Brendan Rodgers is used to having it all his own way in the Old Firm but Rangers have now inflicted back-to-back defeats on the Parkhead manager.
Rangers put in a tremendous first half display at Parkhead to take a 2-0 lead into halftime in this latest instalment of the Old Firm derby.
But with Celtic biting back in the second period, Brendan Rodgers might’ve expected his team to go on and win the tie before Hamza Igamane rattled in a stunning winner.
Neil Lennon branded Rangers ‘outstanding’ for their performance in the first half as Rodgers was shellshocked into changes.
Speaking at full-time, Rodgers reserved praise for two Rangers players in particular as the Celtic manager and his team are given two weeks to stew over the result.
Nicolas Raskin praised by Brendan Rodgers
Heading into the match, Nicolas Raskin had pipped Celtic midfielder Arne Engels to a place in the Belgium international team squad.
Nicolas Raskin has been a stand-out for Rangers this season, especially in the Europa League, and the former Standard star was a key player in the Old Firm win at Parkhead.
The 24-year-old started the game brightly and stung Kasper Schmeical’s palms with an impressive left-foot drive before opening the scoring from the resultant corner.
Nipping in front of Jeffrey Schlupp to nod the ball into the far corner, Raskin’s header laid the foundation for an impressive victory for Rangers.
Speaking at full-time, Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to the Rangers midfielder with Raskin’s underlying stats at Celtic Park highlighting his impressive performance.
James Tavernier was also forced to apologise after a Rangers teammate used some colourful language to praise Raskin in a post-match interview.
”The first one it’s a static position,” said Rodgers.
”The young guy Raskin he does well at corners for someone who is not a centre-half.
”He’s very quick across the ground and gets in front of (Jeffrey Schlupp) and scores.”
Celtic manager hailed ‘brilliant’ Jack Butland
Brendan Rodgers also reserved special praise for ‘brilliant’ Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland come full-time.
Whilst Butland’s kicking left a lot to be desired at times inside Celtic Park, the Rangers stopper was on hand to thwart the Parkhead side on a couple of occasions.
This includes a stunning save from Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate with the score at 1-0.
Incredibly, it was also the Rangers goalkeeper’s kick out that directly led to Hamza Igamane’s winner.
This is the first assist of the ex-Stoke City, Crystal Palace and England goalkeeper’s career.
Rodgers paid tribute to Butland at full-time and admits it just wasn’t to be for Celtic at Parkhead.
”The second one we make the mistake and the third one as well, we should deal with that better,” said Rodgers.
”Give credit to Jack Butland he’s made some brilliant saves. We created opportunities but it just wasn’t to be.”
