Best guess at this stage is that WR3 Jalen Nailor is going to be playing elsewhere in 2026.

The Vikings receiver has been a rare success story from the ten-person 2022 draft class. In fact, the argument could be made that he’s the success story as the lonely player to develop into an impact player. Redoing the event would surely lead to a team picking Nailor far higher than when he got scooped up, a sure sign that he has done well across his four seasons.

Prior to the 2025 season finishing, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (now an employee of the 49ers) pointed toward a desire to retain Mr. Nailor while nevertheless looping “economic realities” into the conversation. Doing so could be read as laying the groundwork for a goodbye.

Similarly worth remembering is that Nailor himself sounded like someone who would leave when he did his presser after the season concluded. Per Nailor, there was excitement for the arrival of free agency: “It’s going to be a pretty interesting offseason, but I’m just excited for what’s to come.”

Vikings Receiver Jalen Nailor Unlikely to Remain

More recently, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell took some time to chat with Paul Allen and Pete Bercich at the NFL Combine. O’Connell was his usually chatty and positive self, as is his wont. The Nailor question continued the trend even if the coach pointed toward where this thing is going.

O’Connell praises Keenan McCardell’s coaching as well as Nailor’s ability to persevere over early injury. There’s then a mention of Nailor being capable of doing “a lot of different things” while saying that “we’re not the only ones watching the tape.”

“We’ll see how these next few weeks play out,” O’Connell said.

To O’Connell’s eye, Nailor is a very good receiver who has pushed his game upward, largely due to being capable of getting shuffled around the offense. Nailor’s film is impressive, leading O’Connell to conclude that other teams have noticed what he’s capable of doing.

Folks, that’s the kiss of death.

The Vikings, of course, haven’t made a firm decision. Unexpected things happen all the time. Maybe reality arrives and Jalen Nailor keeps earning his pay as an employee of the Minnesota Vikings. Sure sounds, though, like Minnesota’s top coach is preparing for life without him.

Nicknamed Speedy, Nailor offered the Vikings 29 catches for 444 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025. Modest, all things considered, and yet stats that arrived as the third receiver from within a mostly impotent passing attack. Plus, RB1 Aaron Jones and TE1 T.J. Hockenson were siphoning off targets in the passing game, as well.

Going to an offense where Nailor can get featured more prominently could lead to good things.

Last season, the pass catcher averaged an explosive 15.3 yards per reception. Of the 29 catches, there were 23 that went for a 1st down. Not too bad. The season before, Nailor averaged 14.8 yards per reception while turning 24 of his 28 catches into 1st downs. Again, impressive.

Originally a 6th-Round selection (No. 191 overall), Jalen Nailor has become a success story. He had a modest opening pair of seasons before becoming a weapon in his third and fourth seasons.

Whoever adds him will be getting someone who can play outside and in the slot, be someone who picks up a fresh set of downs, and who can score. Indeed, the sense one gets is that there’s some meat left on the bone. Put differently, Nailor has the potential to offer more than what he has shown in recent years.

He is listed as being 5’11” and 199 pounds. He’ll turn 27 on Monday, March 2nd.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Players who cover their mouths when speaking to opponents during confrontations should be sent off, says Gianni Infantino, the president of football’s world governing body.

Infantino told Sky News, external he thought referees should work from a presumption that players have said “something they shouldn’t have”.

He was speaking less than two weeks after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni raised his shirt over his mouth while speaking to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game.

The Argentina international has been given a provisional one-match ban by Uefa for alleged use of racist language, which he denies.

The ban was imposed pending the result of a full investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector, and Prestianni could be punished further once the investigation is complete.

Infantino said individual cases should be dealt with by the relevant bodies, but football more broadly must “act and be decisive” to bring in something which has “a deterrent effect”.

The issue was discussed at the International Football Association Board (Ifab) annual general meeting in Wales this weekend.

It was agreed there would be consultation to develop measures to stop players hiding what they might be saying to an opponent.

Infantino said: “If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously.

“There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn’t have said, otherwise he wouldn’t have had to cover his mouth.

“If you do not have something to hide, you don’t hide your mouth when you say something. That’s it, as simple as that.”

The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Denver Nuggets in 2024-25, winning all four of their matchups. The Nuggets are one victory away from returning the favor this season.

