Celtic did what they do best, and that is win big games of football and take home trophies. A brace form Kyogo Furuhashi, just like last season, secured silverware for the Hoops once again. On the other hand, the result will be a major blow for the Rangers, who had not tasted defeat under the management of Michael Beale before Sunday.
It was a brilliant day for Celtic fans to say the least as they retained the Scottish League Cup. The Hoops were the much better team on the day and the 2-1 scoreline does not tell the entire story.
Beale’s side did put on some pressure after going two goals down but overall, they were second best in all departments for the majority of the game. And it would be safe to say that Postecoglou’s side were the deserving winners on the day.
Beale seemed to recognise that as well and pretty much admitted defeat after the final. As reported by The Scotsman, when asked what was his message to his players just after the defeat on the pitch, the Rangers manager said:
"“These are the days that we are judged on. We have to win the other games, but on these days this is when judgement day comes and we get it. We take it on. So that was what we spoke about in that brief moment there. I didn’t want anyone making any false opinions in their mind. We lost the game.”"
Celtic fans will be delighted with Beale’s comments after League Cup final
To be honest, Celtic should have put the game to bed at Hampden Park. But fortunately, the missed chances did not end up having an impact on the end result as the Hoops got their hands on another piece of silverware.
It is their time to celebrate, but not for long. There is still a lot of football left to be played this season and more trophies up for grabs as well.
The focus now turns towards the league, which Celtic are leading by a healthy nine points as things stand, with twelve more games to go in the Premiership. On the other hand, they are in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals as well, where they will be taking on Hearts away at Tynecastle Park, a couple of weeks later.