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We learned a few things yesterday. Firstly the players Celtic had missing. I think it's true, they certainly weren't able to play their first choice starting 11 and in Christie, Eduarde and Julien that's 3 important players for them who'd almost certainly have started. But here's the thing many pundits seem to be missing; football is a squad game and Celtic's squad is not as deep as Rangers now. I'm not sure how that happened, or when it happened, but somehow what felt like a chasmic gap in squad quality has not only been bridged but been overtaken. Someone at our club deserves enormous praise for that and someone at Celtic's needs laughed at. How they've blown the serious financial advantage they still have over us is bewildering. But yesterday laid bare the reality of our squad. Had Rangers lost our first choice striker and leading creative force and second striker how would we have reacted. Well, we of course were missing our first choice striker in Roofe, so Morelos steps in. Had Morelos been injured Itten or Defoe would have played instead. That's decent depth in anyone's book. The guy Celtic had upfront looked poor yesterday. Apparently he's new and it would be foolish of me to write him off based on one match, he might still come good, but he looked a long way short of the quality Eduarde has. For me Kent is probably more valuable to our team as Christie is to theirs. Let's be blunt, losing Kent would hurt us. He's been in great form this season, his running with the ball, his speed on the break, his work rate and his quality would be missed. How would we replace him? Jones, Hagi and Barker are the obvious replacements. None are as good as Kent and all have their weaknesses, but all know our system and have played in it, successfully, this season already. As for the centre-half if we lost say Goldson then Balogun would have played. He's looked pretty handy when he's played and while I'm not sure he's as good as Goldson he's not some kid from the reserves getting thrown in. And of course Katic, arguably our second choice centre-half, is already out injured. The other player they've spoken about is Forrest. Again a regular starter when fit. Fair enough, but we went into that match without Aribo a highly creative player and an almost certain starter had he not picked up an injury. So yes, Celtic missing key players undoubtedly gave us an advantage, but their inability to replace those players adequately is the real story here. I was fortunate enough to read the book 50 Greatest Rangers Games recently (buy it, it's excellent) and one of the things that struck me was how often a Walter Smith side, shorn of the big important players through injury or suspension, was able to get a result in an important match. Had Celtic, reigning Champions with home advantage, been able to get even a draw yesterday it would have been a big psychological victory for them. As it was they were made to look average and they know it. They've shown in previous seasons they can regroup and bounce back from defeats, but for some reason this felt different. We didn't celebrate like we'd won something tangible, in reality it was only 3 points, albeit an important 3, trooped off with big smiles but there was none of the over exuberance of previous victories over Celtic, nothing for Celtic's management team to pin on their noticeboard to motivate their squad. Celtic fans have turned on their manager, this result didn't seem to be a big surprise to them. Apparently their form has been poor this season, their new players haven't gelled and they've struggled anytime they've played someone good. Maybe. Their late goals in a match a few weeks ago felt to me like they still knew how to win when playing badly, something we're still to master, so the next few weeks will be interesting. Whatever happens yesterday felt different, like beating them wasn't the pinnacle of our ambition anymore. Lastly the lack of a home support. The referee was put under a lot of pressure before the match by Celtic leaning people. Apparently he's a big bluenose, not something anyone who has watched him referee us in the past would have realised. However, less than subtle pressure was applied pre-match and any dubious call by the ref would be getting the Sportscene treatment for sure. In the end the ref had a decent match and I think this is partly down to the absence of 60,000 people screaming every time Morelos challenges for a ball. Whatever anyone says I think the home support do influence, however involuntary, the ref and linesmen. I think the home side get most of the 50/50 calls and clashes between players seem worse when there's a baying mob screaming for justice. But without the baying mob the refereeing seems better I think. There are still mistakes of course, but by and large the players seem to accept the decisions more too. Without the loud backing of myopic hordes calling for everything, Celtic in particular looked a lot less aggressive than usual. This suits us because we're not a physical team, we aim to play football on the ground, and a stop start niggly match doesn't help us. Anyway, let's enjoy the victory and the manner of it. Had we put 4 past them, and that's certainly what I was screaming for midway through the 2nd half, that might have forced Celtic to do something. As it is a 2-0 win can be excused, explained away by injuries and Covid isolation and so hopefully nothing will change down Parkhead way. It's good to be a bluenose this weekend.

