Brad Lyons rocks Rangers as Michael Beale already playing Celtic catch up after opening day shocker - 3 talking points

Rangers are playing catch-up on Celtic after only 90 minutes as Kilmarnock deservedly took all three points at Rugby Park.

Derek McInnes’ men outfought a lacklustre Gers outfit, who had five summer signings in their starting X1 and never looked comfortable against combative Killie, who snatched the winner through Brad Lyons midway through the second half after a John Souttar blunder. Michael Beale brought Connor Goldson straight back into the fold despite not playing any part in the pre-season build-up but there was a surprise further forward with Todd Cantwell starting on the bench alongside latest arrivals Danilo and Jose Cifuentes.

As expected, the visitors had plenty of possession in the early stages, but little penetration and a couple of Borna Barisic crosses were pulled out of the air confidently by Will Dennis in the Killie goal. McInnes’ men began to impose themselves and were enjoying a spell on top when Abdallah Sima sprung the previously anonymous Cyriel Dessers on the counter attack, Ex-Gers kid Lewis Mayo got back to make a great challenge and wasn’t to know a late flag had gone up for offside against the Nigeria international.

It took Rangers 37 minutes to force Dennis into proper action, the keeper doing well to dive at Dessers’ feet to prevent him stabbing home a James Tavernier corner. The Killie keeper came out on top against the same player five minutes from the break, diving to smother his left foot drive after a Sima cutback had opened up the space.

The second period followed the same pattern, only coming to life on the hour mark when Dowell saw a shot deflected on the roof of the net. It was the Englishman’s last contribution as he and Dessers were switched for Cantwell and debutant Danilo.

But