Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Adam Idah decks Rangers as Celtic trophy obsession never stops

Must read

Brendan Rodgers toasted a Double as his jubilant Celtic side snatched Scottish Cup glory over Rangers thanks to Adam Idah’s last-gasp Hampden winner.

It was the team’s first meeting in the annual showpiece since Peter Lovenkrands’ winner handed the Ibrox side victory back in 2002. This time it was on-loan Norwich striker Idah who proved to be the last-action hero as his 90th-minute winner wrapped up a miserable end to the season for Philippe Clement and his side. The Premiership champions had gone the league season without suffering defeat to their bitter rivals. And they ensured it was a blemish free derby campaign despite being out played for much of the Hampden encounter.




While the Hoops were left to celebrate their sixth triumph in the last eight editions of the competition, Gers boss Clement must now begin the job of rebuilding a Light Blues squad he has already admitted has reached the end of its cycle. It might have been a different outcome had Abdallash Sima’s close-range finish been allowed to count just after half-time – but a Nico Raskin push on Joe Hart saw it counted out by VAR.

Rodgers had the simplest of tasks naming his team, with a line-up that virtually picked itself. The Parkhead gaffer’s only call of note was whether to start the game with James Forrest or finish it. In the end, Rodgers opted to throw the Scotland call-up in from the kickoff and hope to blow Gers away.

Most of Clement’s headaches were fitness based, with question marks over defenders Leon Balogun and Ridvan Yilmaz. In truth, the big Belgian had no choice but to roll the dice and hope both would come through the game, otherwise risk chucking in kids Leon King and Robbie Fraser.

A tougher choice was whether to start with Nico Raskin or Celtic Park sinner John Lundstram in midfield. Bowing to fan demands, it was Clement’s countrymen who got the nod. The Rangers boss had made clear they needed to make a better start than his three previous derby clashes, all of which had seen the Light Blues surrender the first two goals.

The Ibrox side responded to that call with a gusto, racing to press the champions, leaping into tackles. Celtic had to be on their toes but when they did break the press, their first instinct was to release Daizen Maeda in behind James Tavernier at every opportunity.

Latest article