A Moussa Dembele goal proved to be the difference during Celtic’s League Cup semi-final clash with Glasgow Rangers.
Celtic’s Erik Sviatchenko scores a goal which is later disallowed
Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko has insisted that the gap between themselves and Rangers has not closed since their 5-1 win in September, The Scottish Sun reports.
The two Old Firm sides met at the weekend in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup. And while it was only an 87th minute goal from Moussa Dembele that could separate the two sides at Hampden Park, Sviatchenko has insisted that little has changed from the emphatic win they enjoyed in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic’s Erik Sviatchenko in action with Rangers’ Andy Halliday
“No,” he responded when asked whether the gap had closed, The Scottish Sun reports.
“I think we showed the same level of performance as we did the last time, even though the scoresheet was only one goal.
“I think we are still the much better team.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates after the game
“It was very similar to the last derby. We were very dominant; just didn’t score as many despite having the chances.”
While the scoreline was much closer this time around, it does appear that there is still some daylight between the Hoops and Mark Warburton’s men.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
The Bhoys enjoyed more possession, had three times as many attempts on goal and five more shots on target. And of course, crucially, it was Brendan Rodgers’ men who grabbed the only goal.
But Warburton will surely be telling his players that they can be positive about how they put up a much better fight this time around, and that if they continue to build on the upturn they have enjoyed in recent weeks, they will be in a position to come out on top when they meet again in December.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