Denver (37-23) attempts to complete a sweep of the 2025-26 four-game series when it hosts Minnesota (37-23) at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday at Ball Arena. The Nuggets won their first two meetings with the Timberwolves this campaign by double digits on the road before posting a 142-138 overtime victory at home on Dec. 25 at home.

The teams enter this showdown tied for fourth place in the Western Conference, a half game behind the Houston Rockets. Denver has lost seven of its last 11 contests, while Minnesota has won five of six.

There are 10 other games on Sunday’s NBA schedule, including a clash between the Memphis Grizzlies (22-36) and Indiana Pacers (15-45) at 5 p.m. ET at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Pacers are looking to halt a five-game losing streak, while the Grizzlies – who won the first meeting between the clubs this season – ended their three-game slide with Friday’s 124-105 triumph over the Dallas Mavericks. 

The NHL has six games on its slate, one of which has the Calgary Flames (24-28-6) visiting the Honda Center to take on the red-hot Anaheim Ducks (32-23-3) at 8 p.m. ET. The Flames are hoping to bounce back from Saturday’s 2-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings as they face off against a Ducks team that has won four straight and 11 of its past 13 contests.

Almost two dozen games are on Sunday’s college basketball slate, with one being a Big Ten Conference battle between No. 13 Michigan State (23-5) and Indiana (17-11) at 3:45 p.m. ET on CBS at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington. The Spartans enter with a three-game winning streak and cruised to an 81-60 home triumph against the Hoosiers, who have lost three straight, earlier this season.

The Nuggets are 3-point favorites against the Timberwolves in the latest consensus NBA odds, while the Pacers are 1.5-point favorites over the Grizzlies. The Ducks are -180 on the money line against the Flames and Michigan State is a 2.5-point favorite against Indiana.

Below is a snapshot of what to watch and bet for Sunday, March 1. All times Eastern

NBA best bets, where to watch

Timberwolves at Nuggets

Time: 3:30 p.m. | Location: Denver | TV: ABC | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)

SportsLine pick — Model: Timberwolves +130

Neither team was in action Saturday but the Timberwolves have had an extra day of rest as they haven’t played since improving to 2-0 on their three-game road trip by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 94-88 on Thursday. The Nuggets are coming off a 127-121 overtime setback against the Thunder in Oklahoma City. Minnesota has performed well on the road of late, winning three straight and five of its last six, and the SportsLine Projection Model sees that trend continuing as the Timberwolves win this matchup in 59% of its simulations.

Grizzlies at Pacers

Time: 5 p.m. | Location: Indianapolis | TV: NBA League Pass | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)

SportsLine picks — Model: Under 238.5 (-107) | Expert: Jaylen Wells Under 18.5 points + rebounds (-122, PropBetGuy)

The Pacers are one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA, ranking 28th with an average of 111.5 points. Six of the Grizzlies’ last eight games have finished Under the projected total for this matchup, and the teams combined for 231 points in their first meeting this season. The SportsLine Projection Model doesn’t expect them to produce much more on Sunday as its simulations have the Under hitting more than 59% of the time. Jaylen Wells has recorded more than 18 combined points and rebounds in only six of his last 30 outings, and SportsLine props expert PropBetGuy (114-81, +1962 on his last 195 NBA player prop picks) believes the Memphis forward, who is primarily a spot-up shooter, will miss that mark against a Pacers club that is second in the league in defending catch-and-shoot opportunities.

NHL best bets, where to watch

Flames at Ducks

Time: 8 p.m. | Location: Anaheim | TV: ESPN+ | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)

SportsLine picks — Model: Under 6.5 (-121) | Expert: Ducks -1 (-116, Matt Severance)

The Ducks have scored at least four goals in every contest during their four-game winning streak, but they’re just 15th in the NHL in scoring with a total of 190 tallies. They face a Flames squad that has given up a total of three goals in its last two contests and ranks ninth in the league with 170 tallies allowed. Meanwhile, Calgary is dead-last in scoring with 144 goals and was blanked in its last outing. Therefore, the SportsLine Projection Model believes this will be a low-scoring matchup as the Under hits in well over 58% of its simulations. SportsLine expert Matt Severance (5-0-2, +502 on his last seven NHL spread picks) likes the Ducks to cover the spread against a Flames team that is just 9-18-2 on the road this season.

