou also becomes the first Celtic manager to lose an Old Firm derby since Tony Mowbray's 2009 defeat.
This was the first Old Firm match in front of fans since December 2019, but Celtic were forced to face the Ibrox crowd, without any of their own supporters.
There were also Rangers absentees. Manager Gerrard was absent from Ibrox due to a Covid epidemic. He was replaced by Gary McAllister, assistant.
McAllister revealed that Allan McGregor, Jon McLaughlin and captain James Tavernier were the other goalkeepers who were absent, while Nathan Paterson, fellow right-back, said afterwards that he wasn't sure who would be available on Sunday morning.
It was fascinating because of the vulnerability and uncertainty both sides displayed this season. It was a question of who would blink first.
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos was unable to score early as he attempted to make it three times in a row. Celtic's Japanese forward Kyogo furuhashi made a good save in his first taste of this occasion.
Back it swung again. Rangers' Kemar roofe, Rangers' boxer, tried to get the ball down but failed. Edouard then inexplicably missed a great chance.
Kyogo swung the ball in the Frenchman's direction with Robbie McCrorie, third-choice goalkeeper, to beat. Although the Edouard of old would have put the ball away in his sleep, this time he horribly misdirected.
Rangers' Kent shot a low shot from the far side of the far post, as the action went on. In all the action and chaos, neither goalkeeper was tested for 45 minutes.
Rangers did win the break and the tide seemed to be turning in their favor. Connor Goldson and Kent had half-chances, Roofe was close to it. But Celtic countered with a sane David Turnbull free kick into the hands McCrorie.
With the momentum strongly in Rangers' favor, they broke the deadlock when Borna Barisic’s corner reached Helander. Helander made a late run towards the back post and scored a header that was beyond Joe Hart.
There were still many twists and turns to the game. Moments after conceding, Kyogo was one-on-one against McCrorie. However, the young Rangers goalkeeper made a smart save to deny him in his second appearance.
The Japanese broke into the box again, but chose to strike instead of square the ball to Ryan Christie. McCrorie got a foot to his shot.
He made the wrong decision once again, squaring where he should have shot, just minutes before Celtic debutant Josip Juanovic was forced to make a late-application of pressure.
Rangers might have lost Fashion Sakala's lead on the right, but they had done enough to retain their dominance in Glasgow. They have won 21 consecutive home league games.
Leon Balogun was named Man of the Match
Balogun (left), had to fill in at the right back, but kept the dangerous Kyogo silent
What have we learned?
Both teams had to put up makeshift defenses. Rangers played Leon Balogun at right back while Juranovic, a Croatian defender, made his Celtic debut in a left-back position. Both defences held up well despite that.
Barisic delivered a great goal, but Celtic was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
What's next?
Rangers will travel to St Johnstone after the international break on Saturday, September 11th (12:30 BST), while Celtic will be at home in Ross County later that same day (15:00).
McCrorie Robby McCrorie was the player of the match with an average 8.32 Rangers Rangers Rangers Rangers
Avg Squad Number 28 Celtic Celtic Celtic Rangers Player McCrorie Average Rating 7.86 Squad Number 10 Player player name Balogun Player rating 7.85 Squad Number 15 Player player name Goldson Player rating Average rating 5.22 Squad No. 16 Player names Montgomery and Player number Morelos Player rating Average rating of 4.29 Squad No. 18 Player number Hart Player rating Average rating of 4.12 Squad no. 18 Player number Hart Player rating Average rating 4.00 Squad rating 8 Player number Furuhashi Player rating Average rating 4.00 Squad rating 12 Player number 14 Squad numbers 11 Player named McGregor Player McGregor Player rating: 3.62 Squad amount 22 Player number 42.
