Rangers surged to a 3-1 victory over Celtic in Saturday’s Old Firm derby, leaving Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy’s position increasingly precarious. The defeat extended Celtic’s dismal run under Nancy to six losses in eight games, with 18 goals conceded during that stretch.
Celtic took the lead through a stunning strike from Yang Hyun-jun, who collected the ball on the left, surged past Nicolas Raskin and Thelo Aasgaard, and fired into the roof of Jack Butland’s net. Johnny Kenny and Auston Trusty missed chances to extend the lead as Celtic dominated the first half.
Rangers manager Danny Röhl adjusted his team’s pressing at half-time, and the visitors quickly capitalised on Celtic’s fragility. Youssef Chermiti equalised after Nicolas Raskin shrugged off Trusty, then put Rangers ahead by robbing Anthony Ralston from a throw-in and racing through on Kasper Schmeichel. Mikey Moore sealed the win with a clinical finish after collecting Djeidi Gassama’s pass.
The result leaves Rangers level on points with Celtic, a remarkable turnaround after their own early-season struggles. Nancy, whose appointment has been widely criticised, used his Friday press conference to plead for time but now faces mounting pressure. Celtic supporters directed sustained abuse at the board during the match, with many calling for Martin O’Neill’s return after his successful caretaker spell last season.
Midfielder Luke McCowan admitted Celtic could not cope with Rangers’ shape change, while captain Callum McGregor’s continued absence from media duties has been seen as a damning indictment of Nancy’s tenure. With the season still salvageable, Celtic’s directors face urgent questions over their calamitous decision to appoint Nancy in the first place.
