'Doesn't take advantage' - Arfield gives verdict on Dessers as Rangers beat Celtic in derby

Former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield has criticized Cyriel Dessers for failing to capitalize on crucial goalscoring chances during matches.

The Nigeria international played the full game as the Light Blues earned Old Firm bragging rights on Sunday afternoon, beating Celtic 3-2 in an entertaining game at Celtic Park. 

In a game of two halves, Rangers seized the momentum early, going into the break with a two-goal cushion courtesy of Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomandé.

The Hoops pulled one back through Daizen Maeda at minute 49 and the game completely turned on its head in the 74th minute when Reo Hatate applied a first time finish across the Rangers goalkeeper.

Rangers substitute Hamza Igamane made himself a hero when he fired the ball high into the net for the match-winning goal with two minutes remaining.

Dessers was quiet until the 28th minute when he got the ball in the box but couldn’t carve out space to shoot.

After Celtic's equalizer, the Nigeria international squandered a huge opportunity to restore Rangers lead as he saw his effort blocked at minute 79.

Although Dessers has 44 goals to his name as a Rangers player across two seasons, Scott Arfield questioned his ability to deliver in crucial moments. 

Speaking on Sky Sports, Arfield said, "Dessers' goals this season and last are brilliant, but when the big moments come, he doesn't take advantage of them."

Belgian-born Dessers will not be cap-tied to Nigeria this month as he has been omitted from the Super Eagles squad for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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