Rangers might have played well, but Celtic showed them how to get the job done again at Hampden, writes Tom English.
Three hours before kick-off at Hampden, the epitome of optimism was walking up and down Aikenhead Road.
Diomande was class. Sterling was so busy all over the pitch you wondered how many of him were actually out there.A rare lapse in concentration in letting them through, a goalkeeper exposed and a shot spilled by Jack Butland, a man who has been their totem since the summer.Celtic had done it again. Another trophy. Nineteen of the last 24 domestic titles now.
Quality over quantity is his mantra and he’s in a position of maximum strength now to get more of what he wants before the big show begins anew in the relative blink of an eye.He needs a new goalkeeper, Joe Hart bidding a glorious farewell at Hampden. He needs a left-back to put some heat on Greg Taylor.O’Riley was not allowed to be influential in the final, but he’s been a huge performer for Rodgers. Nineteen goals and 18 assists is an outrageous return.
There are other bit-part, or no-part, players taking a wage. Move some of them on and the coffers look even healthier and Rodgers’ freedom to add bits of class only increases. Whoever’s charge with doing that work will have to get busy.He’ll want to put his own stamp on it after some of the misfiring in the last two windows. Some clever tinkering and it’s hard to see how Rangers get all that close to them next season.Clement’s side could scarcely have made it harder for Celtic at Hampden.
Leon Balogun, 35, was only just back from injury, but he was terrific at the back. Ben Davies had played four times since December, but was also a strong performer. Ridvan Yilmaz was left-back despite just over two hours football in two months.The goal at the end was cruel. For all of the good things in their performance it ended with a kick to the solar plexus. Again.Clement has an amount of work to do. If Rodgers just needs to find extra pockets of class, Clement needs the guts of a new team.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Celtic v Rangers: Joe Hart's final career game looms in Scottish Cup finalAs Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart prepares to play his final professional game, BBC Sport reflects on his rich career.
Read more »
Celtic v Rangers: Joe Hart's final career game looms in Scottish Cup finalAs Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart prepares to play his final professional game, BBC Sport reflects on his rich career.
Read more »
Celtic vs Rangers LIVE score and goal updates from the Scottish Cup Final at HampdenBrendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement go head to head at Hampden today in another derby blockbuster.
Read more »
Celtic and Rangers' rail travel advice issued ahead of Scottish Cup FinalScotRail will be adding extra seats and services today
Read more »
Scottish Cup final: Celtic and Rangers fans have their sayScottish Cup final: Celtic and Rangers fans have their say
Read more »
Celtic vs Rangers Scottish Cup final predictions from Record Sport writersIt's going to be a huge one at Hampden on Saturday and the Record Sport team of experts have had their say.
Read more »