Analysis: Celtic

Celtic set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham in front of the defence. James Forrest, Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor would support Odsonne Edouard in attack.

In possession, however, it often appeared that Brendan Rodgers’ team were utilising a back three. Left-back Kieran Tierney was used as the principal outlet for width on the left, while right-back Mikael Lustig tucked in alongside his two central defenders. In front of him, width on the right was generally provided by Rogic or Forrest.

Celtic set out to build from the back, and would look to get Ntcham and Brown on the ball beyond the first line of Rangers’ block before attempting to unlock the second line. The second stage of this strategy, however, was frustratingly difficult for the hosts. They struggled to break their opponents down in the first half, with chances limited to shots from distance, crosses and set-pieces. Their long-range shooting was fairly accurate, nonetheless, as the crossbar and an excellent save from returning Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor kept Celtic at bay. This continued into the second half, when a change in approach from Rangers created more gaps for the hosts to penetrate. The winning goal in the 62nd minute came from clever play on the counter-attack – to which the away side couldn’t find a response.

The Hoops looked to regain possession as early as possible, hoping to force their opponents into mistakes on the ball. They would press in their 4-2-3-1 formation, although one of the attacking midfield three would occasionally join Edouard on the top line.

They formed a 4-4-2 mid-block in the 10 minutes after taking the lead, in order to take the sting out of the game and protect their back line. The two outside players would form the second line with Brown and Ntcham, while the central attacking player would join Edouard in the first line of the press. The back line did come under pressure from crosses and direct passes into the box, but they were largely untroubled – and Celtic comfortably held out for victory in the first Glasgow derby of the season.