While this resounding Old Firm victory may not change anything in terms of the destination of the title, it was hugely significant for Rangers manager Philippe Clement, writes John McGarry
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A day which began with mounting questions over Philippe Clement’s future ended with the Belgian scratching his own head in bewilderment. If this is how his side can play against Celtic when patched up and under extreme pressure, where exactly have they been hiding for so long when at full strength?.
![[Robin Propper celebrates after netting Rangers' crucial second goal at Ibrox on Thursday]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/02/18/93681339-0-image-a-94_1735841888836.jpg)
While this resounding victory may not change anything in terms of the destination of the title, it was hugely significant for the man at the helm. A wretched festive period which had seen the gap to Celtic extend to 14 points had made all Clement’s talk of progress sound like wishful thinking. Lose this one and he might well have been checking the ‘situations vacant’ columns come the morning.
![[Rangers substitute Danilo had only been on the park a matter of minutes before scoring]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/02/18/93682973-0-image-a-95_1735841891691.jpg)
This performance and result assuredly buys him time and will go a long way to restoring the diminishing levels of faith supporters had in him. At the seventh time of asking, the Belgian not only has a prized win over Celtic. He has a display to offer as tangible evidence to those who doubt his side are moving in the right direction.
Philippe Clement celebrates with Ianis Hagi after he opened the scoring in the Old Firm derby. Robin Propper celebrates after netting Rangers' crucial second goal at Ibrox on Thursday. Rangers substitute Danilo had only been on the park a matter of minutes before scoring.
The margin of victory in no way flattered the home side. All over the park, they won individual battles. Once they settled into the game, they played with an intensity that was conspicuous by its absence in the displays at both Paisley and Motherwell.
