Celtic go 12 points clear after Old Firm win

Celtic moved 12 points clear at the top of the Premiership after an entertaining 3-2 victory over Rangers at Celtic Park.

Kyogo Furuhashi looked to have given Celtic the perfect start just five minutes into the game with a good finish but the Japanese forward was quite clearly offside when he received Alastair Johnston’s ball.

Then the visitors thought they had taken the lead 20 minutes into the game when Alfredo Morelos was able to finish from close range. However, referee Kevin Clancy was quick to blow his whistle for an apparent push by Morelos on Johnston. The decision looked soft but VAR didn’t overturn it.

Not long after, Celtic did, at last, get the first goal of the game. There was no need for the assistant referee to intervene this time when Matt O’Riley’s cutback found Kyogo to finish past Allan McGregor.

Rangers drew level just before the break through Marcus Tavernier. O’Riley’s foul on Malik Tillman resulted in a free-kick in a great position for Tavernier, who didn’t disappoint with a stunning effort that went in off the underside of the bar.

Celtic restored their lead with just over an hour gone as Rangers failed to clear a low cross. The ball then fell nicely for Kyogo who was able to score from close range.

The visitors were their own worst enemy again when Diogo Jota made it 3-1. The Portuguese forward was able to run onto a poor back pass from John Souttar and prod the ball in from a tight angle.

Tavernier was able to hit a personal milestone to reduce the deficit when he scored his 100th goal for Rangers in the 79th minute with a far post header.

But Celtic were able to ride out the game with a win that looks to have put the destination of the title beyond doubt.

Glasgow Derby victory at Paradise!!! 💚✊#CELRAN | #cinchPrem | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/kckR2Z8oiW

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 8, 2023