2023-02-26: TheRangers 1-2 Celtic, League Cup

Match Pictures | Matches: 2022 – 2023

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Trivia

• KO: 15:00 Sunday; Viaplay TV; game NOT on free to air
• Viaplay League Cup final at Hampden Park
• Celtic win the League Cup for a record 21st time!
• Kyogo scores a double in League Cup final for a second year in succession!
• Absolute disgrace this final is NOT on free to air. For young kids who are from blue-collar families, many won’t be able to see the game. Really poor by the SFA/SPFL.
• Referee: Nick Walsh AR1: Frank Connor AR2: David Roome Fourth Official: Kevin Clancy  VAR: John Beaton AVAR: Graeme Stewart. Nick Walsh teaches at Sevco trainees school! Admittedly ref had a fair enough game today, and incredibly VAR was never used today.
• Celtic win the League Cup for a record 21st time! Ange wins his second league cup in a row. First final for new Sevco manager Michael Beale; his first defeat in any competition as Sevco manager. First final between the two sides for three years.
• Callum McGregor – Incredibly he has NOT lost a final at Hampden to date!
• Mass brawl outside Hampden ahead of kick-off between Ultra groups of the two clubs. 
• Minute’s applause held before match after the passing of Hibs chairman Ron Gordon. RIP
• Celtic Womens Team defeated Sevco womens team also this weekend. 
• SP: Dundee Utd lose 4-0 to Ross County in a bottom of the table challenge, which looks to be defining defeat that will relegate them.
• Reports: Daily Record story claims Australian ‘Snout’ links Postecoglou to summer move to Leeds Utd. Veteran Melbourne sports host Andy Maher believes Postecoglou will leave Celtic at end of season and “most likely” take EPL job, with Leeds United the front-runner if they avoid relegation. Post note: Leeds on the same day as this report appointed a new manager after Ange showed he wasn’t interested.
• Reports: ex-Celt Kieran Tierney considering his future at Arsenal over lack of appearances. Could be windfall for Celtic if sold to Newcastle.
• Kyogo Furuhashi says not interested in move to EPL’s Crystal Palace or elsewhere.
• Ex-Celt Neil Lennon linked with Dundee Utd, Aberdeen and Motherwell (now filled) managerial roles.
• Ex-Celt Gary Hooper signs for side in UAE.
• Politics: SNP leader election campaigning underway, with winner to be the new Scottish FM.
• The great English football commentator John Motson has sadly passed away aged 77. RIP
• Juventus’s former Chairman Andrea Agnelli namechecks Celtic in dire ‘no future’ Super League forecast as he vents ‘UEFA monopoly must be broken’

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Summary

 “I know what it means to our people that in these big games we are successful”
“We’ve had to overcome challenges. It’s not like it’s been smooth the whole way. We’ve had different challenges along the way, but the players have always found a way to overcome whatever challenges are before them.”
Ange pre match

“We just want to see our fans happier than their fans. We just want to hurt them, to make them angry.” “Yes we are better than them, so much better.”
Sevco’s Fashion Sakala on Celtic pre-match, and panned for it afterwards!

Kyogo pre-match: “I want to be as successful as possible with this club. My focus is only on Celtic to be able to have the most possible success for the club.”

Banner unveiled in the Celtic end at full-time:
“22 trophies in 11 years. We set the standard.”

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Memphis Beale 08 of KDS:

Yaaaaaaaaasss.

’22 :potm: in 11 years. We set the Standards’ :clap:

That was one to GIRUT on a pitch that does us no favours.

We showed again we can battle to wins if we need to.

Not a great performance mostly due to that thing they call a football pitch but again we find the solutions to the problems posed.

We had all the good chances probably about 6 or 7 with McGregor and loose finishing keeping them in it.

As usual all they have is chaos ball and without that free kick they had no real creativity. I don’t think Hart made a save in the whole game whereas McGregor had about 4 good stops. Kent’s always going wide speculative shot was the sum of anything I remember bar their usual punting the ball aimlessly into the box.

When football broke out we were head and shoulders above and Kyogo gives us something special up front.

When their new midfield came on they flattered to deceive, truth is they created not one clear cut chance and conceded 4 in 20 minutes (nearly 60 if you count added time 😆 ).

Although there were lots of mistakes giving them the ball in our final third I was never really that concerned that they had the players to capitalise.

Special mention to Johnston he was immense and gave them nothing but bruises all day. Maeda was woeful on the ball but his energy more than makes up for it in those conditions.

Can’t beat this feeling.

Well done to all the players and coaches, we are a machine that just churns out win after win.

Fatboab of KDS:
A stroll in the early spring sunshine. Should have been 5 or 6, but 2 will do.
First half was easy, other than allowing Sakala too much space. Fortunately, he’s shampoo, so nothing came of it.
Late goal was no more than we deserved, and what a classic ‘ Celtic’ goal it was. I wonder how many similar goals we’ve scored this season, yet still the opposition can do nothing about it.
Huns gave it full chaos ball early in second half , but we stood strong and nicked the vital second. There was a moment in the build up to this where they tried to break and Carl Starfelt stepped up to block their out ball that will be forgotten by most already, but it was hugely significant.
Kyogo was on fire, and I’d love to know if any of our players have ever scored all the goals in two consecutive finals of the same trophy.
The last twenty were a bit edgy, but they literally have feck all, and only a couple of careless passes from us gave them hope.
Subs were good, and we should have certainly had a third near the end.
All things being equal, they gave it all they had and couldn’t get near us.
Glasgow remains Green and White.
Ange Postecoglou and Chris Sutton killed them in the post match interviews anaw.

