Analysis: Rangers

Graeme Murty lined Rangers up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Josh Windass playing off Alfredo Morelos in attack but often dropping back into a 4-5-1 in defence. The front pair worked hard to press the Celtic defence in possession, in a bid to force them to play long towards their strong centre-backs or out wide so the wingers, Daniel Candeias and Jamie Murphy, could join the press.

This approach was key to the home side’s chances, as they wanted to stop Brendan Rodgers’ team from playing the ball through midfield and imposing themselves in attack. Pressing the ball too hard in midfield did leave space in behind the line, however, and they struggled to stop Celtic’s two central midfielders, Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham, from controlling the ball. The defensive line also had issues in their final third, where there was often a lack of understanding between the presser and rest of the defence. At times, they dropped too deep towards Wes Foderingham’s goal; at others, they lacked defensive depth and left too much space in behind – the latter was particularly evident for Celtic’s second goal.

In attack, Rangers were more effective. They mostly looked to bypass the Celtic midfield and play direct towards Morelos, and then get supporting runners playing off him wide – where both full-backs constantly looked to combine with their wingers – or winning second balls in midfield. The pace and directness of their approach caused Celtic problems, and either directly or indirectly led to both goals on the day. The persistence of Josh Windass in pressing Dedryck Boyata from an early long ball led to the opening goal, while it was left-back Declan John getting beyond his winger Jamie Murphy and playing in a fast cross that led to Candeias’ second.

On the counter-attack, Rangers again looked direct to Morelos and tried to isolate Boyata and take the Celtic defence by surprise. Windass was the main support runner in these situations, which did cause the visitors some issues.