Rangers secured a hard-fought away victory against Celtic in the first league derby of the season, extending their recent dominance over their fierce rivals. Ryan Naderi provided the decisive moment of the match, netting the only goal to hand his side a well-deserved triumph at Celtic Park.
Following the final whistle, Rangers manager Derek McInnes remained remarkably subdued rather than celebrating wildly on hostile ground. Speaking to reporters afterward, he played down the significance of consecutive derby victories, emphasizing that it simply represented three points gained in the table.
Nevertheless, the milestone carries considerable historical weight. McInnes became the first Rangers manager to win his opening two fixtures against Celtic since Graeme Souness achieved the feat nearly four decades ago.
While the final scoreline showed a narrow one-goal margin, the visitors controlled proceedings for long stretches. Analysts noted that Rangers could have put the game beyond doubt earlier given their overall superiority on the pitch.
In contrast, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill faces a mounting crisis following a difficult run of results. Although the veteran coach suggested the contest was closely contested, few observers agreed with that assessment.
Celtic struggled physically and tactically throughout the afternoon, appearing thoroughly outmatched by a disciplined opponent. The defeat marks the team's third consecutive loss and their fourth major setback within a single month.
Critics have pointed to deep-seated issues across the club, ranging from deficiencies in the squad's roster to questionable tactical selections. O'Neill's recent starting lineups have drawn scrutiny, with personnel choices failing to yield the desired impact on the pitch.
The current atmosphere marks a dramatic shift from just weeks earlier, when optimism surrounded Celtic while Rangers faced early-season turbulence. Now, questions are being raised about the readiness of the squad and the direction of the coaching staff.
With a crucial period ahead, O'Neill and his backroom staff must address the team's declining form and lack of confidence. Meanwhile, Rangers appear to have established a clear identity and tactical purpose under McInnes as the championship race intensifies.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