 

Highland_Paddy on Twitter : You could see that goal coming before half-time, Rangers went deeper and Celtic started moving the ball with a lot more freedom. Keep it going in the second half Celtic. That “other mob” set the standards that other clubs can’t match. We do our talking on the park and put the trophies in the cabinet. Well done to Celtic on winning ….again

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Teams

Celtic

Formation 4-3-3

• 1Hart
• 2Johnston Booked at 90mins
• 20Carter-Vickers
• 4Starfelt
• 3Taylor Booked at 70mins
• 13Mooy Substituted for O’Riley at 65′minutes
• 42McGregor
• 41Hatate Substituted for Iwata at 76′minutes
• 17Neves Filipe Substituted for Abada at 64′minutes Booked at 83mins
• 8Furuhashi Substituted for Oh at 76′minutes Booked at 79mins
• 38Maeda Substituted for Haksabanovic at 84′minutes

Substitutes

• 9Haksabanovic
• 11Abada
• 14Turnbull
• 18Kobayashi
• 19Oh
• 24Iwata
• 29Bain
• 33O’Riley
• 56Ralston

Goals:

• Furuhashi (44′ minutes, 56′ minutes)

Assists:

• Maeda (44′ minutes), 
• Hatate (56′ minutes)

Rangers

Formation 4-3-3

• 1McGregor
• 2Tavernier
• 6Goldson
• 26Davies
• 31BarisicBooked at 90mins
• 71Tillman
• Substituted forJackat 65′minutes
• 4LundstramBooked at 50mins
• Substituted forCantwellat 65′minutesBooked at 90mins
• 18KamaraBooked at 58mins
• Substituted forRaskinat 65′minutes
• 30Sakala
• Substituted forWrightat 85′minutes
• 20Morelos

• Substituted forColakat 76′minutesBooked at 90mins
• 14KentBooked at 90mins

Substitutes

• 7Hagi
• 8Jack
• 9Colak
• 13Cantwell
• 23Wright
• 33McLaughlin
• 37Arfield
• 43Raskin
• 44Devine

Goals:

• Morelos (64′ minutes)

Assists:

• Tavernier (64′ minutes)

Ref:Nick Walsh
Att:49,529

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Articles

• Match Report (see below)

Pictures

• Match Pictures

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Match Links

• Prior
• Match
• Post
• MoTM

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Stats

Possession

Home43%

Away57%

Shots

Home11

Away14

Shots on Target

Home2

Away5

Corners

Home8

Away4

Fouls

Home16

Away17

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Articles

‘You know how hard it is to follow guys like that?’: Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou responds to question on emotion of beating Rangers in final

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/you-know-how-hard-it-is-to-follow-guys-like-that-celtic-boss-ange-postecoglou-responds-to-question-on-emotion-of-beating-rangers-in-final-4042200
Ange Postecoglou confessed he never loses sight of the burden he carries through standing on the shoulders of recent Celtic managerial giants as he reflected on Viaplay Cup success over Rangers.

Andrew Smith
By Andrew Smith
13 hours ago

A third honour across his little-more than year-and-a-half in charge, the 2-1 triumph that snared the League Cup trophy against Rangers nudges him closer to the silverware hauls of his immediate predecessors. But the Australian understands he is merely meeting demands – reflected by a clearly Rangers-trolling banner at Hampden unfurled at the Celtic end come full-time that read ‘22 trophies in 11 year – we set the standards’.

“It’s not about me and how I feel,” he said when asked to sum up his emotions over events at Hampden. “These are just the expectations at this club. I have just spoken to Gordon Strachan. You know how hard it is to follow guys like that? And Martin O’Neill, Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon? This club is steeped in success so when you take the job you know that’s the responsibility. That doesn’t diminish the achievement. We still celebrate as we don’t take it for granted. You don’t just roll up in a Celtic shirt and it’s given to you. You have to earn it and we did.”

Interviewed on the pitch, Postecoglou acknowledged the tension of such an occasion, Celtic losing their way for a period after being pegged back to 2-1 25 minutes from time, before finishing strongly.

“The overwhelming feeling is relief,” he said. “People think you are jumping for joy but it’s relief as you know how much it means to people – the players, everyone at the club and the supporters. You carry that burden for 95 minutes and when the final whistle goes. it’s just relief. Moments like this, you want to get the whole experience. You watch the players, the fans, what it means to them. I take great pride in it. It’s a day I’ll remember forever. We’ve been consistent for a very long time. We don’t let our standards slip in terms of our football.”

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Kyogo is Celtic’s Hampden goal hero again as Hoops win League Cup final

By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor

https://www.celticfc.com/news/2023/february/26/kyogo-is-celtic-s-hampden-goal-hero-again-as-hoops-win-league-cup-final/

Viaplay Cup Final
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Hampden Park

CELTIC… 2
(Kyogo 43 & 56)

RANGERS… 1
(Morelos 64)

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side retained the League Cup with a hard-fought but well-deserved 2-1 victory over Rangers.

