After what will go down as one of the classic Old Firm derby days in recent history, Kris Boyd crowned one of Rangers’ star players as ‘King of Ibrox’, despite the Gers losing all three points.
Hatate rescues Old Firm points against Rangers
It looked as if there might be another shot at the Old Firm derby, as if that was a possibility. Neither Rangers nor Celtic have enjoyed the seasons they had hoped for. Both sides have sacked their managers and find themselves behind shock leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title race.
However, it was Rangers who showed the most impressive form. Ahead of the derby, Danny Rolle’s side were unbeaten in six games, including a frenetic 4-2 win over Hearts.
That momentum was on full display in the first half. The Gers stormed past their rivals and, unsurprisingly, scored the opening goal in sensational fashion.
Despite all the criticism he’s received from time to time this season, there’s no denying that Youssef Cermiti is a big-game player. He scored twice against Celtic earlier this season, scored a hat-trick against Hearts last month and scored his best goal of the season at Ibrox at his old club.
His first shot was sensational, but what happened next highlighted just how calm the former Everton man is in the big moments. The forward looked as if he had had enough time in the world as he held the ball past Julian Araujo and effortlessly finished. With a 2-0 lead, Celtic looked inferior.
But birthday boy Martin O’Neill quickly made a difference and with Kieran Tierney’s header Celtic were no longer against the ropes and hit big.
Two years after leaving Rangers, the £58m star is now better than Moore and Skov Olsen
One of the former Rangers stars has blossomed since leaving Ibrox.
A late hand from Dujon Sterling then gave Reo Hatate a chance to advance to the final, and he converted two penalties after a save from Jack Butland to score the final equalizer.
On a day that started with Celmitie’s brilliance and ended with standard-bearer’s luck, it was Hearts who were the real winners. They currently sit six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Chris Boyd crowns Chelmity ‘King of Ibrox’
Amid all the drama, Boyd gave special praise to Rangers’ goalscorer. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Gers star crowned Chelmiti the “King of Ibrox” following his “incredible” performance in the Old Firm derby.
“(Cermiti’s first shot) was unbelievable. Skov Olsen’s shot was amazing. He didn’t try to pick anyone, he just threw it into the area. You just put it into the area and something will happen.”
“The connection was very clean and he got the power. It’s unbelievable. So is the height he climbs. What a great finish. Wow. Now he’s the king of Ibrox.”
After Celtic’s fightback, Celmitty’s performance will be easy to forget. But once again he’s on the biggest stage for Rangers and continues to prove the doubters wrong.
