Celtic were the architects of their own downfall in the Old Firm as a Nir Bitton red card for a cynical rugby tackle on Alfredo Morelos was the catalyst for a Rangers victory.
Celtic dominated most of the game, thwarted continually in the first half by Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor. Both Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths were denied by the 38 year-old, who was making his 400th start for Rangers.
What a save! 🤯⛔
Allan McGregor produces a magnificent finger-tip stop to deny Leigh Griffiths!
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— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 2, 2021
The second half was more even although Celtic did have more of the ball than their hosts, with Rangers unable to threaten the goal of Vasilis Barkas.
However, that all changed in the 62nd minute as a James Tavernier channel ball to Alfredo Morelos caused havoc in the Celtic defence for the first time in the match.
With Morelos goal-side, Nir Bitton decided to haul the Colombian international down before he got inside the box with tackle that Peter O'Mahoney would be proud of. Referee Bobby Madden had no hesitation in showing the Israeli international a straight red card.
"It's a ridiculous challenge - he knows exactly what he's doing!"
Celtic are down to 10-men as Nir Bitton is given a straight red card for this challenge! 🟥
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— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 2, 2021
With Celtic down to ten men, Rangers took the initiative and made use of their advantage in the 70th minute.
Again, the boot of Tavernier caused problems for the Celtic defence, this time from a corner. The right-back delivery was flicked on by Joe Aribo, with the ball hitting the unsuspecting Callum McGregor, who diverted past his own goalkeeper to give Rangers the lead.
Rangers lead at Ibrox! 🟦
Callum McGregor's own-goal puts the hosts ahead against Celtic!
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— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 2, 2021
As soon as Rangers went 1-0 up, they were comfortable, with Celtic unable to put pressure on their fiercest rivals.
There was one flashpoint caused by a strong challenge from Shane Duffy, who came onto the pitch in the aftermath of Bitton's dismissal. Bar that, the game petered out with Rangers fully in control.
Victory for Rangers has opened up a massive 19 point gap at the top of the SPL, although Celtic do have three games in hand on their Old Firm rivals.
Although not guaranteed, Rangers look increasingly likely to stop Celtic's pursuit of 10-in-a-row.
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