2017-12-30: Celtic 0-0 TheRangers, SP

Trivia

• Celtic finish the year on 51pts 9pts ahead of Aberdeen who drew 0-0 with Hearts.
• Celtic finish the calendar year with just one domestic defeat. Incredible achievement, but taken a mental toll.
• Celtic look jaded; 38 games already and we've just hit the half mark in the season!
• Young Kris Ajer looks to be a real find for us, 4 games at centre back, 4 clean sheets, we can thank Ronny for that one.
• The New Year Glasgow Derby (although it's not and being played on 30th Dec!).
• Celtic regardless of this match result clear at the top from all.
• Sevco currently under the management of Murty, who admitted that his family is Celtic supporting, and Murty is out of his depth. Athough Murty undefeated in two matches v Celtic.
• Green Brigade have another Corteo on the way to the game, increasingly a tradition by them.
• Nottingham Forest have sacked manager (and ex-Hun manager) Mark Warburton and director of football Frank McParland.

Review

(dubz of KDS)
Huge disappointment today. Not so much dropping points but more with the performance.
Gordon had two immense saves but his distribution is holding us back. KT has a terrible defensive habit of launching the ball in whichever direction he’s facing. I’m sure that big mad bastard Lustig was ripping the piss out of us in the first 15 mins. McGregor should never have started ahead of Ntcham and Sinclair was given an undeserved 2nd half showing. Armstrong looked leggy 2nd half and strangely unfit. Moussas head is elsewhere.

Overall performance was shocking, a group of very good players desperately needing the break v a group of average players that probably just had their best game of the season. Both teams could have played in Hamilton and Ross County shirts and no one outside us would have noticed. Fair play to the monkey bastards, they worked hard and got what they thought was beyond them. This was their chance to beat us and they couldn’t manage it, they won’t get a better one.

A terrible game to watch but it’s the end to one of the most enjoyable years in our history. Raise a glass to Celtic tomorrow night, we all deserve it.

(paul of KDS)
Wish I'd given my ticket to my brother! Didn't see the loss to Hearts but that's the worst performance I've watched since Rodgers arrived.

Why Ntcham didn't get a start is beyond me. Showed when he came on what he can do and made more of a contribution in his 20 minutes than McGregor and Armstrong did in the whole match. How did Armstrong last the 90 when we still had a sub to spare?

Team were poorly prepared for this game and started both halves hesitantly. We improved in the 1st half but got worse in the 2nd. The defence were so jittery and Ajer looked the steadiest of the 4 even though he gave the ball away a couple of times early on. Brown was the only player in midfield who battled for the ball. Sinclair was a shadow of last season's player and that miss.

In the transfer window, we need cover for Tierney. The lad is running on fumes.

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Celtic 0 – 0 Rangers: Both sides pass up gilt-edged chances

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/competitions/premiership/celtic-0-0-rangers-both-sides-pass-up-gilt-edged-chances-1-4650310
Andrew Smith
Published: 13:52 Saturday 30 December 2017

This was a rarity of a derby in that it was all about Rangers in a manner their followers could embrace and provided another moral victory at Parkhead for Graeme Murty. That the victory could well have been of the real variety is a testament to what the Ibrox manager was able to draw from his side.

READ MORE – Rangers to appoint Jimmy Nicholl as assistant manager – reports

Rangers had a fizz about them against a Celtic side betraying clear signs of fatigue in the final afternoon before the winter break. Brendan Rodgers could attribute that to it being their 38th game of a season that started in mid-July. They have played 11 more matches than their city neighbours.

And so, for only the second meeting between the teams since Rodgers’ arrival in Scotland, we were supplied with a genuine contest. Of course, the last time that happened – a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park in March – Murty was in interim charge. Without him at the helm, Rodgers’ men have ransacked six derby victories from an eight-game unbeaten sequence in the fixture. Murty’s promptings ensure he remains the only Rangers manager since Davie White not to suffer defeat in the east end of Glasgow.

Unlike nine months ago, Rangers didn’t just snatch a point. Instead, this time they snatched at chances to snare all three, with Craig Gordon producing two glorious saves in the second half to deny them.

