Going into the Premier Sports League Cup quarter-final on Sunday, most Rangers fans were hopeful that the team could rise to the occasion.
There was an expectation that a performance would be delivered, but what unfolded was amazing, delightful and unexpected in many different ways.
From my seat in the Copland Road Stand at Ibrox, it was apparent from the outset of the game that Derek McInnes had motivated and prepared his team in the right way.
The manager can do all he wants, but it’s up to the players to deliver and they did that to the letter.
It has been a long time since a Rangers team dominated Celtic so much in a single game. By the latter stages, Martin O’Neill’s team were like the proverbial boxer on the ropes, desperate for the towel to be thrown in, or to hear the bell.
Rangers 3 Celtic – Three moments that mattered
McInnes’ tactical masterclass
The Rangers boss has been described as one-dimensional, ‘old school’, and everything else. His teams usually play direct football, but yesterday showed why he deserves more respect than that.
Opting to deploy James Penrice in a man-marking role against Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren (off the ball) was a masterstroke.
Penrice completely nullified the Swede’s threat, contributing to shutting down Celtic’s midfield, while also providing an excellent attacking outlet on the left flank.
That decision from McInnes and how Penrice performed his duties set the tone for what followed.
Dan Neil declares his Rangers intentions loud and clear
As far as Old Firm debuts go, this one from Dan Neil was a wee bit special.
He was everywhere in midfield. He passed, he probed, he tackled, he organised – he was a dominant force in the game.
Neil has been a slow burn in Rangers colours and the fans have rightly been expecting more. Some of the criticism has been over the top and some should be eating humble pie after that impact yesterday.
It would have been a fine performance without scoring, but he has two excellent goals from range to add the sparkle.
This was a statement of intent from Dan Neil, and a declaration of what he is all about as a midfielder. More of the same, please.
Total dominance from Rangers
Rangers 3 Celtic 0 was a game of pure intensity and aggression from Derek McInnes’ team.
He has said before he has an idea of what a Rangers team should look like, and this is what he meant.
Every question that came Rangers’ way on Sunday was answered. The fans left Ibrox wanting more.
Resolute in defence, assertive and industrious in midfield, and very dangerous in attack. There was purpose and danger from Rangers, all over the pitch.
Maybe one disappointment was that set-pieces were not maximised, with a few corners not beating the first man. When that’s the complaint, you know the team is doing something right.
After the skirmish on the Govan Stand touchline, the team showed spirit, togetherness and strength. That’s what teams are made of.
Rangers’ performance and purpose was a very welcome step in the right direction.
As good as it was, it was only one game. The hard part is to build on it, with consistency.
A tougher test should await next Sunday at Parkhead on league duty, but that can wait for now.
Enjoy it. Embrace it. Take it all in.
