Rangers hit by ‘huge blow’ amid ‘punishing’ new development – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Celtic are “number one in Scotland” after teaching rivals Rangers “a footballing lesson” on Saturday.
The former Leeds and Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Gers deserved to be “punished” after switching off at key moments during the clash.
Celtic thumped Rangers 4-0 at home on Saturday (3 September) in the season’s first Old Firm derby to move five points clear atop the Scottish Premiership.
The Hoops have now won three of the last four league meetings between the two sides.
Celtic won last season’s Scottish Premiership by an eventual margin of four points and scored 92 goals to their rivals’ 80.
Whelan suggested the Parkhead club are more “exciting to watch” and are already in pole position to retain the title.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s a huge blow for Rangers, and a huge statement from Celtic.
“Celtic were brilliant on the day – exciting to watch, won their battles all over the pitch, scored goals.
“Rangers didn’t help themselves by switching off at key times – and if you do that in these big games, you deserve to suffer a punishing defeat.
“Even though it’s really early on in the season – Celtic have laid down the gauntlet. They are number one in Scotland.
“They keep the ball, they’re devastating up front, they’ve got great depth and experience. It was a footballing lesson for Rangers.”
In other news, Glasgow pundit backs Rangers ace to “shine” after Tom Lawrence injury update via Sky.