'Love him or loathe him, he score goals' - Ex-Rangers striker hails Dessers after brilliant strike v Celtic

Cyriel Dessers found the back of the net at Ibrox as Rangers earned a spirited result against newly crowned Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, with the Nigerian forward netting a brilliant goal that drew praise from former Gers striker Steven Thompson.

Celtic had secured the league title the previous weekend, but there was no lack of intensity in the latest Old Firm showdown. 

Dessers struck after a rapid Rangers counterattack, punishing Celtic’s missed opportunity at the other end. 

Adam Idah had come close to scoring for the Hoops, only to be denied by a crucial save from Rangers goalkeeper. 

From the ensuing corner, Rangers launched a swift break that culminated in Dessers’ composed finish past Benjamin Sinsalo.

Thompson, speaking on BBC Sportsound, was full of admiration for the forward’s contribution in a pivotal moment of the match.

"It's a massive moment for Cyriel Dessers," he said. "He does so well to show great upper body strength to hold off Liam Scales and then the finish is absolutely superb down past Sinsalo."

The goal provided Rangers with a morale boost, despite the title race having already been decided. 

It also served as a personal statement from Dessers, who has endured a mixed spell since his arrival in Glasgow.

Criticism has often accompanied his performances, but his knack for scoring in big moments has never been in doubt.

Thompson continued, highlighting the dramatic shift in momentum: "It's incredible how the game just flipped there. It was a counterattack. Adam Idah should score at the other end. It's a good save from Kelly but from the resulting corner, Rangers break away and Cyriel Dessers, love him or loathe him, he does score goals."

Whether loved or loathed, there’s no denying the impact of a forward who, even with the title gone, still finds a way to deliver in high-stakes games. 

And for Rangers, Dessers did exactly that against their fiercest rivals.

Wale Adejumo

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