Jack Butland shines, summer signing flops- Rangers’ three winners and three losers vs Celtic
Rangers failed to make the Scottish League Cup final as the Gers were beaten by fierce rivals Celtic at Hampden Park.
Johnny Kenny headed Celtic ahead from a corner, and Thelo Aasgaard’s red card looked to have the Hoops in control of the tie.
However, Rangers were awarded a harsh penalty in the second half when Anthony Ralston was penalised for handball, and James Tavernier converted from the spot before Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand restored Celtic’s advantage in extra-time.
It was the second Glasgow derby of the season after Rangers and Celtic played out a 0-0 draw at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership.
Below are Rangers’ three winners and three losers from the second Glasgow derby of the season.
Winners
Jack Butland
Rangers were once again indebted to their goalkeeper for making a series of fine stops to keep Celtic at bay.
Butland has been busy in-between the sticks this season as he has been let down by woeful defending in-front of him.
| Shots | 18 |
| Shots on target | 8 |
| Corner Kicks | 12 |
Another problem to fix for Rohl will be to ensure Butland is not as heavily required the next time the two sides meet.
Derek Cornelius
One of the few positive signings made under Russell Martin, Derek Cornelius looked the only comfortable member of the Rangers defence against Celtic.
Cornelius brings balance to the Gers back three by being a left footer, and the 27-year-old can also get forward and help the attack.
Rohl just needs to settle on his preferred back line with Cornelius able to operate in a back four, should the German want to revert back to that formation.
Djeidi Gassama
The winger came on at half-time as Rangers changed their game plan following the Aasgaard red card.
Djeidi Gassama added pace down the Rangers left flank, giving Anthony Ralston more problems defensively, and was denied by a superb Liam Scales challenge when through on goal.
His introduction showed that Rohl was not going to sit back and allow Celtic possession, as the new Rangers boss learnt a lot about his side in the second half.
Losers
Thelo Aasgaard
The midfielder was shown a straight red card for a nasty and high challenge on Ralston in the first half.
Aasgaard could have pulled out of the challenge, but once contact with Ralston was made their was only one decision the referee could make.
Rangers were behind in the game, and Celtic were controlling proceedings so Aasgaard did Rohl no favours with his actions.
Nico Raskin
One of the key Celtic and Rangers battles was going to be the midfield area, and Nico Raskin had no impact in the game.
Celtic won the game in midfield, with their reduction down to ten men allowing Callum McGregor to control the play as he does so effectively.
Rohl required more from Raskin with his team down to 10, and the Belgian did not provide it.
Nasser Djiga
Nasser Djiga was praised for his performance against Hibs, but the Wolves loanee was all over the place in his second Glasgow derby appearance.
Djiga was fortunate that his clearance that cannoned off Raskin and ended up in the back of his own net was ruled out by VAR for an offside by Daizen Maeda in the build-up.
Sebastian Tounekti gave the centre-back a torrid afternoon, and Rohl may have to reconsider his defensive options again.