Footballer and pundit Charlie Adam has claimed that Celtic ace Tom Rogic was the only player to impress in the first half of the Old Firm.
In a huge clash at the top of the table, the Bhoys claimed a vital 2-1 away win at Ibrox. Aaron Ramsey opened the scoring after just three minutes, but Rogic hit back with an equaliser just four minutes later. The game was ultimately settled shortly before half-time when defender Cameron Carter-Vickers hit the winner.
While all the goals came in the first 45, Adam stated that none of the players were really able to take control of the match during that period aside from the Celtic midfielder.
Talking on the BBC’s Football Daily podcast, he said: “I think for probably 10, 15 minutes, I felt it was a scrappy game.
“I think both teams sort of kept giving the ball away. Nobody really wanted to get in control of it. And I think in that first half, probably Tom Rogic was the only one that actually showed a bit of nous and got on it and had some nice touches.”
TIF Thoughts on Tom Rogic and Celtic…
It seems as though Adam isn’t alone in thinking Rogic played well and deserved plenty of praise for his efforts. Indeed, according to the BBC player ratings, only match-winner Carter-Vickers scored more highly amongst supporters – with a rating of 8.51 compared to 8.47.
As well as scoring, Rogic also had a solid defensive performance, winning one tackle alongside the majority of his ground duels, while misplacing just five passes all game (as per SofaScore).
Manager Ange Postecoglou will no doubt be delighted with the performance of his countryman. Though, considering he has already played over 40 times for the Bhoys this term, it looks as though Rogic already has the faith of the Australian head coach.
Was Tom Rogic Celtic's best player on the weekend?
Yes
No
That result could end up being the pivotal moment in this season’s title race, as it now means Celtic have a six-point lead over Rangers after both playing 32 games. With that in mind, Rogic really did well to step up when his team needed him during a ‘scrappy’ first half.
In other news: ‘Too early for this heartbreak’ – Celtic journalist reacts to what 27 y/o has just said