Rangers secured share of the spoils against Celtic
Despite not winning the important Old Firm match on Sunday, Glasgow Rangers still have control over their own Premiership title fate following the 3-3 draw.
The Light Blues will win their first league title since 2021 if they can win their final seven games, which include a matchup against Celtic at Parkhead. This would cap off an incredible comeback from where they were at the end of September.
To put it nicely, the performance was appalling. If they play like they did in the first half on Sunday, however, Philippe Clement will have to wait until next season to win the championship.
Daizen Maeda opened the score from that channel as the right side of the defense was frequently and successfully attacked, and the Gers were fortunate to trail by only two goals at halftime.
The Belgian’s team talk obviously had an impact since they played a more intelligent second half, scoring three goals, including a last-minute blast from Rabbi Matondo.
Even though they performed considerably better in the second half of the match, a few players fell flat, like Fabrio Silva, who didn’t contribute anything going forward.
The statistical performance of Fabio Silva against Celtic
More than his actual play, the Portuguese forward will be remembered for his antics after every foul.
Three fouls were given to Silva while he was on the field, and each time was followed by several rolls on the ground that made the whole situation seem worse.
Even though he had won the penalty that James Tavernier scored in the second half, John Beaton had already warned him for simulation before VAR stepped in and reversed his call.
Silva put on a pathetic display against Celtic, managing just nine passes, two shots on goal, and a blown opportunity.
The Wolves talent, who was on loan, also gave up the ball 16 times in 69 minutes, won just four of the 10 duels he engaged in, and was frequently bullied off the ball.
| Fabio Silva vs Celtic | |
|---|---|
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Accurate passes | 9/17 |
| Total duels (won) | 10 (4) |
| Possession lost | 16 |
| Via Sofascore | |
With 20 minutes left, Rabbi Matondo substituted the 21-year-old, who was experiencing his first Old Firm game and was unable to handle the strain.
Stats for Fabio Silva since joining the Rangers
Silva had been one of the Gers’ better players lately coming into the game, especially since he was filling in for the injured Abdullah Sima on the left wing.
He proved to be a serious threat out wide, scoring four goals in his first 14 games for the Ibrox club and providing Clement with an additional offensive option.
Despite squandering five clear opportunities to increase his goal total in the top division, the forward averages 1.9 shots, 0.5 successful dribbles, and 0.6 crucial passes per game.
Silva, however, had a terrible performance on Sunday. There is no doubt that the starting lineup will need to be adjusted for the crucial match against Dundee on Wednesday, which will give the Gers an opportunity to move two points ahead of Celtic.
After scoring an incredible equalizer against Celtic, Matondo most certainly deserves a shot from the opening whistle, but Sima, who came on as Scott Wright’s replacement, has shown that he is unstoppable.
Celtic vs. Abdallah Sima cameo in terms of numbers
The winger, hoping to get some much-needed playing time, returned to the first team for last weekend’s match against Hibs, substituting for the final 10 minutes.
Due to a hamstring injury he sustained while traveling for Senegal’s international campaign, he had missed the previous 13 games; however, it appears he has recovered in time for the season’s finale.
Every time Sima entered the game, the Gers were attacking with a level of urgency that Silva was unable to fully comprehend in the first half.
As the Light Blues started to gradually come back into the game in the second half, he attempted two dribbles but failed with both while delivering three crosses.
Dujon Sterling took advantage of a careless pass from Callum McGregor to generate an opportunity with the score still 2-1 in favor of Celtic. Sima then hit a beautiful shot that deflected into the net.
His goal against Dundee was his second since signing on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer. His performance in the second half undoubtedly persuaded Clement to unleash him right away.
Rangers player Abdallah Sima’s statistics
Sima scored his 16th goal of the fantastic season against Celtic, and perhaps he will score more in the seven Premiership games left.
He is now one of the team’s most potent offensive alternatives due to more than simply his goals. Sima has demonstrated his wing skills all season long, ranking first for successful dribbles (1.4) and third for shoots (2.8) per game when compared to his peers in the top flight.
The 22-year-old has scored once and provided an assist in his past two games against Dundee, standing out most in the 3-1 victory at Ibrox in December.
In addition to his goal, Sima also managed four shots overall, won ten of the twelve aerial duels that were played during the game, and was successful with both of his three dribbling efforts.
A full performance, and if left loose in the starting lineup, there’s no doubt he can terrorize their defense once more.
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The Senegal international has obviously put in a lot of effort to return to full health after missing a few months, but based on his performance in the Old Firm match, it appears as though he hasn’t been away at all.
Silva might benefit from being benched since it will give him a break before the weekend matchup against Ross County in the Highlands, where Clement will need every player to perform at their highest level.
With one or two more goals from Sima on Wednesday, the Gers can take all three points and win the Premiership.
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