CBB best bets, where to watch

No. 13 Michigan State at Indiana

Time: 3:45 p.m. | Location: Bloomington, Ind. | TV: CBS | Stream: Fubo (Try for free)

SportsLine pick — Model: Indiana +2.5 (-110)

These teams are trending in opposite directions, as the Spartans have won three consecutive games and the Hoosiers have lost three in a row. Michigan State’s last two victories were close ones, as it defeated Ohio State by six points and Purdue by just two. After a pair of blowout losses, Indiana fell to Northwestern by only four points. The Hoosiers covered the spread in two of their previous three meetings with the Spartans, winning outright both times. The SportsLine Projection Model sees them keeping it close in this showdown as its simulations have them covering 59% of the time.

The Minnesota Vikings may or may not make big changes to their running back room this offseason, as fans wonder if the club will release 31-year-old Aaron Jones in favor of a younger option. Well, if they do, ESPN just so happens to have a dynamic idea: trading with the Miami Dolphins for De’Von Achane.

If Miami listens, Minnesota’s price and fit questions would get loud fast — and rightfully so.

Miami appears to be in the middle of a full reset, and in theory, Achane could be on the trade block.

Achane Would Add Explosiveness to O’Connell’s Run Game

Fans would love this one.

ESPN: Vikings a Fit for an Achane Trade

ESPN ranked the league’s Top 15 trade candidates, and Achane was mentioned near the top of the list.

Dan Graziano wrote, “The buzz: The league seems to believe the Dolphins are in a full rebuild, which means they’re getting calls on all of their star players.”

“My sense is that they’re far more likely to extend Achane’s contract than to listen to those trade offers, but in their situation, you answer the phone when it rings. So, call any Achane trade a significant long shot that would take an awfully enticing package to get done. Predicted chance of getting traded: 10%. Potential team fits: Chiefs, Texans, Vikings.”

It’s the first time this offseason that Achane has been linked to Minnesota — at all. Some fans daydreamed about a trade near the 2025 trade deadline, but those plans were merely speculative.

The Frank Smith Connect

Minnesota hired Frank Smith last month, who served as Mike McDaniel’s offensive coordinator in Miami for all four seasons until McDaniel’s termination. Smith helped to onboard Achane into the NFL and obviously knows him well.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins have already pressed the button on full roster overhaul, dropping EDGE Bradley Chubb and wide receiver Tyreek Hill earlier this month.

In theory, Achane could be next for the right price; hence the placement in ESPN’s top trade candidate articles. The Vikings could release Aaron Jones as a cap casualty in the next couple of weeks, and if so, they would search for an RB1 replacement, assuming Jordan Mason wouldn’t earn the job outright.

If available via trade, inquiring about Achane’s price tag would be mandatory. He’s that electric.

Achane’s Production

Achane’s production and improvement are simply remarkable — and clockwork:

• 2023: 997 Yards from Scrimmage | 11 TDs
• 2024: 1,499 Yards from Scrimmage | 12 TDs
• 2023: 1,838 Yards from Scrimmage | 12 TDs

ESPN’s Ben Solak added on Achane, “The Dolphins valued Achane highly at the trade deadline, and they will likely do so again. The 24-year-old running back has game-breaking speed, high-volume receiving ability and much better toughness and tackle-breaking skills than his slight frame might suggest.”

“He’s a better — and younger — talent than anyone in the loaded free agent RB market. Achane ran for 1,350 yards and eight scores last season, and his 5.7 yards per carry ranked first in the NFL.”

Achane ran a 4.32 forty at the 2023 NFL Combine. He’s 5’9″ and 190 pounds and only 24. The guy is perfect as any team’s RB1 solution.

TheFantasyFootballers.com also noted this week that the Houston Texans could inquire about an Achane trade:

The Houston Texans are expected to make a “push for a top running back in the free-agent market,” but the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander also suggests the team could look to trade for Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane this offseason as they look to improve their RB room. In free agency, Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne Jr., and Rico Dowdle could all be targets.

The Dolphins aren’t exactly looking to trade Achane, though, and they want to build around him with their new front office and coaching staff, so the 24-year-old isn’t exactly going to come cheap. Achane was the RB6 in half-PPR scoring in 16 games last year, accumulating 1,350 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 238 carries while also adding 67 receptions on 85 targets for another 488 yards and four touchdowns.

