It wasn’t pretty but that’s a vital point picked by Celtic today | OneFootball

Well, let’s start with the positives, shall we — the Dundee Derby was a good watch…

theRangers v Celtic,31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Sadly, when it came to the first Glasgow Derby of the season at Ibrox, the fare was far less appetising. A goalless draw, little by way of real quality, and plenty of frustration on both sides.

Perhaps the biggest credit to Celtic on the day was that the clean sheet was earned despite a back line clearly not operating at full capacity. Three of the four starters were managing injuries of varying severity, yet theRangers never truly looked like breaking them down. Liam Scales was outstanding when it came to defending his box, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Anthony Ralston in particular, had quieter afternoons. Given one is working back from surgery and the other is carrying a knock, the lack of sharpness was perhaps understandable, and if feeling charitable, forgivable too. Progressing the ball from deep remained an issue for all concerned, but as a defensive unit we stood tall.

theRangers v Celtic,31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Kieran Tierney, meanwhile, remains short of lasting 90 minutes. Once again, he needed cover as the game wore on, a reminder that while his quality is clear, his fitness still has to be managed carefully. The introduction of on loan Boca full back Marcelo Saracchi initially looked promising, but some rashness also offered some food for thought.

Reo Hatate at Ibrox – theRangers v Celtic,31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The real worry, however, was in midfield. Creativity was almost non-existent, and in transition the team looked fragile. Anything beyond a five-yard pass felt a risk, and theRangers were able to exploit the lack of composure in the middle third. Reo Hatate endured a particularly poor afternoon, his vision off and his execution worse. He’s the player who needs to go and find the game on stuffy days like this, but he didn’t. Meanwhile, Callum McGregor and Arne Engels both seemed short of confidence and sharp decision-making.

theRangers v Celtic,31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

It was a performance that left Celtic’s midfield looking lightweight and uncertain. We have rotation options of course but we don’t seem to be reaching for them just yet, but some will be aware their starting shirts may be under some pressure now.

That said the attacking options haven’t been offering much when the midfield raises their eyes and look forward of late. Out wide, Celtic never truly threatened. On the right, Gustaf Nygren found himself well marshalled, with Rangers happy to show him inside knowing he wasn’t looking to beat them on the outside. Ironically, drifting infield is his strength, but without a focal point to link with he appeared hesitant — lacking the belief to impose himself.

theRangers v Celtic,31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

On the left, Michel Ange Balikwisha had a similarly frustrating day. He tried to mix up his approach, but in doing so only managed to look a wee bit indecisive, neither committing defenders nor providing consistent end product. It’s early days for the Belgian, and the talent is there, but he’ll need to show more adventure if he’s to influence games in the way Celtic need.

Daizen Maeda also cut a frustrated figure. A bloodied mouth after an elbow didn’t help, but neither did Rangers’ unusually deep defensive line, which denied him the space he thrives on. With Celtic’s midfield misfiring behind him, Maeda was left running channels with little reward.

theRangers v Celtic,31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The one bright spark in attack was the introduction of Shin. For the first time this season, Celtic looked like they had a proper striker offering a focal point and an outlet. He still looks like a player searching for confidence after a difficult run in front of goal, but the raw ingredients were there — strength, movement, a willingness to bring others into play and he was willing to scrap for every yard of grass. If he gets a game where the goals come, he could quickly turn a corner. For now, his cameo was the most encouraging display we’ve seen from any of the striking options so far.

While Celtic clearly have problems to solve in midfield and attack, the bigger story might be theRangers’ continued inability to win. Four league draws from four games under Russell Martin has left them winless and under pressure. Their fans made their feelings clear at full time, the boos ringing around Ibrox carrying more weight than anything that happened on the pitch.

theRangers v Celtic,31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

It wasn’t pretty, and it won’t be remembered as a classic, but Celtic left Ibrox with a clean sheet, a point, and theRangers still searching for answers.

Celtic supporters know the midfield and forward line need significant improvement if the title challenge is to be maintained — but they can also take comfort in the knowledge that across the city, the problems appear just as serious, if not worse.

It’s not much of a consolation but it is something, as we still try to find our feet, and new recruits, heading into the end of the transfer window and an international break.

Niall J

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