The gap between Celtic and Rangers has long been a hot topic of debate.
Ever since Rangers lost their first Old Firm game back in the Premiership in a 5-1 mauling at Parkhead, it’s been a huge talking point. Over the last two years, Rangers fans have had to listen to the notion that Celtic are years ahead of them.
Champions League revenue has been ploughed into the Parkhead side in recent years. Granted, that was halted this season when Celtic were knocked out by AEK Athens. Big-money revenue stopped being tossed into Celtic’s coffers, and Rangers had a chance to pull closer.
Yet, was the gap as big as everyone stated it was in the past?
Don’t get me wrong, Celtic wiped the floor with Rangers over the last two seasons. Some of the results were an embarrassment to the club, and Celtic deserve credit for their consistency.
But, all it seems to have taken was one poor transfer window from the Parkhead side and Rangers are just about caught up with them. Anyone that tries to pretend to otherwise needs to take their tinted spectacles off.
An attractive brand of football
Rangers are currently playing the more attractive football, and it’s nothing to do with a supposed new-manager bounce. That effect would’ve been long gone by now if it was the case.
Instead, the Gers are building something that’s looking more and more special by the week. With Celtic dropping points left, right, and centre – opportunities are opening for Steven Gerrard’s men.
All of a sudden, this gap that was apparently going to take three, four, or even five years to mend looks a little premature.
Listen, this could all end up with egg on our faces. Celtic may very well come strong and Rangers do lose out to them this season. The fact is, however, that the gap between the two clubs isn’t as big as it was being percevied. It should’ve been, but Celtic’s careless refusal not to invest in their squad has allowed Rangers to catch up nicely.
Perhaps the gap was even big a year or two ago, yet nobody realised just how easily it could’ve been narrowed. Fantasy figures of £100m were being thrown around as a quote for how much it would take to challenge Celtic. That makes simply no sense considering Celtic haven’t spent anywhere near that on their side.
Nope, it looks like the talk of a mammoth gap between both clubs was indeed extremely premature. Rangers are strongly on the up whilst Celtic struggle to halt a decline. It’s early days, but if the gap is what is being spoken about, things shouldn’t be the way they are at the moment.
