Celtic player ratings as McGregor the maestro and O'Riley's defensive steel prove too much for Rangers
The skipper was the best player on the park as Brendan Rodgers racked up yet another Ibrox victory.
It may still be a half baked Celtic at this stage of the season but victory at Ibrox will have tasted as sweet as ever for their fans watching on from elsewhere.
After a couple of poor results in previous weeks, the champions produced when it mattered and in truth, didn't really have to be anywhere near their best to deliver an early season blow to their rivals. Kyogo's goal on the stroke of half-time was enough as the hosts proved wasteful in front of goal. Celtic may have left it later than normal in the transfer window after Rangers' early splurge, but whether Michael Beale got value for money is now in serious doubt.
Joe Hart has come in for criticism and he'll likely be replaced next summer. But the experienced keeper stood tall on the big occasion, while Kyogo popped up with another vital goal in Govan. However, it was captain Callum McGregor, a veteran of this fixtures, who shone above all others. Here's how the Hoops rated out of ten.
Joe Hart: Kept a cool head when the rookie pair in front of him were going through some jittery moments. Made crucial saves late on. 7
Alistair Johnston: Stepped up as one of Celtic’s key men in an inexperienced backline. Big display and major loss when he limped off injured. 7
Gustaf Lagerbielke: Looked a bag of nerves all day and was let off the hook when it look like he’d been robbed for an opener. Difficult derby debut for the young Swede but somehow survived. 5
Liam Scales: Never hid but struggled to cope in the air and had problems against Dessers and Roofe on the half turn but heroic defending by the end. 7
Greg Taylor: Experience was vital and built a lot of the play when Celtic were dominant in the first half. A loss when he went off. 6
Callum McGregor: Outstanding. In the first half when he completely ran the show. Had to dig in and put out fires in the second half but skipper was superb. 9
Matt O’Riley: Quick thinking for the opener and he was a step ahead of Rangers rivals all day before reporting for a defensive shift. 8
David Turnbull: Drifted around the fringes at times but neat on the ball and moved it around to hog possession. Attempted a few Hollywood passes that didn’t come off. 5
Liel Abada: Got in behind early on to tee up Kyogo chance and pace gave Sterling a problem. Faded from the game after the break and was subbed. 5
Daizen Maeda: Pressed high up the pitch and it kept Tavernier from getting too adventurous. Final ball wasn’t great but did a power of work. 7
Kyogo: Missed a couple of sitters before he stunned Ibrox with his sensational opener. Not at his very best but constant threat had Gers defenders on edge. 7
Subs
Tony Ralston (for Johnston 66): Bust a gut to hold firm under severe fire. 4
Yang Hyun-jun (for Abada 66): Dangerous on the counter. 3
Odin Thiago Holm (for Turnbull 66): Nice flashes amid late chaos. 4
Alexandro Bernabei (for Taylor 74): Tough task with the pressure being piled on. 3
Oh Hyeon-gyu (for Kyogo 77): Had a chance to seal it but took the wrong option. 3