The 3-3 draw between Celtic and Rangers in the Glasgow Derby has caused a great deal of discussion and backlash, which has really eclipsed one item.
How strong Celtic were in this intense match that they entered as underdogs and without Callum McGregor, their captain?
The illustrious midfielder was left off the starting lineup because he was not considered healthy enough to play, but he did make an appearance in the second half to help Celtic leave Ibrox with a crucial point.
Celtic controlled Rangers in a fantastic first half and ought to have been well ahead of the game because, let’s face it, Brendan Rodgers’ team wasn’t even really justified by the 2-0 score.
Although the entire team deserves recognition for their performance and outcome, one Celtic player in particular merits special recognition.
For Celtic vs. Rangers, Matt O’Riley excelled. For Celtic, Matt O’Riley consistently performs well in pivotal moments.
The Danish international provided an assist on his Tynecastle debut against Hearts, enabling Ange Postcoglou to secure a crucial 2-1 victory. With three assists and a man-of-the-match showing in the 2-2 tie with Atletico Madrid, O’Riley has been outstanding in the Champions League this season. Yet the Celtic midfielder always seems to excel when playing Rangers, and Sunday was no exception.
Brendan Rodgers called O’Riley “outstanding,” while Fotmob rated him as Celtic’s standout player with an 8.1 rating. O’Riley gave an incredible performance against our rivals.
O’Riley got 55 touches of the ball and completed 39 passes with a 79% accuracy rate in the 82 minutes he was on the field. In addition, the Denmark international generated four opportunities, had six passes inside Rangers’ final third, made both of his goal attempts go in, and of course, scored the vital penalty.
In addition, O’Riley performed his defensive duties, winning six duels, making four ball recoveries, and contributing to Celtic’s midfield control. O’Riley gave a very professional performance; his popularity is just growing.
For the Rangers, Matt O’Riley is a nightmare. It appears that O’Riley saves his greatest acting for the Glasgow Derby. The 23-year-old has won eight times, drawn three, and lost only two of his 13 games against Rangers. He is still a pain in the Ibrox club’s side and has only scored once but provided five assists. [Transfermarkt]
Since joining Celtic in January 2022, O’Riley has enjoyed a remarkably successful two years there.
After winning five of six trophies, including a record-breaking eighth domestic treble, the midfield player will be looking to add another league title to his resume, and his performance at Ibrox on Sunday may have given Celtic a step in that direction.
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