Awful Aberdeen elevated Rangers to a status they don’t deserve as Celtic branded 'lazy' by the Hotline
Philippe Clement may have felt alone in the desert as Rangers’ travels became a trek through a barren landscape.
But it’s Jimmy Thelin now struggling to get his head around the Premiership’s shifting sands after his side’s 3-0 defeat at Ibrox. From nine points ahead of Gers, the dithering Dons now find them 12 adrift as that early-season title talk transpired to be nothing more than a mirage for the frustrated Pittodrie faithful. And Neil Renton, Leith, said: “I’m not saying Aberdeen are poor but they made one of the worst Rangers teams in recent memory look like the Harlem Globetrotters. Earlier on in the season they had top-two ambitions - now they’re heading for the bottom two.”
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “I hope now that Rangers have beaten caller Gordon Ashley's major threat in Aberdeen that he doesn't move his attention on to Scotland's third best team. Keep throwing out the predictions Gordon as even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and again.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, added: “The Dons can be no complaints about this Rangers victory. Aberdeen were outplayed, out-classed and could have conceded double the goals they did. As for Rangers, they are back on track after a very good performance. It bodes well for Manchester United at Old Trafford next week. A win could cement their place in the top eight and a slot in the last 16.”
Talk of a Rangers revival might be a tad premature - just like chat of a Celtic slump after their Dens Park draw. But you can always rely on the Hotline to bring you the toastiest of takes.
Take this call from Jack Armstrong, Bathgate, for starters: “Teams have now sussed Celtic out. We’re too lazy and predictable. Six or seven passes to come out of defence. Ten or 12 trying to walk the ball into the net, before we get hit on the break. We have a big centre forward who doesn't get anywhere near the service he deserves. Why can't we put the ball into the box quicker - and what’s wrong with a punt from the goalie now and again?”
He wasn’t the only punter unhappy with the Tayside show. Gerard Milligan, Renfrewshire, added: “Celtic need to beef up their squad - it's thinner than people think. Luke McCowan and Arne Engels only replaced Matt O’Riley and Tomoki Iwata. Stephen Welsh and Odin Thiago Holm have gone out on loan. Two weeks until the window closes, meaning we have nobody lined up to come in…”
Bill Waugh, Glasgow, grumbled: “Up until the Rangers game, Celtic had conceded only four goals in 18 outings. Since then we’ve shipped seven in five. The defence are not doing their jobs anymore and need new faces in. Auston Trusty is anything but.”
James Logan, Glasgow, emailed in: “David Bryce says Adam Idah is one of Celtic’s worst ever strikers. Does he not remember the likes of Bangura, Bako, Ajeti, Klimala? I don’t remember any of them scoring 17 goals in a year, the winner in a cup final or vital strikes late on against Hibs, Motherwell and Rangers. Try supporting our players instead of constantly criticising them.”
Denis Bruce, Bishoprbiggs, said: “What Celtic need - and what they don't have - is a midfield enforcer who can anticipate and break up threatening attacks. A player along on the lines of Victor Wanyama, Scott Brown or Neil Lennon is what is absent from the team’s make-up. Dundee had Celtic by the throat in the second half and the Parkhead side was lucky to get away with a draw.”
Returning to one of our regular callers, Alan Flett said: “Mr Ashley can speak all he likes about the millions his club have got. What he doesn't appear to understand is, for all of their wealth, they're a poor side. They have no ambition and are content to be the best of a bad bunch in Scotland.”