And just like last season’s triumph, Kyogo was once again the Hampden hero as he scored both of Celtic’s goals.

It was the cup holders who dominated the early exchanges, with Jota threatening down the right flank, although there were no chances to show for the possession.

Indeed, it was Rangers who produced the first shot of the game but John Lundstram’s effort was blocked before it could trouble Joe Hart.

Five minutes later, a great passage of football from Celtic saw Aaron Mooy pick out Jota, but his cross was gathered by the keeper.

On 21 minutes, Kyogo latched on to a through ball over the top of the Rangers defence but he stumbled as the keeper came out to block him and then Jota’s low shot from the edge of the area was parried away.

Just after the half-hour mark, Cameron Carter-Vickers came to Celtic’s rescue, sliding it at the near post to steer a James Tavernier cross out for a corner.

With eight minutes of the first-half remaining, Kyogo came close with an effort from the edge of the area after Jota had did well to cut in from the right and skip past a couple of challenges.

And on 42 minutes, he came even closer when he headed just over from an Alistair Johnston cross, but the Japanese striker was not to be denied, and just 60 seconds later he put the Hoops ahead.

A slick passage of passing saw the ball slotted into the path of Greg Taylor whose low cross evaded Daizen Maeda but was slotted home by Kyogo from six yards out for his 23rd goal of the season, giving Celtic a 1-0 half-time lead.
44%

Possession
56%
11

Shots
14
2

Shots On Target
5
8

Corners
4
16

Fouls
17

6

0

Cards

4

0

While the Hoops looked to extend their lead after the break, it was Rangers who fashioned the first chance five minutes into the second-half but Ryan Kent’s effort hit the post and was cleared.

And on 56 minutes, Celtic made it 2-0 thanks to Kyogo again. A brilliant flowing move saw Callum McGregor feed Aaron Mooy, and he rolled the ball into the path of Reo Hatate.

The Japanese midfielder cut the ball across the six-yard box for Kyogo to knock the ball into the net.

At that point it was all Celtic, and they looked threatening every time they went forward.

But on 64 minutes, Rangers reduced the deficit when Morelos bundled the ball home from a Tavernier free-kick.

The Hoops had to weather some pressure as Rangers sought an equaliser, but as the game headed towards full-time, Ange Postecoglou’s side had two chances to extend their lead, first through Sead Haksabanovic and then Matt’Riley.

But although there was to be no further scoring, it was a green and white celebration at full-time as Celtic retained the League Cup.

Rangers: McGregor, Goldson, Tavernier, Barisic, Davies, Kamara (Raskin 65′), Lundstram (Cantwell 65′), Tillman (Jack 65′), Morelos (Colak 76′), Kent, Sakala (Scott Wright 85′)

Subs: Raskin, Scott Wright, Arfield, McLaughlin, Jack, Hagi, Cantwell, Colak, Devine

Celtic: Hart, Taylor, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Mooy (O’Riley 65′), Hatate (Iwata 76′), McGregor, Jota (Abada 64′), Maeda (Hakšabanović 84′), Kyogo (Hyeongyu Oh 76′)

Subs: Iwata, Hakšabanović, Abada, Ralston, O’Riley, Bain, Kobayashi, Turnbull, Hyeongyu Oh

 

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BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64688959
By Colin MoffatBBC Scotland at Hampden

Last updated on

1 hour ago1 hour ago.From the section Scottish League Cup
Kyogo knocks in the opening goal at Hampden
Kyogo knocks in the opening goal at Hampden

Kyogo Furuhashi scored twice as Celtic got the better of Old Firm rivals Rangers at a tumultuous Hampden to retain the Viaplay Cup.

The striker took his season tally to 24 goals with two close-range finishes either side of the interval, repeating his brace from last term’s final.

Alfredo Morelos reduced the deficit but Rangers could not find a way back against more assured opponents and Celtic missed opportunities to increase the margin of victory in a frantic finish.

This was a seventh League Cup victory in nine years for Celtic and, with a healthy nine-point lead in the Premiership and just one domestic defeat all season, manager Ange Postecoglou is well placed to at least match the double of his debut campaign.

For Michael Beale, it was a first loss in 15 games in charge of Rangers, which leaves the Ibrox club without a success in this tournament since 2011.

Amid the sound and fury from the stands, Celtic started in composed fashion as Rangers struggled to find a rhythm.

The biggest cheers from the febrile crowd were reserved for robust challenges until Kyogo almost found a way through on 20 minutes.

The Celtic hero stumbled slightly as he stole in behind and then found his path blocked by the sprawling Allan McGregor. The veteran goalkeeper got up swiftly to push away a low shot from Jota.

Fashion Sakala provided a couple of menacing thrusts for Rangers before Cameron Carter-Vickers slid in to knock a dangerous cross from Ibrox skipper James Tavernier narrowly beyond his own post.

Kyogo fired just wide of the top corner from 18 yards, slashed at a good chance and headed over the top in a flurry of attacks before making the breakthrough on 44 minutes.

Celtic patiently worked the ball down the left and, when Daizen Maeda missed Greg Taylor’s driven pass at the front post, Kyogo was all alone to stroke in a simple finish from a central position.

