In a gripping clash at Celtic Park, Rangers secured a narrow victory over Celtic, marking a significant milestone for manager Derek McInnes. This win, which follows back-to-back triumphs against their city rivals, is the first time since Graeme Souness in 1986 that a Rangers manager has won his first two games against Celtic.

Despite the 1-0 scoreline, Rangers demonstrated their superiority, even if they didn't reach the same heights as their previous match at Ibrox. McInnes, however, remained composed, emphasizing that it was just "three points closer to Celtic."

In stark contrast, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill faces mounting challenges. His team appeared physically weak and mentally lacking throughout the match, struggling to maintain the energy seen earlier in the season. Key issues include:

• Absence of robust midfield players, leading to a lack of depth.
• Over-reliance on aging wingers, with James Forrest, at 35, being the best option available.
• Questionable tactical decisions, including the starting of Sebastian Tounekti and Luke McCowan, which backfired.

O'Neill's tactical acumen seems to have waned, and the team’s spirit has diminished, particularly following a significant 5-1 loss in the Champions League against LASK.

On the other hand, Rangers have transformed their weaknesses into strengths. Young players like Olwethu Makhanya (22) and Ryan Naderi (23) have emerged as standout performers, showcasing maturity and teamwork. The average age of Rangers' lineup was significantly younger, at 24.4, compared to Celtic's 26.7.

McInnes has successfully instilled a sense of unity and purpose in his squad, leaving Celtic fans questioning the future of their once-iconic manager.