James McFadden really impressed by Celtic defender during win over Rangers

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Celtic outclassed Rangers on Sunday to win the first Glasgow derby of the new Premiership campaign.

You might as well hit the repeat button because time and time again, whether it’s at Parkhead or Ibrox, Celtic continue to dominate their rivals and coast away with three points and the bragging rights of Scotland.

Brendan Rodgers’ side went into the game with a spring in their step because they had made a 100% start to the new season and had ended the summer transfer campaign in a successful manner.

Yes, Celtic sold Matt O’Riley, but even with his exit, Rangers couldn’t cope and James McFadden stated that the champions were blowing their rivals away.

At the break, Celtic were leading 2-0, with Daizen Maeda proving to be a pain to James Tavernier again by losing his man and slotting home from close range.

But the goal from the Derby Day king Kyogo Furuhashi was far different and a repeat of his goal from last season because it was another long-range special from the Japan star – although, captain Callum McGregor might have scored the goal of the day with another outstanding goal.

Understandably so, all eyes would have been on Kyogo for drilling the ball into the bottom corner from distance, but McFadden was keen to point out how he got the ball.

As Rangers tried to enter Celtic’s half, the previously questioned Greg Taylor was on his toes, winning the ball back and then feeding it to Kyogo, who was in acres of space and could drive at his opponents.

McFadden hailed the fullback’s ‘aggressive’ nature and how he was ‘brilliant’ for winning the ball back, as he told Sky Sports Football (01/09/24 at 1:40 pm).

Greg Taylor praise

“Greg Taylor, for me, brilliant, aggressive, pressing, winning the ball back,” said McFadden. “Kyogo picks up space, he takes Jack Butland by surprise, there is no doubt.

“His positional play, he is too far to the near post and he doesn’t shift his feet. He is probably expecting the pass. The last thing he is expecting is for him to pass it into the side of the net, which he does.

“Rangers have been brave and they have tried to press. Celtic have just blown them away. Dealt with that and hit Rangers on the break on numerous occasions. It could be a lot more.”

Celtic and Rangers gap is huge

Even the Rangers fans can’t deny it, the gap between the two is huge and it’s getting bigger.

Rodgers utterly dominated in Scotland during his first spell in the dugout and if you are Rangers, then you fear history will repeat itself.

READ MORE: Kris Boyd admits he’d be ‘absolutely terrified’ to play against Celtic’s £1.6m man

What would be even more worrying for Philippe Clement and his players is that Celtic’s record signing Arne Engles didn’t even start.

Then there is the returning Celtic hero Adam Idah, another player who came off the bench and who would easily start for the opposition.

Whether it’s from the starting XI or the bench. Celtic can beat their neighbours however they please and they didn’t even need the substitutes this time.