Celtic Fan View: Hoops continue to pile misery on Rangers after derby win

The scenes after the final whistle at Ibrox on Saturday were all too familiar. Leigh Griffiths led the jubilant celebrations at the Broomloan Road end where he and Tom Rogic struck to hand Celtic another derby triumph. The fans were in great voice and the players in fine form, there was a swagger about the team as if they owned the place. And it’s something Rangers supporters will have to put up with for some time yet.

‘When u should just listen and not spk #loudandclear’ was what Celtic captain Scott Brown posted across social media in the aftermath of the game. The caption was accompanied by a photo of him and Pedro Caixinha squaring up to each other. If the Portuguese didn’t get the message before, he should get it now; loud and clear. There’s still a significant gap between both teams and he isn’t the man to bridge that chasm.

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The scoreline wasn’t as emphatic as the last time the Hoops visited Govan but it could have been had they been more ruthless in the final third. The Bhoys scored three goals less compared to the previous meeting in April but added three more points to increase the gap to eight between the sides. Four places now separate Celtic at the top of the league and the Gers in fifth which pretty much ends any hopes Rangers had of challenging for the title.

It’s true that the hosts were more organised, aggressive and resilient this time around but the difference in quality is still vast. Celtic were comfortable for the most part and didn’t have to strain themselves too much. They played like champions and had the mindset of champions, convinced the only outcome would be a victory.

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While the first half was dominated by the Celts in the early and latter stages with some fleeting moments for Rangers in between, the second half was a clear demonstration of the visitors’ class. They were fitter, superior in possession, created more openings and clinical. As Rodgers said, his team “managed the game extremely well.” The hope was sapped out of the home side meanwhile.

Man for man (including the substitutes) the Hoops were and are much better. I said on this platform after the midweek win against Dundee that many of Rodgers’ men were hitting form at the same time and at the perfect time. On Saturday, Craig Gordon, Jozo Simunovic, Dedryck Boyata, Scott Brown, Tom Rogic and Leigh Griffiths were terrific. That spine won Celtic the game and it represents something Rangers seriously lack.

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The performances of Patrick Roberts and Graham Dorrans were also telling. Both could be considered as the marquee signing for either club this season but only one stood out. Roberts left a huge impression on the game with a man of the match performance and two assists while the 90 minutes completely passed the Blues skipper by. It perfectly symbolised the gulf that currently exists between the clubs.

Since Rangers returned to the top flight there have been seven derbies; six won by Celtic and one drawn. The aggregate score is 18-4 in favour of the Hoops. They’re also unbeaten domestically for the last 11 months. Glasgow is most definitely green and white.