Kris Boyd crowns Chermiti “king of Ibrox” after “unbelievable” Old Firm display
After what will go down as one of the classic Old Firm derby days in recent history, Kris Boyd crowned one Rangers star the “king of Ibrox” despite the Gers being denied all three points.
Hatate salvages an Old Firm point for Rangers
As expected, there seems to be more bite in the Old Firm derby. Both Rangers and Celtic did not enjoy the season they expected. Both fired managers and both found themselves behind shock leaders Hearts in the race to win the Scottish Premiership.
However, it is Rangers who have shown impressive form. Before the derby, Danny Rohl’s side were unbeaten in six games and that included a 4-2 win over Hearts.
This form was very evident in the first half. The Gers overwhelmed their opponents and should have opened the scoring in sensational fashion.
For all the criticism he has received at times this season, no one can deny that Yousseff Chermiti is a great player. He netted two goals against Celtic earlier this season, a hat-trick against Hearts last month, and saved his best goal of the season for the Old Firm at Ibrox.
His first effort was impressive, but what followed highlighted the Everton man’s performance on the big occasion. The striker looked as if he had all the time in the world as he collected things past Julian Araujo before finishing easily. 2-0 up, Celtic are down and out.
Birthday boy Martin O’Neill quickly brought about the changes, however, and Kieran Tierney’s header ensured Celtic were no longer against the ropes – they were hitting hard.
2 years after Rangers exit, £58m star is now better than Moore and Skov Olsen
Another former Rangers star has now blossomed after leaving Ibrox.
Dujon Sterling’s late handball gave Reo Hatate the chance to play in the final and he did just that, following up his penalty twice after Jack Butland’s save to net a last-minute equaliser.
On the day that Chermiti’s wisdom began and Hatate’s wealth ended, it was the hearts that came out that truly won. It is currently sitting at the top with six points in the Scottish Premiership.
Chris Boyd crowns Chermiti “king of Ibrox”
Throughout the game, Boyd held special honors for the Rangers’ top scorer. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Gers star crowned Chermiti the “king of Ibrox” after an “unbelievable” performance in the Old Firm derby.
“[Chermiti’s opener] it was unbelievable. It’s brilliant from Skov Olsen, he just puts it in place, not looking to pick anyone. Just put it in place and something will happen.
“The connection is too clean to get power from. It’s amazing, and the height he’s gone up to. Stop finishing that. Wow. Right now, he’s the King of Ibrox.”
After the Celtic game, Chermiti’s performance will be easy to forget. But then again, he’s stepped up to Rangers’ biggest stage and continues to prove the doubters wrong.