Rangers came within a whisker of a rapid response at the start of the second half when Ryan Kent drilled an angled shot against the base of the post and Sakala could only find the side-netting from the rebound. The angle was tight, but it was a bad miss from the winger, who had Morelos screaming for a pass.

Celtic made the most of that let-off, with Kyogo knocking in his second goal of the day soon after. Aaron Mooy and Reo Hatate combined to unlock the Rangers defence, with the latter delivering the telling cross for a sliding Kyogo to force in.

Rangers hauled themselves back into the game on 64 minutes when Morelos was alert to finish as Celtic failed to deal with a lofted free-kick from the left.

That breathed new life into the team in blue, as did a trio of midfield changes, but they could not seriously threaten Joe Hart’s goal again.

The match grew increasingly stretched and tetchy, with referee Nick Walsh dishing out yellow cards left, right and centre in the closing stages.

With Rangers leaving huge gaps at the back, McGregor made a good save to deny Matt O’Riley and fellow substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu rolled a one-on-one chance wide, but there was to be no ruing those chances for Postecoglou’s triumphant side.
Player of the match – Kyogo Furuhashi
Kyogo Furuhashi
Who else? The Celtic striker is a lethal presence in the penalty box and came up trumps for his side yet again
‘Special’ Kyogo delivers more silverware for Celtic – analysis

Celtic were on top for long spells, completely bossing the first half, with Callum McGregor, Mooy and Hatate providing cool heads and neat midfield interchanges.

Wingers Maeda and Jota were not quite at the same level but Kyogo, who sunk Hibernian in the final last year, more than compensated with two poacher’s goals, once again proving elusive for defenders with his smart movement. “A special player,” said admiring skipper McGregor in his on-pitch interview.

Celtic also did a good job of stifling Rangers’ threat out wide, making sure Kent and Sakala could not grow in influence.

Beale’s side had their moments, but they were too few and they were always playing catch up from a sluggish opening.

Substitutes Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell added menace in the middle of the park immediately after Morelos struck and things may have turned out differently if those recent recruits had been trusted to start.

This was a poorer display from the 2-2 derby draw early January and that will trouble the Ibrox boss as he seeks to bridge the gap.
What they said
‘No limits’ on how good Celtic can be – Ange Postecoglou

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou: “Moments like this, you want to get the whole experience. You watch the players, the fans, what it means to them. I take great pride in it.

“It’s a day I’ll remember forever. We’ve been consistent for a very long time. We don’t let our standards slip in terms of our football.”

Rangers manager Michael Beale: “I think that was clear to see. It took us too long to find our rhythm in our football and get up to the speed in the game.

“Fair play to Celtic, I thought they started the game well and I thought we were going to get away with getting into half-time without conceding, but we didn’t and that was disappointing.”

 

Celtic v Rangers: Fans seen fighting outside Hampden ahead of Old Firm game

Rangers and Celtic fans have been seen fighting outside Hampden Park ahead of Sunday’s cup final game between the two teams.
By Neil Pooran
https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/celtic-v-rangers-fans-seen-fighting-outside-hampden-ahead-of-old-firm-game-4042077

Police are investigating a large disturbance outside the stadium which broke out at 9am on Sunday.

Videos on social media have showed two large groups of rival fans approaching each other on Somerville Drive, with a small number of police trying to intervene and separate them.

A traffic cone is thrown between the two groups, who are later seen running along the road after fighting starts.

Close to 25,000 fans of each team were set to descend upon Hampden for the Viaplay Cup final, with kick-off at 3pm.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Inquiries are ongoing following a disturbance involving a large group outside Hampden Park around 9am on Sunday, February 26.”

‘Dominated Rangers star’, ‘nutmeg’, ‘brainfart’ – How Celtic players rated in Viaplay Cup final success

Celtic won their 21st League Cup with a 2-1 final success over rivals Rangers. Here is how the players involved rated out of ten.
Joel Sked
By Joel Sked
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/dominated-rangers-star-nutmeg-brainfart-how-celtic-players-rated-in-viaplay-cup-final-success-4042137
Joe Hart – 6: It was a quiet afternoon for the former England goalkeeper. Got a hand to Morelos’ effort but couldn’t keep it out with the effort so close to him. Other than that, Rangers asked few questions of him, with Hart having to sweep up behind the defence a couple of times.

Alistair Johnston – 8: A good game for the Canadian down Celtic’s right. Plenty of energy in an attacking and supporting sense. Delivered a brilliant cross for Kyogo who headed over the bar. His main job was to keep Ryan Kent quiet which was exactly what he did, dominating the Rangers winger, making a great challenge deep into stoppage time.

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7: The American for perhaps the first time since moving to Scotland was muscled off the ball when going tight to Morelos early on. After that he didn’t put a foot wrong. Came up with a crucial intervention in the first half to cut out a low cross which Sakala sliding in. Was strong in his battles from there on with key blocks and interceptions. Got a massive toe to a ball which was set to land at Antonio Colak’s feet.

Carl Starfelt – 7: Gave Celtic fans a heart attack in the second half when he tried to chip the ball over the head of an opponent when in his own box. It was less successful than his Cruyff turn in his own box in the first half. Did really well to cover in behind Greg Taylor on a couple of occasions.

