Three decisions Martin O’Neill got wrong as Rangers dump Celtic out of the Scottish League Cup

Rangers beat arch-rivals Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox in the Scottish League Cup on Sunday.

Manager Martin O’Neill’s decisions also played a major role in a miserable afternoon for the Scottish champions, as Rangers exposed weaknesses he had clearly identified before kick-off.

Celtic looked short of ideas once Derek McInnes’ side established control, while some of O’Neill’s selections made it even easier for Rangers to impose themselves.

Here are three decisions the Celtic boss got wrong.

Starting Sam Johnstone backfired badly

O’Neill’s decision to start Sam Johnstone in goal was one of the first calls to raise eyebrows. The 33-year-old did little to justify his selection.

Johnstone had looked comfortable enough in his previous appearance, but the Ibrox atmosphere and the intensity of the occasion were completely different.

He was beaten three times as Rangers took complete control.

The goalkeeper could arguably have done better for Kevin Kelsy’s effort, while Dan Neil’s second goal left him with little chance.

More importantly, Johnstone was never commanding behind a Celtic defence that was under pressure.

With Viljami Sinisalo established as the regular starter, O’Neill took a gamble. It failed spectacularly.

O’Neill handed Rangers the initiative with his selection

Starting Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh together proved costly.

There was nothing wrong with giving attacking players a chance, but the combination did not work against a Rangers side ready to press aggressively and exploit Celtic’s weaknesses.

Duran was effectively nullified, while Hogh struggled to influence the contest. Celtic lacked the fluidity and threat needed to play through Rangers’ pressure.

By the time O’Neill made changes, Rangers had already seized control.

McInnes clearly prepared his team to attack Celtic’s structure, particularly the space around the edge of the penalty area, and O’Neill found no solution once that plan began working.

Celtic were overpowered in midfield

Celtic’s inability to compete in midfield was particularly disappointing given the technical quality O’Neill had available.

Mika Baur and Callum McGregor are capable footballers who can dictate possession and play through pressure, yet neither could establish control against Rangers.

McInnes’ midfield won the physical and tactical battle, forcing Celtic backwards and creating the space for Neil to score twice.

Celtic had the technicians, but Rangers had the intensity, aggression and structure.

That is ultimately what made the defeat so worrying. Rangers made them look uncomfortable for long periods.

O’Neill now has just one week to find an answer before the sides meet again at Parkhead.