Connor Goldson scores twice as Rangers beat Celtic 2-0

Rangers have won the first Old Firm derby of the season, beating Celtic 2-0 at Celtic Park.

Connor Goldson scored both goals for Steven Gerrard’s side as Rangers opened up a four point lead at the top of the Premiership table.

As the teams took to the park in an empty stadium, Celtic were without four players because of coronavirus protocols and there were five players in their side making their first appearance in the derby.

Rangers quickly imposed themselves on the game, with full-backs Borna Barisic and James Tavernier striding forward to add to their attack when they pushed the hosts in the early stages. The latter played a key role in the opener.

After eight minutes Rangers won a free-kick on the right and Tavernier swung in a perfect delivery that Goldson met with his head to steer past Vasilis Barkas.

Celtic couldn’t muster much in reply and Mohamed Elyounoussi’s lob that cleared the bar was the closest they came to testing Allan McGregor in the remainder of the first half.

Neither side made a change at the break and Rangers continued to enjoy the majority of the play, doubling their advantage in the 54th minute.

Slick approach play resulted in the ball being played in from the right again and Goldson was handily placed to meet it with a side-footed shot. The initial effort was blocked but he knocked it past Barkas at the second time of asking.

Neil Lennon made changes to try and get his side back into the game but, despite the introduction of Albian Ajeti, Tom Rogic and then Leigh Griffiths, the hosts didn’t register a shot on target as Rangers took a significant win in the race for the title.