RANGERS kept their slim Premiership title hopes alive at Ibrox but they were left sickened by a late Celtic leveller.
There were plenty of New Year fireworks in the blockbuster fixture as both sides slugged it out in an action-packed draw.
Gers only had to hang on after they overturned Daizen Maeda’s opener to lead 2-1 through Ryan Kent and James Tavernier.
But a late Kyogo leveller meant the spoils were shared between the two sides.
Things got off to the worst possible start for Rangers when Alfredo Morelos’ blunder lead to Celtic’s opening goal.
The Colombian forward attempted to play a pass in his own half but Maeda snatched it and got the better of Tavernier then Connor Goldson before slotting past Allan McGregor in the Rangers goal.
There was then an injury blow to the Hoops when Greg Taylor was forced off and replaced by Josip Juranovic.
But it did not affect Maeda as he seemed to have the beating of Gers captain Tavernier and he continued to flash crosses into the area.
Celtic were on top at this point but it was Rangers who turned the tables on their opponents.
But despite all of Celtic’s pressure, it was Joe Hart’s turn to be tested. Alfredo Morelos hassled the English stopper which resulted in a deflected ball finding it’s way to Kent who made Hart stretch all the way to keep his effort out.
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Fashion Sakala had a good look at the rebound but couldn’t find the net.
Rangers finished the first half the stronger of the two sides but could not find a goal despite the best efforts of Morelos who spurned two golden chances.
He was found in space from a corner twice by Tavernier, but missed the target both times from close range.
Kent was the man to make up for his mistakes however as he scored early on in the second half.
Rangers player ratings
Allan McGregor: This was the Rangers keeper’s 40th Old Firm appearance, only Scott Brown has made more this century. Had to settle for a share of the points at Ibrox…6.
James Tavernier: A real mixed bag. Equally culpable for the Celtic opener, he then made amends by drilling home his 100th career goal from the spot. Ended the match with a bloody nose…6.
Connor Goldson: Lucky to escape a VAR call when the ball struck his arm midway through the second half. Great block to deny O’Riley and grew in presence as the match wore on..7.
Ben Davies: Looks far more assured and far more comfortable alongside Connor Goldson. So unfortunate at Celtic’s equaliser after his well timed clearance cannoned off Ryan Jack..6.
Borna Barisic: Way too sloppy early on. His crossing and passing was poor but he re-emerged to deliver a big second half performance. Got forward much more after the break..7.
Glen Kamara: Simply not at the races in the first half. Given the runaround by Celtic, he showed real character to emerge unscathed at the start of the second. Much more like himself after the break..7.
John Lundstram: Like the rest of his team mates, he struggled to get to grips with Celtic’s midfield in the first half. Much improved second half performance before being forced off injured…6.
Fashion Sakala: Played like a man possessed in the second half. Gave Juranovic all sorts of problems and after setting up Kent’s first he won the penalty that led to Rangers’ second. His best display in a Gers shirt…8.
Malik Tillman: These are the games he needs to influence but sadly for Rangers he was miles off it in the first half. Better after the break and was only denied by a stunning Carter-Vickers block…6.
Ryan Kent: Saw a first half effort tipped onto the post by Joe Hart. The Gers winger then gave the Celtic keeper no chance with the stunning strike that hauled his side level. 7.
Alfredo Morelos: Gave away the ball for the game’s opening goal. Missed two glaring first half headers and STILL doesn’t look anywhere near match fit. Finally hooked with 12 minutes to go…4.
SUBS:
Ryan Jack: Picked up a needless booking after coming on. Looks as though he still has a future under Micheal Beale…3.
Scott Wright: Injected more pace into the Rangers attack but in the end he and his team mates had to settle for a point..3.
James Sands: Came on late to try and help Rangers see the game through….2
ANDY DEVLIN
Celtic player ratings
Joe Hart: Dug himself out of a huge hole when he made amends for his own mistake by tipping Kent’s shot onto the post. Well beaten by Kent and given no chance by Tavernier from the spot..6.
Alistair Johnston: Handed his Celtic debut and an Old Firm baptism of fire. Coped with the occasion superbly and looked like he’d been playing in this fixture for years. Solid debut..7.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: Allowed Alfredo Morelos to nick the ball off his toes in the first half. It was the only mistake he made all afternoon. Towering presence at the back, brilliant block to deny Tillman…8.
Carl Starfelt: Needlessly went to ground to gift Rangers a second half spot-kick. Failed to provide cover for Juranovic who toiled badly at right-back after coming on. Not his best showing…5.
Greg Taylor: Was an injury doubt pre-match as he struggled to shake off a hamstring problem. Landed awkwardly challenging Fashion Sakala for the ball. Unable to continue..4.
Callum McGregor: This was the Celtic captain’s 30th Old Firm appearance. Forced namesake Allan into first half save before picking up the first booking of the match…7.
Matt O’Riley: Perhaps fortunate to escape an early yellow card after catching John Lundstram late. Decent first half showing as Celtic controlled the midfield. Replaced with an hour gone…6.
Reo Hatate: Scintillating second run took him away from Malik Tillman but there were no takers for his cross. Showed skill and composure throughout. Subbed late on as Celtic chased the game..6.
Daizen Maeda: He was a constant thorn in Rangers’ side in the first half. His pace, power and direct running caused all sorts of problems. Took his goal superbly well. Replaced in the second half…7.
Kyogo Furuhashi: When he fluffed a golden chance to put his side two in front it seemed his wait for a goal in this fixture was set to continue. But with three minutes left he rescued a point for Celtic…7.
James Forrest: Remarkably, this was only the winger’s second Old Firm start in three years, such has been the extent of his injury troubles. Good first half, but made way on the hour mark..6.
SUBS:
Josip Juranovic: Brought on after just 20 minutes. Caught ten yards the wrong side of Sakala as Rangers drew level. Never looked comfortable at left-back..3.
Liel Abada: Helped hail Celtic back into the game..4.
Aaron Mooy: Undoubtedly shored up the Celtic midfield which was being overrun in the second half….4.
Jota: Did brilliantly to set up Kyogo’s priceless equaliser…4.
Georgios Giakoumakis: Great strength to force the ball through for Kyogo..4.
ANDY DEVLIN
He made the most of an opportunity on the left and curled an effort past the helpless Hart.
And then the tables completely turned when Sakala earned his team a penalty which Tavernier stuck away in his usual fashion.
There was a Celtic penalty shout after Goldson was accused of stopping the ball with his hands while attempting to block a Carl Starfelt effort from a corner, but referee John Beaton waved away claims and VAR was not used.
Rangers held on valiantly and kept out waves of late Celtic pressure as the time ticked away.
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But Kyogo eventually broke down the Rangers defence when he struck late to earn a point for his side.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
