Ibrox Emptied! – Gerrard’s False Dawn and Rangers Fans’ Tears

IRISHMAN Jonny Hayes emptied Ibrox this afternoon as Celtic took a giant step to 9 in a Row by winning away to today’s bookies favourites the Rangers.

The Dubliner, on as a substitute for Mikey Johnston after the youngster pulled up with cramp, found space inside the Rangers box. McGregor, who had already denied both Elhamed and Jullien with his feet kept out the Irishman but Jonny got a second bite with re-bound and relished the moment as he calmly stroked the ball into the Rangers net as the Celtic Supporters erupted in joy.

Mikey Johnston found Odsonne Edouard and the French striker, easily the best in the league, was clinical in his finish with around 30 minutes gone to silence the 50,000 fans labelled by UEFA as Racist and Sectarian.

Celtic adopted that strange Hearts tactic at kick-off by playing the ball into touch at the corner flag and it certainly worked. The Rangers were pushed back and failed to get into the rhythm that they showed in the previous games. They were not going to be allowed to boss Celtic for a third time.

Celtic’s £7million signing Christopher Jullien was given the Man of the Match but there were plenty of other contenders – all in green and white. Nir Bitton was outstanding, before he injured himself slipping on the Ibrox concrete.

Odsonne Edouard was magnificent and his fellow Frenchman Oliver Ntcham had a brilliant wee spell when he came on for James Forrest who had a quiet afternoon by his standards. And Bolingoli had his finest game in the Hoops, Elhamed was immense, and Brown and McGregor were dominant in the centre of the park.

The opening goal though was decisive and having got to the interval with the lead intact, Neil Lennon’s side was able to sit in and hit the Rangers on the break. And just about all the chances in the second half fell to the Champions.

McGregor was by far the busiest keeper, indeed Fraser Forster could not have imagined he’d have such as easy game as he did with just one or two half chances to deal with.

Celtic’s other substitute Bauer was totally wiped out by Ulsterman Jordan Jones and even Bobby Madden couldn’t not see that as a straight red. It was an outrageous assault.

Ultimately Gerrard’s side came up well short against the Champions. Ibrox had been emptied by Jonny Hayes before Jones vicious tackle brought the play to an end. The Celtic players gathered in the corner to dance in celebration with the 800 Hoops fans in the corner. Gerrard looked on ruefully on the sidelines thinking about another False Dawn and with Zombie tears all around him.

Our Man of the Match – Odsonne Edouard

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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