Greg Taylor – 7: A mixed bag for the left-back. Set up Kyogo for the Celtic opener with a fine low cross after providing width and depth on the overlap. Had shown recovery pace earlier after being caught out with the ball in behind for Fashion Sakala to scamper onto. Recovered well to cut out the cross. Had a brainfart in the second half when he lost the ball in the middle of the park and then fouled outside the box, collecting a yellow card in the process. The free-kick was deflected for a corner which Rangers scored from.

Callum McGregor – 7: A captain’s performance at the heart of the midfield. Did the gritty, often overlooked but hugely important work behind Hatate and Mooy. Getting onto loose balls, providing a defensive presence and moving the ball efficiently and effectively.

Reo Hatate – 8: Ran the show in the first half with Aaron Mooy. Always seemed to find space and time to dictate the tempo to his liking. A lovely football player to watch with his vision and weight of pass. Was key in the build-up to the first goal and then slid in Kyogo for the second. No surprise the game got scrappy when he was replaced.
The Celtic starting eleven for the Viaplay Cup final. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
The Celtic starting eleven for the Viaplay Cup final. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Aaron Mooy – 8: His last significant involvement came with Rangers’ goal when he lost Alfredo Morelos in the box from a corner with the Colombian turning the ball in from close range. He had been heavily involved in the Celtic goals playing the pass before the assist. First slipping in Greg Taylor and then Reo Hatate in threatening positions to deliver crosses. Combined so well with Hatate throughout the game to help Celtic control and dominate the central areas and force Rangers back.

Jota – 6: The Portuguese was on the periphery for large periods of his time on the park. Celtic concentrated a lot of their attacking in the first half down their left with Jota on the opposite flank. It took until the 19th minute for his first meaningful touch. He came to life afterwards for a spell, bringing a good save out of Allan McGregor. In the second half he tied Borna Barisic up in knots but after getting into a good position wasn’t able to deliver. Gets a point for a first-half nutmeg.

Kyogo Furuhashi – 8: Ange Postecoglou had said he was itching to get off the bench in the win over Aberdeen last weekend and took out his need to play, to score against Rangers with a double, being in the right place at the right time, as he usually is, to put the finishing touch to well-worked moves. Got into good positions constantly and could easily have scored prior to his first. Got free in the box a couple of times. He tried to knock the ball down once and then headed over from a really good position. Curled an effort from distance wide. Movement and sharpness in the final third was excellent.

Daizen Maeda – 6: A huge figure for Ange Postecoglou in the Celtic team. His presence nullifies any attacking instincts of the opposing full-back, this time James Tavernier. However, he was very wasteful with the ball in the final third. There was a wild cross out of play, he ran the ball out of the pitch twice and when given the chance to play in Kyogo, he checked back.

Replacements: Liel Abada (6) brought plenty of pace and directness to the right flank and the work rate to match. Was booked for a blatant dive. Both Matt O’Riley and Sead Haksabanovic (6) should have scored late on. Tomoki Iwata and Hyun-Gyu Oh (6) put themselves about and played their part in making sure Rangers didn’t get a foothold.

 

‘Not written anywhere’: Ange Postecoglou tells relentless Celtic stars to keep moving dial and lifts lid on Kyogo Furuhashi’s impact

Celtic manager Ange Postecolgou issued a ‘no limits’ pledge following a Viaplay Cup win that delivered him the third honour of the four contested since he pitched up in Glasgow.
Andrew Smith
By Andrew Smith
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/not-written-anywhere-ange-postecoglou-tells-relentless-celtic-stars-to-keep-moving-dial-and-lifts-lid-on-kyogo-furuhashis-impact-4042173

The 2-1 triumph over Rangers marked the 30th domestic win for Postecoglou’s men across only 32 encounters in the domain this season. With a stranglehold on the title won last year courtesy of a nine-point Premiership lead, and a Scottish Cup quarter-final away to Hearts at Tynecastle in a fortnight, there would appear little capacity for the Australian to improve upon his side’s current standards. The 57-year-old refuses to be bound by outsider’s perceptions of the onerous task faced by him to constantly move the dial.

“It’s not written anywhere there is a limit,” he said on that discussion topic. “Why should we settle for someone else’s measure of how good we can be? They have been outstanding but we want to keep pushing. We haven’t had many off days because we never look too far ahead and never look too far back. That’s why we have been so relentless in our approach. The reason I push them is for days like this. We’ll enjoy tonight and it’s important we celebrate tonight, and enjoy the moment, because the staff and the players, everyone at the football club have worked hard for this. The supporters too deserve to celebrate this moment. But, once we’ve done that in the right way, we’ll focus on next week against St Mirren; a tough game at a tough venue.”

The phenomenon that is Kyogo Furuhashi proved the differenc- maker at Hampden with his second double in as many finals in the competition, following on fron his matchwinning contribution to the 2-1 victory over Hibs last December. A striker whose effectiveness in the derby – the biggest domestic test for any Celtic player – had been questioned beforehand following only one strike in five previous appearances, a three in six record usurps the early returns in the fixture for even such as Henrik Larsson. A 25-goal haul for the season for the £4.7m buy from Vissel Kobe, Postecoglou refused to merely restrict himself to his statement signing’s predatory instincts in opponents’ boxes when setting out his worth to his team.
Surrounded by his players, Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou lifts the League Cup after the win over Rangers.
Surrounded by his players, Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou lifts the League Cup after the win over Rangers.

