Former Rangers player Andy Halliday has said that the Glasgow Derby result suits Celtic despite Philippe Clement’s ‘moral victory’ comments. The Motherwell midfielder and prominent Rangers supporter told Clyde 1 SSB that he believes that the 3-3 draw suits Brendan Rodgers’ side when all things are considered.
The Rangers manager made the bizarre comments after an emotionally charged lap of honour despite Celtic leaving Ibrox at the top of the table, with the Belgian’s team failing to take their chance to go top (again).
“I can understand why Clement has said that immediately after the game. I thought Rangers were dead and buried at half-time, I didn’t see them getting back into the game at all. Then when they eventually made it 2-2, and Idah scored to make it 3-2 immediately, then of course Rangers would have taken a point.
“But when you step back, and look at the magnitude of the league going forward, no doubt the draw benefits Celtic more than it does Rangers. Both teams effectively have the title in their hands but from the showings that we’ve seen in Old Firms this season, and Celtic having four home games from their remaining six, they will be confident of beating Rangers at Celtic Park.
“Don’t get me wrong, there is still so much to play for. That’s why it’s going to be such an exciting run in. But I thought Celtic would have been more than happy with a draw before the game.”
Celtic were 2-0 up thanks to goals from Daizen Maeda and Matt O’Riley before half time. James Tavernier scored from the spot after a dubious VAR penalty award. Sima equalised through a fortunate deflection before Adam Idah appeared to have won it with an 87th min strike, one minute after Rangers thought they were back level. It ended on a level footing after Matondo scored with a curled effort. Celtic will fancy their chances when the sides meet again at Celtic Park given that they will have a fully fit Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.
Celtic have six games remaining, four of which will be at Celtic Park; whilst Rangers have five away games and two home games remaining this season. Halliday is quite correct in his reflection that Brendan Rodgers’ side will be relishing the title run-in given the split of fixtures.