Another game, another defeat. Time is running out for Alex McLeish as he gets closer and closer to the exit door for good. Ok, it was away to Celtic again and Celtic Park is not an easy place to get a result but it’ll just be another defeat to be added to the list and another game with no goals scored.
Rangers dominated much of the game but they couldn’t take their chances, most of which came in the first half of the game.
Celtic had 3 shots on goal and scored 3 goals, it’s that kind of lethal finishing that Rangers sadly lack at the moment and undoubtedly it’s the players lack of confidence that is causing it.
Rangers had the first chance of the game after six minutes, Francis Jeffers shot just over the bar after getting on the end of a Barry Ferguson cross. Shortly after Hamed Namouchi had a header saved by Artur Boruc.
Celtic then scored against the run of play after a woeful pass from Alan Hutton went to a Celtic player and John Hartson received a pass in the box for an easy tap in.
Rangers had a chance to level it shortly after the goal but Hamed Namouchi missed with a header when it looked easier to score.
The teams went in at half-time with the score 1-0 to Celtic but Rangers would have been encouraged with their first half display.
Celtic played a little better after the break and Fernando Ricksen had to make a brilliant saving tackle to stop Hartson from getting his second of the afternoon.
A minute later however, Celtic did get a second goal and it was Bobo Balde who headed the goal after a Shunsuke Nakamura cross.
Around the hour mark Rangers afternoon got worse after Aidan McGeady slotted hom what looked to be an offside goal but the referee allowed the goal to stand and it was 3-0 to Celtic and the game was over.
Dado Prso limped off in the 67th minute holding his hamstring which is the last thing Rangers need with the Porto game coming up midweek.
Rangers best chance of a consolation came in the 88th minute when a Fernando Ricksen freekick almost caused Celtic goalkeeper to fumble the ball into the net but he clutched it at the second attempt.
So another defeat for Rangers and Alex McLeish running out of time and options.
Player Ratings
Ronald Waterreus 5/10
Recalled after Stefan Klos’ nightmare in the last game and couldn’t really be faulted for any of the goals.
Alan Hutton 4/10
Loose pass led to Celtic’s opener, could have done a lot better in this game, disappinting.
Marvin Andrews 7/10
Solid at the back and Rangers best player on the day.
Soti Kyrgiakos 6/10
Quieter game after his red card in the last game but solid enough.
Ian Murray 5/10
Needs to do more, too quiet and game passed him by.
Fernando Ricksen 6/10
Had an ok game, made a great tackle to prevent Hartson from scoring a second. Came close near the end with a free-kick.
Barry Ferguosn 7/10
Good performance in midfield but couldn’t drive his team to a victory.
Brahim Hemdani 6/10
An average performance from Hemdani but did show some good touches.
Hamed Namouchi 5/10
Missed Gers best chance of the game, if that had went in the whole game could have changed.
Dado Prso 6/10
Gave 100% as usual but went off injured in the second half.
Francis Jeffers 5/10
He is trying but still not quite up to scatch, unlucky not to be on the scoresheet yesterday after a couple of good chances.
Peter Lovenkrands 3/10
Didn’t do too much after coming on in the 51st minute to replace Hutton.
Steven Thompson 4/10
Came on for the injured Prso but not much he could do as Rangers were already 3-0 down.
Manager Rating
Alex McLeish 2/10 – His time is up.
Opponent Rating
Gordon Strachan 8/10 – His gameplan worked, soak up the pressure and hit Rangers on the break.