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It seems strange to point to the defining moments of January in a title race where, even before the start of this Old Firm game, the Rangers held a 16 point lead. Still, the victory of Steven Gerrard’s team here, helped in large part by the expulsion of Nir Bitton, surely removes any lingering hope for Celtic for a 10th straight title. Celtic have three games in hand, but now they need snookers; or, more specifically, an unlikely implosion by the Rangers.
Celtic were the best team before Bitton’s reckless moment, which came just after the hour. With the hitherto ineffective Alfredo Morelos running to chase a long ball, just outside the corner of the penalty area, the Israeli knocked it to the ground. Neil Lennon and his Celtic players offered few complaints as Bobby Madden issued a red card. It was hard to avoid the feeling that, right there, Celtic’s dreams of retaining the title had been thwarted.
The Rangers gained momentum from that moment, although luck was attached to their goal. Joe Aribo gave the slightest touch to a James Tavernier corner before Callum McGregor, the Celtic midfielder, saw the ball fly from his shoulder into the net.
In the first half, Celtic had dominated. Allan McGregor saved from Odsonne Edouard and, magnificently, from Leigh Griffiths. McGregor and Griffiths fired wide before Bitton missed the target with a free header from David Turnbull’s corner. Celtic shone in every inch of the team that was supposed to win this game, but there is danger associated with not seizing the opportunity.
The second period had been longer even before the Bitton aberration. Leon Balogun excellently blocked Edouard after Morelos in the only clear opportunity before sending off. Subsequently, the game turned completely in favor of the Rangers. His defense, which has conceded just five league goals all season, never appeared to be violated, even with Shane Duffy used as Celtic’s auxiliary forward. Gerrard has one hand and four fingers on the league trophy.