“It’s invaluable to have a player who is willing to do everything in his power to help the team,” the Celtic manager said. “It’s not about his goals. Obviously they are the most important thing, but he works so hard. He’s another that whatever rewards he gets, they are hard earned. He’s not floating about there just waiting for a chance. He’s running his socks off to do things other strikers won’t do because he knows it’s the right thing for the team.

“Players at this football club are often measured by how they perform on the biggest of stages and he delivers again. You look at him, the size he is and the players he is against and he doesn’t shirk any of it. He puts the opposition under pressure, he’s so clever with movement and he wants to be front and centre when the opportunities are there. He was outstanding and has been from the moment he joined this club.”

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Match ends, Rangers 1, Celtic 2.
90’+7′
Full Time

Second Half ends, Rangers 1, Celtic 2.
90’+6′
Post update

Attempt missed. Sead Haksabanovic (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Oh Hyeon-Gyu with a headed pass following a fast break.
90’+4′
Booking

Todd Cantwell (Rangers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
90’+4′
Post update

Attempt saved. Matt O’Riley (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Tomoki Iwata.
90’+4′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Allan McGregor.
90’+3′
Post update

Delay over. They are ready to continue.
90’+2′
Post update

Delay in match because of an injury Callum McGregor (Celtic).
90’+1′
Booking

Antonio-Mirko Colak (Rangers) is shown the yellow card.
90’+1′
Booking

Alistair Johnston (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
90’+1′
Booking

Borna Barisic (Rangers) is shown the yellow card.
90′
Booking

Ryan Kent (Rangers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
90′
Post update

Tomoki Iwata (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
90′
Post update

Foul by Ryan Kent (Rangers).
89′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Connor Goldson.
89′
Post update

Attempt saved. Sead Haksabanovic (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Alistair Johnston.
87′
Post update

Liel Abada (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
87′
Post update

Dangerous play by Scott Wright (Rangers).
86′
Post update

Offside, Celtic. Sead Haksabanovic tries a through ball, but Matt O’Riley is caught offside.
85′
Post update

Greg Taylor (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

85′
Post update

Foul by Nicolas Raskin (Rangers).
85′
Substitution

Substitution, Rangers. Scott Wright replaces Fashion Sakala.
84′
Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Sead Haksabanovic replaces Daizen Maeda.
83′
Booking

Liel Abada (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
83′
Post update

Liel Abada (Celtic) has gone down, but the referee deems it simulation.
82′
Post update

Offside, Celtic. Greg Taylor tries a through ball, but Daizen Maeda is caught offside.
82′
Post update

Foul by Daizen Maeda (Celtic).
82′
Post update

James Tavernier (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
81′
Post update

Matt O’Riley (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
81′
Post update

Foul by Todd Cantwell (Rangers).
79′
Post update

Attempt blocked. Antonio-Mirko Colak (Rangers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
79′
Booking

Oh Hyeon-Gyu (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
79′
Post update

Foul by Oh Hyeon-Gyu (Celtic).
79′
Post update

Ben Davies (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
78′
Post update

Offside, Rangers. Nicolas Raskin tries a through ball, but Fashion Sakala is caught offside.
76′
Substitution

Substitution, Rangers. Antonio-Mirko Colak replaces Alfredo Morelos.
76′
Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Tomoki Iwata replaces Reo Hatate.
76′
Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Oh Hyeon-Gyu replaces Kyogo Furuhashi.
75′
Post update

Daizen Maeda (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
75′
Post update

Foul by Ryan Jack (Rangers).

74′
Post update

Foul by Liel Abada (Celtic).
74′
Post update

Ben Davies (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
74′
Post update

Attempt missed. James Tavernier (Rangers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high.
74′
Post update

Attempt blocked. Ryan Jack (Rangers) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Borna Barisic.
72′
Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Joe Hart.
71′
Post update

Attempt blocked. James Tavernier (Rangers) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
70′
Booking

Greg Taylor (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
70′
Post update

Foul by Greg Taylor (Celtic).
70′
Post update

Todd Cantwell (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
69′
Post update

Matt O’Riley (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
69′
Post update

Foul by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).
68′
Post update

Attempt blocked. Matt O’Riley (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Alistair Johnston.
65′
Substitution

Substitution, Rangers. Ryan Jack replaces Malik Tillman.
65′
Substitution

Substitution, Rangers. Nicolas Raskin replaces Glen Kamara.
65′
Substitution

Substitution, Rangers. Todd Cantwell replaces John Lundstram.
65′
Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Matt O’Riley replaces Aaron Mooy.
64′
Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Liel Abada replaces Jota.
64′
Goal!

Goal! Rangers 1, Celtic 2. Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by James Tavernier with a cross following a set piece situation.
63′
Post update

Hand ball by Alistair Johnston (Celtic).
61′
Post update

Foul by Reo Hatate (Celtic).

