Despite an extensiver summer rebuild, Rangers find themselves back in a familiar position - behind Celtic.
Many on the blue side of Glasgow felt Brendan Rodgers' side were vulnerable going into the first Premiership Old Firm clash of the season after a Viaplay Cup defeat to Kilmarnock and a goalless draw at home to St Johnstone. But it was the Hoops who left Ibrox with all three points thanks to Kyogo Furuhashi's goal in first half stoppage time.
The Gers inquest has already begun, with their big money strikeforce coming under fire. Sam Lammers should have scored after rounding Joe hart while Danilo saw an effort saved by the visiting keeper but the decision to take Kemar Roofe off for the Brazilian wasn't well received by the fans. Cyriel Dessers failed to impress as well as Michael Beale's new look attack proved to be far too blunt. Here's how they and their teammates ranked out of ten.
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Jack Butland No chance with Kyogo’s early-hit stunner but was an assured presence and made a big save when Maeda was close to pouncing. 7
James Tavernier: Frustrating afternoon as couldn’t get up the pitch as much as usual. Got more deliveries in late on when Rangers pinned Celtic in. 6
Connor Goldson: Caught out with the opener after poor header clearance allowed O’Riley to capitalise. Wayward at times with diagonal balls and should have hit target with headed chance. 6
John Soutar: Classy in possession and looked to pick out the front two with direct balls over the top. Was alert to deal with Celtic’s counter attacks. 6
Dujon Sterling: Sharp going forward and linking with Matondo down the left. Did well to keep Abada mostly quiet but balance was never quite right. 6
Ryan Jack: Took a while to get to grips in the engine room as McGregor had control, but began to dictate when Gers pushed in second period. 6
Nico Raskin: Left chasing the ball in the first half as he struggled to get to grips with the midfield battle. Got more involved after the interval but not enough. 5
Todd Cantwell: First half passed him by. Came into the game after the break when he had to come deeper to search for the ball and was influential but lacked a cutting edge. 6
Rabbi Matondo: Thought he’d become an Old Firm hero in the first minute only for effort to be ruled out. Lively but should have scored with a gift before half-time and eventually replaced. 5
Kemar Roofe: Another one who had celebrations cut short but he was a constant menace with his physicality before running out of steam. 6
Cyriel Dessers: Strong in the air and harassed Celtic defenders. Guilty of being on his heels a couple of times when put through but needed more service. 5
Subs
Danilo (for Roofe 65): Helped push Celtic back and denied a big chance by Hart. 4
Sam Lammers (for Matondo 65): Big opportunity to strike back when he went past Hart. 5
Ridvan Yilmaz (for Sterling 65): Gave Gers a stronger shape going forward. 4
Abdullah Sima (for Dessers 76): Provided width and created a few chances. 4
Tom Lawrence: (for Jack 76) Tried to get his foot on the ball in the late chaos. 3
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