Rangers 2-0 Celtic: Gers too strong for Scottish Premiership champions

Goals in each half from James Tavernier and Scott Arfield saw Rangers beat a lacklustre Celtic 2-0 at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Rangers captain opened the scoring after just two minutes when his free kick sailed straight into the net, the full-back's 17th goal of the season.

Arfield then wrapped up the points with a composed 63rd-minute finish as Rangers extended their impressive recent run to just two defeats in their last 20 games in all competitions.

As for the recently crowned champions, Neil Lennon's side had to wait until six minutes from time to have their first shot on target and the Celtic boss will hope they improve when they face Hearts in the Scottish Cup final later this month.

How Rangers powered past rivals

It took the home team no time at all to make the breakthrough as after Ryan Kent's early run was brought to an end in uncompromising fashion, Tavernier curled the resulting free kick towards the six-yard box hoping for a touch from one of his forwards.

None ensued, but the ball ended up in the goal with Scott Bain motionless on his line, unsure as to whether to come for the cross or not, by which time it was too late.

Steven Gerrard's team dominated proceedings before the break, although they were lucky not to go down to 10 men six minutes into the second half when Jon Flanagan appeared to elbow Scott Brown - making his 500th start for Celtic - in the area while they waited for a corner to come in.

Referee Kevin Clancy caught the incident, as he booked Flanagan, although he cannot have seen it in full, otherwise the Rangers defender would have surely seen red.

The hosts soon made it six straight wins after a lovely team goal involving Glen Kamara and Jermain Defoe, whose clever dummy gave Arfield a clear sighting of goal, which the midfielder did not pass up.

Man of the Match - James Tavernier

The Rangers skipper gave his team a dream start after giving them an early lead from a set piece, although it was not just his goal that caught the eye.

It was also the defender's constant raids down the right flank all afternoon long in the Ibrox sunshine, causing the champions no end of problems.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old was also part of a back four that completely snuffed out Celtic's famed forward line, so much so in fact that the visitors had to wait until four minutes from time to have their first - and only - effort on goal in the game.

What's next?

Celtic host Hearts at Parkhead, while Rangers travel to Kilmarnock, with both Scottish Premiership matches kicking off at 3pm next Sunday.

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