In his first Old Firm clash since taking charge of Celtic, former Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou has suffered defeat.
Ange Postecoglou’s Old Firm initiation has ended in disappointment, with his Celtic side beaten 1-0 by arch-rivals Rangers at Ibrox Stadium.
Swedish defender Filip Helander’s 67th minute proved the difference as Celtic’s run without a win in one of world football’s biggest derbies extended to seven matches, six of which have been Rangers’ victories.
Much was expected of Celtic under former Socceroos boss Postecoglou, who has turned around the Hoops’ fortunes in recent weeks after a tough start to his tenure.
However, in Postecoglou’s biggest test since taking charge of Celtic in June, it was reigning Scottish champions Rangers who, in front of their home fans, continued their recent dominance over their Glasgow rivals.
The loss was Celtic’s second in four Scottish Premiership matches under Postecoglou, whose team has fallen three points behind Rangers on the ladder.
Things may have been different had Celtic not blown a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 25th minute.
The Hoops got behind Rangers’ defence with a Liel Abada through ball that found in-form Japanese attacker Kyogo Furuhashi.
The former Vissel Kobe forward then laid a squad ball into the path of Frenchman Odsonne Edouard.
But in what could be his final game for Celtic before a move to elsewhere in Europe, Edouard fluffed his shot from close range as it dribbled off his right foot and well wide of the post.
Rangers almost made Celtic pay for their wastefulness seven minutes later with a long-distance strike from Ryan Kent that hit the outside of the post.
However, the decisive goal did come, with the hosts’ dominance after half-time rewarded when Helander rose high to head home a corner past Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart midway through the second half.
Postecoglou called on Socceroos’ midfielder Tom Rogic, who had started the match on the bench, immediately after the goal.
However, Rogic’s efforts couldn’t secure his side an equaliser.
Rangers won the game without the presence of their manager, Liverpool great Steven Gerrard, who wasn’t able to take his place in the dugout after being forced to self-isolate at home due to a Covid-19 scare.
Instead, Gerrard’s assistant and another former Liverpool midfielder, Gary McAllister, took charge.