Last Thursday, when Rangers defeated Celtic, fans inside Ibrox were ecstatic because they had finally beaten the champions after years of trying and failing.
Many were astonished by that performance and result, but based on Sunday’s games, it was evident that it was a one-time occurrence and that everything had returned to normal.
Rangers dropped points at Hibernian during the midday kickoff, while Celtic defeated St Mirren hours later to increase their Premiership lead to 13 points.
Clement did everything he could to prepare for the Celtic encounter, including resting important players in the lead-up to the New Year’s meeting – games in which Rangers lost points.
However, Stephen McGinn was present to remind the Rangers manager of the realities of the situation.
Stephen McGinn fires shots at Philippe Clement after Rangers drop points after beating Celtic
Celtic and Brendan Rodgers understand what it takes to be champions, however, as McGinn mentioned, Rangers players, led by Clement, do not.
The former midfielder criticised Clement’s approach to beating Celtic, stating that ‘that’s not how it works’ because it isn’t a long-term solution, in an interview with .
“He sacrificed the week before the derby just to win the Celtic game,” said McGinn. “That’s not how it works at Rangers. Every game is as important as the other.
“I just don’t know what’s going to change long-term with Philippe Clement. They have big days but the bread and butter is to try and win the league back from Celtic.”
What Brendan Rodgers said about Celtic’s 13-point lead over Rangers
This is a question of how many points Celtic will win the league and whether they will win the Treble this season.
Rodgers has been here before, and don’t bet against him doing so again since Celtic’s team is really good, especially with the opportunity to add to it in January.
When the Bhoys defeated St Mirren, Rodgers was overjoyed with the team’s advantage and how they are in a’really good spot’.
“I think that’s what it is,” said Rodgers, “It’s just stage posts along the way and being at the halfway point from a pre-season, which has been great.
“From the European campaign which has been fantastic to winning the first cup of the season to then arrive at the halfway point in a really good place and then to add that lead. Of course that makes us very happy.”
