Celtic v Rangers player ratings: Wow factor, the sarcastic goodbye, pure endeavour, two 9s and a three

Sports Writer

Published 10th May 2026, 14:04 GMT

How we rated the performance of each player as Celtic beat Rangers 3-1 in the Scottish Premiership at Parkhead.

Celtic moved within a point of league leaders Hearts after a stirring second-half performance saw them down rivals Rangers 3-1 in the Scottish Premiership at Parkhead.

Rangers got themselves off to a perfect start when Mikey Moore tapped home (9) after good work by Youssef Chermiti, but Celtic found themselves level shortly afterwards when Yang Hyun-jun finished off a fine team move. Benjamin Nygren appeared to be offside and in Jack Butland’s line of view, however, referee Nick Walsh allowed the goal to stand after a VAR check.

Martin O’Neill’s men went into the lead when Daizen Maeda finished from close range after a superb cross from Kieran Tierney in the 53rd minute, before he sent the home crowd into raptures just three minutes later with a stunning overkick from just inside the area.

The result keeps Celtic dreams of winning the title alive with just two games of the season left. Next up is Motherwell on Wednesday night at Fir Park, whilst Rangers - whose title hopes are now officially over - host Hibs at Ibrox.

Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each player as Celtic beat Rangers at Parkhead.

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The Finnish goalkeeper had little to do after Rangers' opener, with the visitors restricted to half-chances from there on in.

1. Viljami Sinisalo (Celtic) - 6

The Finnish goalkeeper had little to do after Rangers' opener, with the visitors restricted to half-chances from there on in. | PA

Conceded three, but there was little he could do about any of them. Strong early stop from McCowan.

2. Jack Butland (Rangers) - 5

Conceded three, but there was little he could do about any of them. Strong early stop from McCowan. | Getty Images

Competitive, but should have seen red for his late tackle on Moore. A positive influence down the right-hand side aside from that.

3. Alistair Johnston (Celtic) - 6

Competitive, but should have seen red for his late tackle on Moore. A positive influence down the right-hand side aside from that. | PA

So often criticised for his performances in the fixture, the Rangers skipper once again was the fall guy. Sarcastically cheered off by the home support on the hour mark, his marking for the second goal was so, so slack. Not the goodbye he would have wanted in this fixture.

4. James Tavernier (Rangers) - 4

So often criticised for his performances in the fixture, the Rangers skipper once again was the fall guy. Sarcastically cheered off by the home support on the hour mark, his marking for the second goal was so, so slack. Not the goodbye he would have wanted in this fixture. | Getty Images