Identifying the notable performers from the encounter reveals how much of an impression Rangers made as they prevented Celtic scoring in a domestic home game for the first time since March 2016.

James Tavernier showed the sort of discipline and desire that was replicated throughout the Rangers ranks. Hisscissors-kick volley three minutes after the break seemed destined to arc under the bar, only for Gordon to find the arm extension and acrobatically tip it over.

On the right of midfield, Daniel Candeias proved equally tireless and engaged, drawing a save from Gordon in the opening minutes. Others like Ross McCrorie, Danny Wilson and substitute David Bates stood up in an environment Rangers have so often wilted in this past season-and-a-half.

Bates was forced on after Bruno Alves limped off midway though the first period, and provided the Ibrox backline with more solidity than had his illustrious Euro 2016 winner.

Rangers had so many men on it; Celtic so many off it. As Tavernier acknowledged afterwards, it warmed them to see the second-half withdrawal of Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele – so often their destroyers last season – following wholly-ineffectual displays.

With the possible exceptions of Kristoffer Ajer and Gordon, there were no stand-outs in the home ranks as Celtic struggled with their passing and fluency aside from a half-hour spell in the ascendancy in the first 45. Even then, the 19-year-old Norwegian centre-back Ajer lost Alfredo Morelos for a header after 68 minutes that the Colombian seem to have directed into the net, only for the goalkeeper somehow to block it with his jabbed-out left leg.

Murty’s men grew further in confidence and yet another terrific Tavernier cross from the right in the 79th minute was headed wide by Morelos with only Gordon to beat.

Murty revealed his players had a bawling match at half-time to focus their minds on the tasks that were proving ever more fraught as the interval approached. On the cusp of that, Sinclair inexplicably swept a shot wide from only five yards out and with the goal at his mercy. Rangers keeper Wes Foderingham had earlier played his part by blocking at the feet of the Celtic winger after he had clawed out a Dembele header.

Rodgers bemoaned the lack of quality in a confrontation he said was all-too-frantic but it was noticeable that his players found the going more breathless than opponents they have become so used to leaving gasping for air.

The tied scoreline will have no effect on the title race, Murty’s hope is that it will set a new standard for the intensity his men bring to games. Considering this Jekyll and Hyde side have been well beaten by Kilmarnock and St Johnstone in recent weeks, that remains to be seen.

Celtic 0 – 0 Rangers: How the Celtic players rated
James Forrest can't believe it after seeing Wes Foderingham make an early save from the Celtic winger. Picture: Getty
James Forrest can't believe it after seeing Wes Foderingham make an early save from the Celtic winger. Picture: Getty
ANDY NEWPORT
Published: 15:09 Saturday 30 December 2017

Ratings out of ten for every Celtic player in the Parkhead side’s 0-0 home draw against rivals Rangers.

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CRAIG GORDON – 7

The Hoops keeper dealt comfortably with an early shot from Alfredo Morelos but his stop to deny James Tavernier at the start of the second period was down to pure reflexes.

MIKAEL LUSTIG – 6

Targeted by the visitors as the weak spot in the Celtic defence. Lucky to get away with early mistake after being robbed by Windass.

DEDRYCK BOYATA – 6

A real threat at set-pieces and desperately unlucky not to beat Wes Foderingham with a looping header. Far too loose in possession, though.

KRISTOFFER AJER – 8

It was a big call by Rodgers to throw the 19-year-old Norwegian centre-back into the derby cauldron but he put on an incredible mature display. The only Celt to really impress.

KIERAN TIERNEY – 6

His forays forward caused problems for Rangers during the first half but was pinned down as the Ibrox men responded well in the second period. Booked for a trip on Daniel Candeias.

SCOTT BROWN – 7

An indifferent display from the Hoops skipper. Looked imperious at times but was then as guilty as the rest of his colleagues for giving the ball away. Cautioned after scything down Morelos.

READ MORE – Celtic 0 – 0 Rangers: Both sides pass up gilt-edged chances

CALLUM McGREGOR – 6

Took the wrong option on when deciding to shoot from distance on a couple of occasions. Plenty of graft but little flair.

STUART ARMSTRONG – 7

His intelligent runs both on and off the ball gave Rangers real headaches during the first half but not so effective afterwards.