I was copied into a text today from a close friend who had discussed yesterday's match with a Rangers Legend. I quote "We battered them with 9 men. Morelos and Barker didn't turn up" I was slightly put out by that and when I watched the whole match today again, free of the angst and tension of it in live time, I paid particular attention to the 2 "accused". Morelos far from being posted missing was an absolute colossus. He worked tirelessly in the wider ares of the front line, his link up play and first touch was superb. His play stretched their back 3 and, in particular, he harassed Duffy and Brown in equal measure throughout. Sure, he plays on the edge and he had a number of sly kicks at both, but Brown has being doing this for years in OF games without any reprisal. The difference yesterday was the referee could not be influenced by 60 thousand racist bigots. Alfie played to instruction yesterday, it's a different role and as Bill says he's no longer a solo artist but a huge team player. He was first to join the goal celebrations and relished his role. When he is finally booked, look at the reaction he drew from that plank Duffy (who was hopeless at both goals conceded) he had wound him up so much! Turning to Barker, I concede he played a more subdued role but he worked tirelessly up and down, providing cover when needed in the wide areas. He was subbed after second goal, but that was tactical to shore up our lead rather than lack of effort. Now, the Legend may know more about the game than I ever will, but that game was not won by only having 9 payers on the pitch. Every one of the original 11 played their part, it was a great team performance, fully engaged and deployed by our coaching staff. One final reflection, anyone else notice when cameras panned to the benches our coaching team huddled in tactical discussion while in contrast Lennon sat socially distanced from everybody? What's that about? ?

Lay off Alfie he is an important member of our team as he is now obviously playing to instructions.It matters not to me if he is not scoring and plays as part of the build up to goals as we have them coming from all areas.

Uh, play tends to break down when it reaches the forward line. Last season's Morelos is gone and people need to deal with it. This season's Morelos might have some worthwhile medals to take home.

Yesterday, was an emotional roller coaster. Like most of you, I spent the early afternoon shouting at a TV screen? I thought we played within ourselves, kept it relatively simple in allowing the Yahoos penetration on either flanks, but ensuring they turned back before crossing. Thus, we ensured they played in front of us. They did not get in behind and I think McGregor only had two cross balls to deal with in the match. Kamara was my man of the match, he epitomised the above paragraph. When we moved forward, we did so quickly. Often, it was two or three fast passes, and we were in? A better final ball and the victory would have been more comfortable. I am apprehensive about saying this, so I will mention it quietly. I suspect our players know they have the beating of that shower? Thus, they did enough, knowing another important Europa Cup game occurs midweek. My highlight of the game was Connor Goldson’s second, having the awareness to play a one-two wall pass off Duffy, before slotting home. It’s good, Connor has revealed Duffy’s purpose. My advice Gersnetters, enjoy the next couple of months before we beat them again.

I thought this aspect of his performance was quite superb yesterday. You just have to look at his role in the second goal to see the benefit of a fully engaged Alfredo. He's probably not going to score as many goals as he did but he now looks part of the team rather than just a solo artist.

Listen to Neil McCann (and I can't believe I'm typing this) and Michael Stewart analysis on Sportscene. They perfectly detail how Rangers made Celtic look abject, and how we play a system that all the players are comfortable in. Whilst given recent chasings we've given them, Celtic are trying new systems that doesn't suit their players. Neil McCann summed it up perfectly - we totally negated them, were in completely control without having to be "outstanding". If we had opened up and chased more goals, that would have been Celtics only chance to get back into the game. We managed the 94mins perfectly. We surrendered the ball in their half, didn't go for the quick press and were happy with them knocking the ball about in their own half. Masterful tactical performance which may have not been the high octane play we are used to, but it worked an absolute treat. Seriously, enjoy the victory, enjoy the aftermath and maybe watch it again to appreciate how good a performance it was.

It's good to see that posters are agreeing with what I suggested in a few of my posts that Alfie is playing in a different way to that of of previous seasons.?

“Throw me a line, I’m sinking fast”. Older Gersnetters will remember the Old Grey Whistle Test? Of course, we had access to albums, a decent local record shop gave you access to imports. We all listened to albums and regularly you did not know what the band looked like. When Whistle Test appeared on BBC2, it allowed us to see the bands whose music you had been digesting for a couple of years. I remain a stone groove soulster, whispering Bob rarely satisfied my demands. Occasional bands might not have a soulful chord in their harmony, but they could still deliver a real wow factor. Roxy Music did it for me, a well thought out, all round package. Bryan Ferry had a distinct vocal delivery, liked a teasing lyric, and the band were truly eccentric. Eno, MacKay, Thompson, ... etc different backgrounds and influences, and the presentation, in ‘72 only Bowie provided competition. The first single was Virginia Plain, the title appeared in the last line of the song; I think only Squeeze have replicated the trick? In the Whistle Test performance, Ferry turns to the camera and emphasises the opening line of the last verse, “throw me a line, I’m sinking fast”, turns back to the Mike before continuing, “clutching at straws, can’t make it”. Getting in last night, the first piece I read on yesterday’s game was a bellowing moan from Neil Lennon on the BBC Scotland website. He was complaining and accusing that whoever at the club had released ra Sellik’s team lines on Friday night, was a traitor. Of course, Neil has grabbed at a few other thrown lines since last evening; COVID, under strength, and players not adhering to management instruction. The following lyrical line is where Neil should focus, “clutching at straws, can’t make it”. I don’t think Neil will bother, he has a ton more vanity than Bryan Ferry. Anyways, congratulations on the BBC Scotland Journo who managed to slip a microphone into Stevie G’s pocket, to get Neil’s moan.

