Rangers are in the Scottish Cup Final after a Carl Starfelt own goal gave them extra-time 2-1 victory at Hampden.
Greg Taylor had put Celtic ahead against the run of play in the second half but Scott Arfield equalised.
With the game evenly poised, Calvin Bassey crossed for Fashion Sakala only to see the Swede deflect the ball into his own net.
Aggression, control and fitness
Rangers started the match at Hampden with the same intensity they did at Ibrox, but unlike in Govan they maintained the hard work for the whole game, and even into extra-time. It allowed Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men to control the match in a way they haven’t while Ange Postecoglou has been in the opposition dugout. At the heart of that was John Lunstram who is fast becoming a certainly for Rangers’ player of the season. The Scouser was everywhere and made too many crucial interceptions and tackles to count. H wasn't alone. The whole team put in a level of graft that would leave couch potatoes watching at home sweating into their pint glasses.
Ross Wilson vindicated
When things go wrong, the executives always get it in the neck and Wilson's position was starting to receive significant scrutiny over his transfer dealings. Credit where it's due though, John Lundstram was a titan, Calvin Bassey magnificent and Fashion Sakala made a crucial impact on the game that won the game. The Ibrox sporting director is entitled to a glass of wine tonight because his signings have come good at the right time.
Rogic tamed
The last two Old Firm games have been dominated by the Australian's decisive quality in the final third and it was clear from the start Rangers were in no mood to allow him to make it three. Lundstram and Ryan Jack were brilliant in shutting him down and picking up second balls but the biggest kudos must be handed to Calvin Bassey who engaged the midfielder aggressively from defence. The muscular youngster was peerless in his high-wire act, nicking the ball from Rogic’s twinkle toes more often than not.
Aaron Ramsey hobbles off
There’s no doubt the Welshman is a class act. Even half-fit you can see his quality on the ball and how important he could be in this side. Sadly, he’s struggling physically, and his game came to an end just before half-time. He trudged off down the tunnel appearing to grasp at his hamstring in a worrying signal. It was a blow, not only to his team in this game, but possibly for the major ones still to play, not least in the Europa League semi-finals against RB Leipzig.
Van Bronckhorst subs pays off
He's been consistently criticised for his substitutions and in swapping in the rarely seen Scott Wright for Ramsey, the Dutchman was certainly bold. The former Aberdeen winger had a decent game going forward but it was Scott Arfield, introduced for Joe Aribo that made a major impact with a stunning equaliser. James Tavernier's cross was delicious but the Canada international had a lot to do and he swept his shot home past Joe Hart with venom. After 120 gruelling minutes at Ibrox on Thursday, it was always going to be important how both managers utilised fresh legs and the Rangers boss can be happy with his decision-making.
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