Of Bhoys and Men - Old Firm draws

Rangers - 1 (Hemdani 88)
Cetlic - 1 (Graveson 38)

Thomas Gravesen’s first half goal, second against Rangers, began to look like all Celtic would need to have its second Old Firm victory of the year, but Algerian-born Brahim Hemdani with his first goal of the season was able to equalize 2 minutes before full time. Referees missed a penalty opportunity, much to Celtic dismay, when Neil Lennon was brought down in the box by Steven Smith, but to no avail.

After a fast second half start from Celtic, Rangers began to collect themselves, putting more strikes on goal, once being denied by the woodwork. Artur Borac was called into action on many opportunities, when second half pressure from Rangers’ attackers began to build.

And it was not until Hemdani’s well-played strike just outside the box would ricochet of Gravesen for the late-game equalizer. The final seconds almost produced a Rangers’ victory, when substitute Filip Sebo was denied goal by the legs of Boruc.

Other talking points in this early fulltime review:
- Kenny Miller, recently declared fit, came in to relieve Shunsuke Nakamura on 71.
- Stephen McManus also returned to the starting Celtic side, replacing the young Irishman Darren O’Dea.
- Yellow cards were issued to Hoops’ Aiden McGeady and Stephen McManus, and one to Rangers Sebo, minutes before his near winning strike.

All in all, Celtic should be happy with the draw, as Rangers looked to be the more threatening team in the second half. I will still argue, though, that Smith’s takedown of captain Lennon most certainly would have given Celtic an early 2-nil advantage and most surely the away win. Credit to Artur Buroc for his composure amid the onslaught Rangers’ offensive pressure.

We are Celtic. This is the Celtic Offside Report.

Category: Celtic

Tags: Brahim Hemdani, Celtic, Old Firm, Rangers, Scottish Premier League, Thomas Graveson

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