Celtic instant analysis as derby thriller ends in stalemate

Goals from Daizen Maeda and a penalty by Matt O'Riley had the visitors 2-0 up and cruising at the interval.

A second-half penalty by James Tavernier and a deflected shot by Abdullah Sima levelled the match at 2-2.

Incredibly Celtic substitute Adam Idah thought he had won the game when his low strike made it 3-2 to the visitors with three minutes left on the clock.

Amazingly Rangers substitute Rabbi Motondo curled a beauty high past Joe Hart to make the final score 3-3 in Glasgow derby classic.

There were even some afters as both sets of players squared up to each other after the final whistle.

Outstanding flying machine Daizen Maeda gets Celtic off to a flying start

It doesn't matter how many times Maeda faces Tavernier. He always gives him a torrid time. He negates him as an attacker and it took just 21 seconds for the Japanese winger to stamp his authority all over this match. He brilliantly chased down Hart's long ball into space and as Tavernier hesitated Maeda was on his bike. The goal may have been fortuitous, but it shows the value of always shutting down and chasing lost causes. Maeda's crossing may never be on point in any game, but his boundless energy, selfless displays and willingness to sacrifice himself for the team's good are worth their weight in gold to the manager. He is a total nuisance value and Rangers hate the sight of him because he is a total nuisance. Chris Sutton can still lay claims to scoring the fastest derby goal for Celtic but Maeda was just two seconds out in a terrific performance.

Cameron Carter-Vickers is Celtic's rock

What a game the USA internationalist had. He bossed Cyriel Dessers all match with no quarter asked for and none was given. He played a true leader and captain's part by marshalling his defence at all times. He loves these kinds of physical encounters and he particularly enjoyed O'Riley's penalty as he took it upon himself to give the Rangers supporters behind the goal some stick. Solid and reliable as ever he defended the Celtic goal as if his life depended upon it. It was reminiscent of his Scottish Cup semi-final performance when he almost single-handedly took on the Rangers attack on his own. He blocked everything that came his way and he was an absolute colossus for his manager as he led by example. Carter-Vickers was arguably the main reason that the men in green and white have once again seized the initiative in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Celtic's engine room trio put on a midfield masterclass for 45 minutes at least

Take a bow Hatate, Iwata and O'Riley. What a midfield masterclass that was especially in the first half. Celtic might have been ricked by the fact that skipper McGregor didn't make the final cut. It didn't matter as the Japanese duo and O'Riley were a class apart in the opening period at Ibrox. The booing started as early as the seventh minute amongst the home supporters because Celtic's engine room wasn't just on top. They bossed it and then some. Like their manager, the trio kept cool heads when all around were losing theirs and they were mostly in a light blue shirt. Hatate's displayed superb technique as he sprayed passes to teammates who had the freedom of Ibrox to run into. He put in a dominant display as Celtic opened up Rangers time and time again. He fired one just inches wide and was a real difference-maker. Hatate was aided and abetted by his compatriot Iwata who broke up and repelled everything that Rangers could throw at him. He kept his shape, he kept his discipline, he was well organised and he complimented the two skilful footballers in Hatate and O'Riley. It was a joy to watch at times. O'Riley just oozed composure and more often than not he chose the right option with his pass.

Move over Antonin Panenka as Matt O'Riley shows balls of steel when put on the spot

Balls of steel. What a penalty that was from O'Riley. He was the coolest man inside Ibrox as he took the shortest of run-ups to dink a Panenka-style spot-kick past Jack Butland in the Rangers goal. England's head coach might have been watching Jack Butland but O'Riley showed that he doesn't care for reputations as he calmly stroked it down the middle. The penalty apart, the Danish international was excellent all afternoon as he kept a hold of the ball in midfield and took the sting out of proceedings when Celtic needed him most. It was the O'Riley of old as he put in a performance that has made him one of the leading contenders for player of the year awards.

Adam Idah must have thought he'd scored the winner

What an inspired pair of substitutions by Rodgers. Kyogo had run his race and so too had O'Riley. It was Paulo Bernardo and the Republic of Ireland international who combined as the striker lashed home a superb strike for the champions for what looked to be the winner with three minutes left on the clock. Idah displayed strength, power and pace and led the line superbly when he came on as Celtic started to tire. He put himself about big time and he produced a top-drawer finish to put Celtic 3-2 up and make it six in green and white so far. For that goal alone Celtic must ask the question.