61′
Post update

Glen Kamara (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
58′
Booking

Glen Kamara (Rangers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
58′
Post update

Reo Hatate (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
58′
Post update

Foul by Glen Kamara (Rangers).
56′
Goal!

Goal! Rangers 0, Celtic 2. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Reo Hatate.
54′
Post update

Foul by Daizen Maeda (Celtic).
54′
Post update

James Tavernier (Rangers) wins a free kick on the right wing.
52′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Borna Barisic.
52′
Post update

Alistair Johnston (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
52′
Post update

Foul by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).
51′
Post update

Foul by Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic).
51′
Post update

Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
50′
Booking

John Lundstram (Rangers) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
50′
Post update

Aaron Mooy (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
50′
Post update

Foul by John Lundstram (Rangers).
50′
Post update

Attempt missed. Fashion Sakala (Rangers) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is close, but misses to the right.
50′
Post update

Attempt saved. Ryan Kent (Rangers) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Malik Tillman.
50′
Post update

Offside, Celtic. Reo Hatate tries a through ball, but Jota is caught offside.
49′
Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Joe Hart.
48′
Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Callum McGregor.
48′
Post update

Foul by Reo Hatate (Celtic).
48′
Post update

Glen Kamara (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
46′
Post update

Foul by Callum McGregor (Celtic).
46′
Post update

Ryan Kent (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Second Half

Second Half begins Rangers 0, Celtic 1.
45’+2′
Half Time

First Half ends, Rangers 0, Celtic 1.
45’+1′
Post update

Foul by Greg Taylor (Celtic).
45’+1′
Post update

Fashion Sakala (Rangers) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
45’+1′
Post update

Greg Taylor (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
45’+1′
Post update

Foul by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).
44′
Goal!

Goal! Rangers 0, Celtic 1. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) left footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Daizen Maeda.
44′
Post update

Attempt missed. Daizen Maeda (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the six yard box misses to the right. Assisted by Greg Taylor with a cross.
42′
Post update

Attempt missed. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Alistair Johnston with a cross.
41′
Post update

Attempt missed. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Jota.
40′
Post update

Attempt missed. Ryan Kent (Rangers) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Connor Goldson.
39′
Post update

Offside, Celtic. Joe Hart tries a through ball, but Jota is caught offside.
37′
Post update

Attempt missed. Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Jota.
36′
Post update

Offside, Rangers. James Tavernier tries a through ball, but Fashion Sakala is caught offside.
34′
Post update

Attempt missed. Carl Starfelt (Celtic) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Aaron Mooy with a cross following a corner.
33′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Borna Barisic.

32′
Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Reo Hatate.
31′
Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Aaron Mooy.
31′
Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Cameron Carter-Vickers.
30′
Post update

Foul by Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic).
30′
Post update

Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
29′
Post update

Attempt missed. Aaron Mooy (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Greg Taylor with a cross.
28′
Post update

Attempt missed. Reo Hatate (Celtic) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Alistair Johnston with a cross.
26′
Post update

Hand ball by Fashion Sakala (Rangers).
24′
Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Greg Taylor.
21′
Post update

Attempt saved. Jota (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
20′
Post update

Foul by Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic).
20′
Post update

Ben Davies (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
20′
Post update

Attempt blocked. Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Fashion Sakala with a headed pass.
18′
Post update

Foul by Alistair Johnston (Celtic).
18′
Post update

Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
14′
Post update

Aaron Mooy (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
14′
Post update

Foul by Ben Davies (Rangers).
14′
Post update

Attempt missed. Ryan Kent (Rangers) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Glen Kamara.
13′
Post update

Attempt blocked. John Lundstram (Rangers) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
13′
Post update

Corner, Rangers. Conceded by Alistair Johnston.

12′
Post update

Foul by Aaron Mooy (Celtic).
12′
Post update

Malik Tillman (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
10′
Post update

Aaron Mooy (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
10′
Post update

Foul by Glen Kamara (Rangers).
10′
Post update

Callum McGregor (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
10′
Post update

Foul by Glen Kamara (Rangers).
9′
Post update

Offside, Celtic. Alistair Johnston tries a through ball, but Jota is caught offside.
5′
Post update

Alistair Johnston (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
5′
Post update

Foul by Alfredo Morelos (Rangers).
4′
Post update

Foul by Reo Hatate (Celtic).
4′
Post update

Malik Tillman (Rangers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
3′
Post update

Offside, Rangers. Allan McGregor tries a through ball, but Alfredo Morelos is caught offside.
3′
Post update

Greg Taylor (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
3′
Post update

Foul by Fashion Sakala (Rangers).
Kick Off

First Half begins.
Posted at 15:0415:04
Post update

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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Celtic win League Cup with 2-1 Hampden victory over Rangers

https://news.stv.tv/scotland/celtic-win-league-cup-with-2-1-hampden-victory-over-rangers
The first trophy of the season was on the line at Hampden on Sunday.

Celtic win League Cup with 2-1 Hampden victory over RangersSNS Group
Kyogo: Second League Cup final double for Celtic star.

By Peter Cassidy
14 hours ago

Rangers 1-2 Celtic: The Viaplay Cup final as it happened
Celtic have won the first piece of silverware of the 2022/23 season as they defeated Rangers 2-1 in the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden.

Kyogo Furuhashi continued his red hot form with a goal on each side of half-time to make it 2-0 as he scored a double for the second consecutive League Cup final.

