Rangers pulled off a fine Old Firm derby win this afternoon, beating Celtic 1-0 at Ibrox thanks to Filip Helander’s winning goal – and Leon Balogun excelled.
The Gers had to deal with a host of absences due to COVID-19 in the camp, with even boss Steven Gerrard unavailable to manage today’s game.
There wasn’t much in the game, and Celtic did have their chances, but one moment won the game for Rangers.
Swedish defender towered over the Celtic back line to plant a header past Joe Hart, sending Ibrox bonkers.
Rangers haven’t been too convincing in recent games and needed this win just to remind Celtic of the task facing them this season.
Right back James Tavernier was missing due to isolation, and fans were left surprised when Nathan Patterson wasn’t even in the squad.
That meant centre back Leon Balogun had to fill in at right back, which is hardly his natural role having spent most of his career as a central defender.
Balogun has filled in at times, but this was arguably his finest performance as a right back yet as he helped shackle Celtic.
Fans have been taking to Twitter to absolutely rave about Balogun’s display, branding him ‘outstanding’ and ‘immense’.
Others called Balogun’s display a ‘masterclass’, adding that he was ‘exceptional’ up against Kyogo Furuhashi.
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