JAMES FORREST – 6

An inch away from the opener after a driving run but let Declan John off easy by not running at the Rangers left-back more.

SCOTT SINCLAIR – 5

Should had scored after Foderingham spilled ball at his feet and wasted another golden opportunity just before half-time. A half-hearted display.

MOUSSA DEMBELE – 6

Will not have enjoyed what might be his final match for the Hoops as he team-mates lacked the fluency he feeds off. A frustrating afternoon.

Substitutions:

LEIGH GRIFFITHS (for Dembele , 61): Fed off scraps as Gers clung on. 5

OLIVIER NTCHAM (for Sinclair, 72): Produced some clever touches. 6

Winter break can’t come quickly enough for Brendan Rodgers
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/celtic/winter-break-can-t-come-quickly-enough-for-brendan-rodgers-1-4650576
Andrew Smith
Published: 19:57 Saturday 30 December 2017
The mundaneness of how Celtic ended their mirabilis of a year was quickly and easily forgiven by Brendan Rodgers yesterday.

The most uncomfortable afternoon he has endured across eight derby experiences as the club’s manager, the Irishman could offer mitigating circumstances for the unimpressive display in the scoreless draw.

Not difficult when Celtic now embark on the winter shut-down following a 61-game 2017 calendar year that brought three trophy successes, a treble claimed without domestic defeat, and only one reverse at the hands of Scottish opponents.

“We were playing our 38th competitive game [of the season], ninth in the month,” Rodgers said. “That is a real taxing period for the players mentally and physically and we showed a different side today. OK we weren’t quite as bright, but it is all natural.​

“Very much so [we need a break]. It is obvious in terms of the number of games we have played and everything that goes into it. Up here, you virtually have back-to-back seasons so there is no real rest. It is similar to this time last year, in terms of the performances in December were maybe a wee bit tired. Even though we got the victories in them, they maybe weren’t spectacular.

“Credit to the players, though, because I have seen it many times over the years where you can maybe lose that one [today] 1-0. Not take your chances and then your opponent gets a goal and all of a sudden you are on a disappointment. But the resilience of the players and the resolve they showed, they have done really well. If you can’t score then you must make sure you don’t lose it.

“That is our fourth clean sheet in a row now, after our game when we conceded four [against Hearts a fortnight ago]. First half we were the better team without too many moments of quality. Second we huffed and puffed a wee bit.

“First 20 they came out and had some opportunities but I thought towards the end our physicality could come into it and get us a goal but didn’t happen. It was probably a fair result in the end. I thought the game lacked quality, to be fair. It was a wee bit frantic, which these types of games are to be fair, but there wasn’t a great deal of quality in the game.

“Lots of effort, lots of commitment – these things are an obligation – but we just lacked that wee bit of quality today, especially in the final third.”

Celtic players will now be given a week off before they head out to Dubai to build up for the second half of the season. There were suggestions that Moussa Dembele indulged in farewell gestures at the end of the encounter, with speculation remaining intense that he will leave for around the £20m during the January transfer window.

Largely discarded squad players such as Erik Sviatchenko and Liam Henderson seem sure to be on their way, with a deal expectant to be imminent for St Mirren attacker Lewis Morgan following the £1m capture of experienced SC Freiburg centre-back Marvin Compper.

“The players who’ve been with us need the recovery and rest. They’ll be worked on as well,” Rodgers said. “And there will be players going out as well, who want to move on and get games, so it’ll be a revolving door over the course of the month, but certainly we want to strengthen.”

BBC

By Tom English

BBC Scotland at Celtic Park

From the section Scottish Premiership

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos's header saved by Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos saw his point-blank header bounce off Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon's knee

Scott Sinclair and Alfredo Morelos missed clear chances in each half as the final Old Firm game of 2017 ended in a stalemate.

Celtic created the better opportunities in a first half that ended with Sinclair hitting wide from close range.

Rangers were on top after the break, and Morelos' point-blank header bounced off goalkeeper Craig Gordon's knee.

The draw keeps Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic 11 points clear of their Glasgow rivals.

