That Celtic were regarded as underdogs heading into this fixture nodded towards a prevailing sense that their domestic stranglehold was weakening. This notion was dismissed in emphatic
fashion by Neil Lennon and his players. All the stars were in hoops, with Christopher Jullien the standout at the heart of Celtic’s defence. “It was a perfect performance,” purred Lennon afterwards.
While Lennon stuck to tried and tested means in setting up his team, Steven Gerrard made rookie errors. Celtic took an early grip on the game, and Rangers were unable to create enough momentum to claw their way back. The most menacing act from the hosts, in fact, came in stoppage-time, when Jordan Jones recklessly upended Moritz Bauer and earned a red card. The match was refereed leniently by Bobby Madden, highlighting the brutality of Jones’s challenge.