The whining coming from Ibrox and a media desperate to try and discuss gaps or lack of gaps has become tedious since Celtic bested The Rangers for a third time this season.
No, the bhoys weren’t at their best, but they still won because their mentality is so strong in these types of games.
One thing nobody has even mentioned since the game is how Celtic managed to win the game with arguably their best player this season.
Reo Hatate was ruled out of the tie last minute after failing to recover from a hamstring injury against Hibernian before the international break.
The Japanese midfielder has been sensational for Celtic this season. He was the one pulling the strings against The Rangers at Hampden when Celtic went on to lift the League Cup.
Reo has become a massive part of Ange Postecoglou’s side and his dropping out the team was a massive blow. Yet, we’re not hearing any of this from the media. They’re happy to piggyback off Ibrox boss Michael Beale’s moaning after the game.
For Celtic to lose their star midfielder and still win the game is no easy feat. Especially when they’ve had to dig in to get the result.
To a lesser extent, we also missed Abada, who has been a real closer for us this season. Coming on and running at tired attackers. Bernabei had to fill the void in an attacking role late on, and when he was through on goal, his decision making was certainly a left-backs brain!
Hopefully, Reo will be back for the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. The Rangers have to settle back into that pattern they’re used to; it’s not about what they can win but what they can stop Celtic from winning.
