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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

James Tavernier nets landmark Rangers goal, no Goldson factor assessed - three things we learned

Rangers scored two goals at Celtic Park but could not break Ange Postecoglou's rampant league leaders in a five-goal thriller.

Alfredo Morelos looked to have opened the scoring when he knocked the ball in from a corner after tussling with Alistair Johnston but the Colombian was penalised for a foul. Celtic stung the Light Blues moments later as Kyogo slammed home a cross from Matt O'Riley on the turn to open the scoring. That was before captain James Tavernier notched in his 99th goal for Rangers with an inch-perfect free-kick on the stroke of half time to level the game.

In the second half, Morelos went close from a half volley and then a header as Rangers ramped up pressure. It was some classic Old Firm back and forth that followed before Ben Davies made an error that allowed Kyogo to slide the ball under McGregor for 2-1.

READ MORE: Rangers player ratings vs Celtic as James Tavernier nets double in battling derby day defeat

That was before calamity from John Souttar's backpass allowed Jota to steer past Allan McGregor and slot in to the net. Celtic Park was bouncing and all looked lost for Rangers until Tavernier reached a landmark 100 goals with a header to bring the game back in to touching distance. But in the end it wasn't to be for Michael Beale and co.

Missing Goldson majorly

No Connor Goldson at the last minute was a blow for Rangers.

Especially with John Souttar and Ben Davies playing alongside each other so rarely.

But the two didn't seem off kilter in the first half before the ex-Liverpool man made a big error in the second half.

It allowed deadly Kyogo to strike again before Souttar followed up with a comical backpass that Jota made them pay for.

All in all the Rangers defence were hampered by the absence of their star man.

Tavernier the centurion

James Tavernier is a bona fide Rangers Hall of Famer and would have loved his goals at Parkhead.

It was number 99 and 100 for the Light Blues captain and what a way to seal it.

A top free-kick that was unstoppable brought his side level with not a single cheer inside Celtic Park.

Then as the game seemed gone the defender notched in a header for 100 not out. Historic.

Scottish Cup semi hope?

With many believing the league title to be over bar the shouting, all eyes turn to the Scottish Cup semi-final.

And it won't be long until the two meet again, this time with a 50/50 split at the national stadium.

Beale's men must do all they can to stop a potential treble and will have revenge on the mind in Mount Florida.

Rangers can take positives from the 3-2 defeat but must get closer to Postecoglou's rampant side.

READ NEXT:

- Leigh Griffiths nets Mandurah City brace as ex-Celtic striker breaks duck in five-goal thriller

- Patrick Roberts on the Celtic bond with Kieran Tierney as he gushes over Parkhead 'privilege'

- Callum McGregor in Celtic 'trust the process' rallying cry as he lays out key factor in Rangers plan

- Andy Walker drops VAR bombshell as he reveals 'easiest way out' conversation on major decision

- Celtic vs Rangers on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for crunch Old Firm derby clash

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