He’d arguably become even more promising in fantasy football with a trade to Houston, although Woody Marks will have a role after a strong rookie campaign in 2025.

Achane would have a vast trade market if Miami put him on the trade block — not just the Vikings.

Fixing the Rushing Offense, Alas

The Vikings’ rushing offense is gradually improving under O’Connell. Here’s the situation per DVOA since 2022:

• 2022: 27th
• 2023: 27th
• 2024: 19th
• 2025: 13th

Drafting Jeremiyah Love, if he tumbles down the draftboard, or effectuating the ESPN trade for Achane would assuredly shove Minnesota in the Top 10.

It’s what O’Connell must do to unlock his offense’s highest potential: obtain a dynamic RB1.

Sanju Samson celebrates his half century during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between India and West Indies, at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata, West Bengal. (PTI Photo)

TimesofIndia.com in Kolkata: Moments after hitting the winning boundary, Sanju Samson took off his helmet and dropped to his knees to thank the almighty. Relief washed over the face of the right-hander who fired India into the T20 World Cup semifinals with a breathtaking knock. Even before the crowd could capture the winning moments, “Vande Mataram” played at full volume as the Indian dugout rushed out to celebrate what was a top run-chase under pressure. “Lehra Do” was up next and the laser lights joined the act as the announcer egged the crowd on. The party was only getting started in Kolkata after India (199/5) beat West Indies (195/4) with four deliveries to spare. Until a week ago in Ahmedabad, Sanju Samson was nowhere close to the Playing XI as India were happy with the two left-handers Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma as their two openers. However, the consistent off-spin threat, which led to early wickets, forced the think-tank to rework its strategy and bring Samson, a right-hander, back to the top of the order. He had lost his spot to an in-form Kishan but the tactical call forced the left-hander down to No.3 and left-right was restored.

The move worked in the must-win game against Zimbabwe in Chennai earlier this week as it not only gave India a brisk start but also kept spin away. Although spin was introduced early in Kolkata and India lost two early wickets, Samson unlocked his maximum potential when the team had its back to the wall. Chasing a stiff target, the right-hander played an unforgettable knock to help India advance to the semi-final of the multi-nation tournament. He drove well, cut fiercely and exhibited big-match temperament in front of a capacity crowd at the Eden Gardens. Pace or spin, Samson took them down with aplomb and never lost shape in the process. He hit the ball where it was meant to be hit but his ice-cool nerves stood out during his 50-ball 97*, which included 12 boundaries and four sixes.The pitch had a lot of dew and the absence of demons made batting less difficult; however, the scoreboard pressure of the virtual quarter-final made it a daunting task. Wickets falling from the other end didn’t change Samson’s approach; he continued to operate at a healthy strike-rate and kept the asking rate in check. The partnership with Suryakumar Yadav put the chase on track after the early wickets, giving it the much needed push with the breezy 42-run stand, off only 26 balls, with Tilak Varma.

Sanju Samson plays a shot during the T20 World Cup Super 8 Group 1 match against West Indies at Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. (ANI)

When Hardik Pandya joined Samson, the equation was under control: 55 runs were needed off 32 balls. With batting to follow, India controlled the game from that point. Samson and Pandya put India in striking distance of the win, with Samson helping India cross the line with five wickets in hand.Earlier, after electing to field first, India’s fielding was a major disappointment, and the group let the bowlers down in excellent batting conditions. Three misfield boundaries, two dropped catches and one missed run-out opportunity cost India dearly as they were not able to peg the high-flying West Indies batting line-up back with regular breakthroughs. The situation wasn’t alarming by any means at the halfway mark, as the bowlers kept the score down to 82/1. The scoreboard could have been much worse had they taken the catch and capitalised on the run-out opportunity but it was nowhere near panic territory.Both Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy had three overs left, and Suryakumar Yadav’s smart bowling changes gave India a tactical edge going into the second half of the innings. The West Indies signalled intent as they took 17 runs off Chakaravarthy’s second over. Body language dropped ever so briefly because Eden Gardens was about to erupt in the 12th over, bowled by Bumrah.