In the first half in particular yesterday you could see what Morelos brings to the team. He’s a team player often with excellent link up play. He’s not getting as many goals as previously just now but hopefully that’ll change soon. Compare him to that guy they had up front yesterday. They paid £3.5m for him ?

His link-up play was superb yesterday: one touch around the corner, several times, onto Tavernier or Kent. You want to see him back on the scoresheet, but he's clearly doing the job asked, IMO. (Saying that, I think Roofe replaces him when he's fit.) He lost his rag after a foul he committed - I don't know why he lost it; it was perhaps a tad late, nothing more. After that he was far too aggressive. He cooled down second half, IMO.

I tend to agree with regards to Morelos. IMO he was on the verge of blowing it for us yesterday with his silly slaps and needless nudges. Would really love to have seen Defoe on yesterday for a good 30 minutes.

I never thought it would happen ......

Add Bogani Zungu, SA International, still to arrive at Auchenhowie.

Another notable takeaway from yesterday was the strength of our bench ; McLaughlin - International Bassey - young, promising full back Balogun - International Hagi - International Aribo - International Jack - International Defoe - ex-International Itten - International Jones - International Jack, Hagi, Jones and McLaughlin probably count themselves unlucky not to be in starting 11. Also no place in squad for Edmunson and Stewart and Roofe / Katic still injured.

Really pleased for him. I think he gets more criticism than he deserves. Hopefully a few folk will ease off on that now.

I think Katic is fourth choice, maybe even fifth, but I agree with the sentiment, @JohnMc.

Just finished watching it again. A big difference between the teams was that we looked comfortable in what we were doing. We were much quicker when attacking and looked much more threatening. I agree that it was a masterful tactical performance. We had obviously studied Celtic and negated where we thought they would be a threat. Just look at our full backs today. Barasic spent much more time in a defensive role that we are used to seeing because any Celtic threat would be on his side, Whereas a Tavenier was more expensive, getting into his centre forward role a couple of times. Great credit to our management for devising the game plan and to our players for carrying it out.

Said it earlier in the season we have tweaked our system and it is less reliant on Alfie both in getting goals and leading the line. IMO this has affected him a little as he is no longer the main man, the goto man for a goal. However, his petulant slap apart, he did fine yesterday. He stood up to the physicality and made Duffy look like a player from the juniors. As others have said, his link up play was superb and was heavily involved in the lead-up to the 2nd goal.

Compare his linkup play for us compared Klimala for them. Night and day.

Let's make hay while the sun shines

I’ve no idea if anyone did leak their starting XI but if they did is Neily maybe smart enough to realise someone is trying to undermine him and that person maybe one of his superiors? ? All is not well in their camp. We must capitalise.

Keep your eye on Broonaldo at 2:48 on hitting out at Barisic.

Utter nonsense. He is very clever player IMO. Oh and Shane Duffy is not a better opponent than lower league fare based on yesterday

not many defenders bag a brace in an old firm game well done Connor Goldson.

No thanks. Save him for Hamilton Academical et cetera.

This is a load of rubbish. You don't need to think too hard to figure out why.

We seem to play better in empty stadiums so I hope the whole season is played out in empty stadiums ?

Quite surprised people think his link up play is superb at the moment, I feel like a lot of his passes miss the target, far more often then not. That doesn't mean he didn't have some good moments, but I feel quite often the play breaks down when he gets involved. I'm not saying he's poor, but he's certainly playing as a poor reflection of himself.

Funny how confident I felt going into the match, completely borne out by the performance and result. Going by social media it seems a fair few, if not the majority, of us felt overwhelmingly confident going into the game. Just hope we can kick on and show consistency to really grab this opportunity. Don't want to pick on the guy too much, but when is Morelos going to get back up to speed? 12 months ago he was running teams ragged and practically controlling games by himself. He'd make and finish his own chances and was a threat everywhere. At the moment he looks slow and his distribution is really poor most of the time. He looks like he's always half a pace off the game. Is he just off form and it's a matter of time before he's back to his old self?

Win , loss and draw away in 1997 2 in a row Sept 1960 (LC & L) 2 in a row Season 1963/64 2 in a row Season 1968/69 3 in a row Aug 91 to Sept 92 2 in a row Jan 94 Oct 94 2 in a row Sept 95 (LC & L ) Quite a few runs before that especially if you count Glasgow and Merchants Charity cups.

£13m for Laxalt? Surely that can’t be right. He’s a melon.

shug khevins spent the afternoon calling morelos a snake. charming.

No, that was the last fee paid for him by Southampton.

5 minutes of highlights..............................................25 minutes on Morelos slapping Broonaldo

Kamara was different class. Maybe even motm

Not surprisingly. The shit he has bought and what he put out today. His players don't look to be playing for him

Goaldson!!

is Elyanoussi's miss called a Shin Feinn?

I'll line them up and you knock em in...

Tom Jones ?