Half-time confrontation fired Gers – Murty
Rodgers wants 'fresher' Celtic after break

It was a game of rushed passes and missed chances; frenetic and hugely flawed. Amid the mayhem you might have expected Celtic to bring some composure, but they rarely found it. This was the first time since March 2016 that Celtic had failed to score at home.
Celtic attacker Scott Sinclair shoots wide in Old Firm encounter
Celtic attacker Scott Sinclair skewed his side's best chance wide in the first half

In their battle to survive, you thought that Rangers might offer some belligerence. They did. They got lucky at times, but there was a bite, if not a quality to their play, that shook Celtic out of their rhythm.

Rangers created the first chance of the day, with a little help from their high-press and some assistance from harried opponents. Scott Brown was hustled, Mikael Lustig was harassed. The Swede, as was the case so often throughout the derby, dithered and lost possession and Gordon was required to bail him out with a save from Morelos.

The visitors forced multiple errors from the champions, but Celtic still managed to get a dominant hold on the game. They played well only in pockets of the match, but should have put the encounter to bed during those mini-spells.

Moussa Dembele had the first chance, but was weak with his finish at the near post. The Frenchman, once again, looked a pale imitation of this multi-million pound striker we keep hearing about.
Rangers captain Bruno Alves injured at Celtic Park
Rangers captain Bruno Alves lasted only 18 minutes after injuring himself in a heavy landing

Next, James Forrest had a pop and was only denied by a fine finger-tip save from Wes Foderingham. Soon after, Sinclair had the first of two great opportunities. Dembele's looping header was parried away by Foderingham to Sinclair, who had two stabs at goal and couldn't get the job done.

Rangers' task wasn't made any easier by Bruno Alves limping off after 18 minutes, and the Portuguese centre-back later left Celtic Park on crutches. David Bates replaced him. They were stymied, also, by Niko Kranjcar, who was out there in name only; the Croat was a bystander for much of it.

Celtic blew a huge chance before the break when terrific build-up play from Stuart Armstrong presented Sinclair with a golden opportunity, which he spurned. It was a sitter.

The feeling was that it was only a matter of time before Celtic ditched their profligacy and capitalised on all their possession. This fixture has a reputation for the bizarre – and here was another contribution. Rangers, instead of weakening, grew stronger. Celtic, instead of driving home their advantage, quickly found themselves on the back foot.
Rangers defender James Tavernier
Rangers defender James Tavernier's hitch-kick volley was tipped over by Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon

If the home side failed to make the most of their moments in the opening half, now it was Rangers' turn. The midfield battle that was such a one-sided affair early on now became a contest that Rangers started to win.

They carved out two outstanding chances. Sinclair was robbed of the ball and away the visitors went. If it wasn't for Gordon making a wonderful save from a close-range James Tavernier volley then the underdogs would have gone ahead.

That was a big moment, but there was an even bigger one to come. Tavernier went belting down the right and whipped in a gloriously inviting ball to Morelos, whose point-blank header was saved by Gordon. The goalkeeper was outstanding in frustrating the striker, but Morelos had to score there.

Dembele had taken his leave by then, a painfully slow retreat from the field from a player who has lost his way over the last year. Leigh Griffiths replaced him, but when the next opportunity arrived it was for Rangers again.

Once more, it was Tavernier's sumptuous delivery from out wide that created it. Morelos got himself between Celtic's centre-halves, and into space, with only Gordon to beat. His glancing header went wide.
Celtic, spooked and out-fought, looked highly vulnerable. Rangers had grown hugely. Defensively, they were sharp and aggressive in blocking everything that Celtic threw at them. In the closing minutes, Rangers manager Graeme Murty brought off Morelos and replaced him with Eduardo Herrera in an attempt to turn a fine result into a sensational one, but it wasn't to be.
Not many saw a draw in the offing. This was a day when Murty's stock rose after some awful recent defeats. He needed this boost to his credibility. He has now taken his side to Pittodrie, Easter Road, Murrayfield (for the Hearts game) and now Celtic Park and has claimed 10 points from a possible 12.
It might have been 12 out of 12 had Morelos been more accurate, but Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will have similar cause to ponder his own side's missed chances in a derby they endured rather than enjoyed. Rangers, though, will get a lot more out of this than the champions.