Alfredo Morelos was on the scoresheet for Rangers as he brought one back on the hour mark but it wasn’t enough to get anything from the game.

Malik Tillman and John Lundstram both made the starting line-up for Rangers despite injury fears earlier in the week.

Meanwhile Aaron Mooy returned for Celtic after missing last week’s win over Aberdeen with Kyogo starting up top in place of Oh.

Celtic were looking to secure their sixth League Cup in seven years as Rangers were looking to win the trophy for the first time in over a decade.

Both teams had chances in a frantic opening 20 minutes with Celtic having the best of the early possession and Kyogo had a penalty claim waved away before Allan McGregor saved from Jota.

Up the other end Fashion Sakala was looking the most dangerous for Rangers and he almost had a golden opportunity to open the scoring on the half-hour mark but Cameron Carter-Vickers made a timely intervention to clear it for a corner.

Kyogo and Ryan Kent both had efforts go over the bar as the game flowed from end to end in a scrappy first 45.

The Japan forward then had Celtic’s best chance of the half but his header was again over the crossbar with five minutes from the break.

But it was third time lucky for Kyogo a few moments later when he opened the scoring from close range to make it 1-0 and give the Hoops a half-time lead.

Rangers came close to an equaliser at the start of the second but Kent’s effort hit before Sakala’s rebound hit the side netting.

Celtic doubled their lead soon after and it was Kyogo again on target when he turned home a Hatate cross on the 55th minute.

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But just as it looked as if the game was running away from Rangers Morelos scored to make it 2-1 on the hour mark.

After that it was Rangers on the ascendency as they pushed for the equaliser and put Joe Hart under pressure on a few occasions.

Celtic’s two goal hero Kyogo was then replaced by Oh and Iwata came on for Hatate as Postecoglou looked to turn the game back in their favour.

Michael Beale also made changes with Antonio Colak replacing Morelos as they continued to chase an equaliser into the last ten minutes.

But they lost the momentum as Celtic looked to see out the final stages.

The champions have a nine-point lead over their city rivals at the top of the Premiership and are still in the Scottish Cup as they aim for a domestic clean sweep.

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Rangers 1 Celtic 2 as Kyogo repeats League Cup heroics, Hoops do it again – three things we learned

Story by Matthew Fulton • Yesterday 17:22
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/football/rangers-1-celtic-2-as-kyogo-repeats-league-cup-heroics-hoops-do-it-again-three-things-we-learned/ar-AA17XfHT

 

Celtic are Viaplay Cup champions as Ange Postecoglou’s men triumphed over rivals Rangers in a tussle at Hampden.

Both teams were in the feeling out process early on with Rangers looking to threaten on the counter but Celtic with more of the ball and a few half chances for both sides. The midfield battle was key as both sides wrestled for control with Cameron Carter-Vickers making a big first-half block before Kyogo saw his header flash just over before the break.

That was until on the stroke of half time Greg Taylor sizzled a ball in from the left that was missed by Daizen Maeda and fell kindly to Kyogo who was there to tap home with ease. In the second half, Rangers came out with intent as Ryan Kent’s effort smashed the post. But Celtic looked the more threatening and another great attack saw Aaron Mooy slice the defence with a pass and Reo Hatate send it across the area for Kyogo to bag a delightful brace.

READ MORE: Celtic player ratings vs Rangers as Kyogo Furuhashi Hampden heroics seal Viaplay Cup final triumph

Alfredo Morelos was then in the area to smash home and bring Michael Beale’s men back in to the final as they roared towards the Celtic defence but to no avail for Michael Beale’s men who faced derby disappointment.

Kyogoal dominates derby
Kyogo Furuhashi has been a powerhouse in front of goal for Celtic this season and proved once again why he is crucial as he hit the repeat button with a League Cup double once again.

It was all in all a quiet first half for the Japanese before he took the second big chance offered to him at Hampden.

A header previously sent a warning to the Rangers defence beforehand but the forward was on hand to tap in to an empty net after his countryman Daizen Maeda missed the initial effort.

And again he stung Rangers in the second half, reacting quickest to a Hatate ball across to nip in front of Barisic for the second.

Related video: Celtic player ratings from Viaplay Cup triumph over Rangers (Daily Record)
Current Time 0:01
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Duration 1:31
Daily Record
Celtic player ratings from Viaplay Cup triumph over Rangers
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One drawback of Kyogo’s Celtic career so far would have been his lack of goals in this fixture but the nifty forward now has three goals against their bitter rivals in the space of a month.

Mooy and McGregor maestros
Celtic’s midfield has been a key element of what they have been able to achieve in their play this campaign with Callum McGregor and Aaron Mooy now fully integrated it seems.

There were questions over Mooy at the start of the season but the Australian has been in unshakable form particularly since the World Cup.

It wasn’t the easiest afternoon in the tough Hampden battle but both were able to hold themselves well amid mounting Rangers pressure in the second half.

Ange makes it three
Three trophies now for Postecoglou at Celtic and he comes back to the cup he won first.

The Australian’s success cannot be understated but to pick up the first piece of silverware available to his squad will delight fans.

And a nine point gap in the league presents the chance to march on towards their hope of the title.

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