Celtic produced a commanding performance at Paradise to earn a convincing 3-0 victory over Rangers and move three points clear at the top of the SPL. In front of a jubilant Celtic Park crowd, Gordon Strachan’s side asserted their dominance from the outset, with John Hartson firing the Hoops into an early lead after just 12 minutes. The Welsh striker, a constant threat throughout, capitalised on a defensive mistake when Shunsuke Nakamura intercepted an errant Rangers pass and released Shaun Maloney on the right. The winger’s low delivery across goal was perfect for Hartson, who swept home his 101st Celtic goal in typically clinical fashion. Rangers offered little in response, with Artur Boruc comfortably dealing with the few half-chances that came his way, including a close-range break from Barry Ferguson. After the break, Celtic’s superiority told. Shunsuke Nakamura, pulling the strings in midfield, worked space on the right before delivering a pinpoint cross that Bobo Balde rose highest to meet, glancing his header beyond Ronald Waterreus to double the lead on 56 minutes. Moments later, the Hoops put the result beyond doubt. Stiliyan Petrov’s measured ball into the box found Aiden McGeady, and the young winger made no mistake with a composed finish that slipped under the Rangers goalkeeper to make it 3-0. From there, Celtic controlled the tempo and the crowd revelled in every moment as their side stretched the gap over their Glasgow rivals to 15 points. It was a professional and composed performance from Strachan’s men, full of creativity, control and one that left Celtic Park celebrating another memorable Derby triumph. 🍀Subscribe today to the official YouTube of the world’s first Quadruple Treble winners, Celtic Football Club:
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