Jasprit Bumrah celebrates the wicket of Roston Chase during the T20 World Cup cricket match between India and West Indies in Kolkata. (AP)

Two wickets, including that of the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer, got the crowd roaring and ‘Boom Boom Bumrah’ chants reverberated in the stands every time the bowler stood on top of his mark. He had the matchup advantage over the left-hander and dismissed him in just two deliveries, adding another wicket with a slower ball that completely deceived the well-set Roston Chase. From 102/1, the scoreboard became 103/3 in the space of a couple of deliveries and India did what assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate expected: fight fire with fire.When the hosts circled for the final drinks interval of the innings at the end of the 14th over, the scoreboard showed a controlled 119/3, but India still had to get a Hardik Pandya over out of the way. During the break, head coach Gautam Gambhir went straight to the all-rounder and discussed the angle he could explore against Sherfane Rutherford. Pandya executed the plan perfectly, dismissing the left-hander off the first delivery to put India in a commanding position.125/4 with just five to play wasn’t a bad position, especially with four overs from Bumrah and Arshdeep, and one from Chakarvarthy remaining. Heavy dew started to settle in but one would have backed them to do the job in those crunch situations. What unfolded, however, in the next five overs was a very calculated muscular assault from Rovman Powell and Jason Holder; together, they added 70 runs in the next 30 deliveries, taking down Bumrah, Arshdeep, and Chakarvarthy in the process.Bumrah conceded 26 runs in his last two overs, Chakarvarthy conceded 14, and Arshdeep leaked 30 from his remaining two overs. The 16th over, bowled by Arshdeep, swung momentum West Indies’ way as 24 runs came off it. The left-armer looked out of sorts, conceding two sixes, five wides and two more wides, causing shoulders to drop in the field. Bumrah gave it his all in the two remaining overs and his reaction after Varun let a ball go for a boundary summed up the overall performance in the field. Which was a big let down on their biggest evening of the tournament till date.However, a special Samson plastered all the cracks to book a semi-final date with England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5.Brief Scores: West Indies 195/4 in 20 overs (Roston Chase 40, Jason Holder 37, Rovman Powell 34; Jasprit Bumrah 2-36)India: 199/5 in 19.2 overs (Sanju Samson 97; Jason Holder 2-38)

This spring, the Minnesota Vikings will have to be very careful with their money as they look to add new talent to the roster.

After the NFL set this year’s salary cap at $301.2 million, the Vikings are sitting at a touch over $45.5 million in the red, according to Over the Cap. That is the second-worst salary cap situation in the NFL this spring ahead of only the Dallas Cowboys, who are $56.1 million over the cap.

Related Story: The Vikings’ Cap Space Dips a Touch as First Domino Falls
Related Story: 4 Vikings Contracts That May Not Survive the Offseason

However, on Sunday, March 1, the Vikings are preparing to make their first moves to change their salary cap fortunes. They announced to roster moves that will occur on the first day of the league year that will save them nearly $20 million against the cap.

Minnesota Vikings to Release Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave

According to the latest reports from national pundits, the Vikings have informed both Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave that they will be released on the first day of the league year (March 11) if they are not traded beforehand.

“Sources: Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that, barring a trade, they will be released at the start of the league year this month,” Adam Schefter of ESPN wrote in a post on X Sunday morning.

The Hargrave release in particular would have a pretty big impact on Minnesota’s cap space, slicing it by nearly 25% in one single swoop by saving the Vikings roughly $10.9 million. Meanwhile, the release of Jones will save the Vikings around $7.75 million.

In total, the two moves would give the Vikings about $18.65 million, trimming their salary cap deficit to right around $26.8 million. That would still give them, at least currently, the second-worst salary cap situation in the league, but it is a lost closer to bringing them above water heading into the new league year.

Additionally, if the Vikings are somehow able to find a trade suitor for either of them, that could bring their savings even higher. A Hargrave trade, maybe the more likely of the two given he can still help a defense provide a pass rushing presence at the defensive tackle position, could save just under $15 million against the cap.

Meanwhile, a Jones trade, less likely since he is a 31-year-old running back coming off an injury-riddled season for the second time in three years, could save the Vikings $9.75 million if a team talked themselves into taking on his contract.

If both trades somehow went through, the Vikings could save upwards of $24.7 million against the salary cap, bringing them to nearly 50% of the way to even.

Ultimately, the moves won’t bring Minnesota all the way back from the depths of salary cap hell, but the Vikings have begun their upward climb. We’ll see what other moves happen in the coming days.

Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey

Bradford Bulls: Aekins; Wynne, Marsters, Blake, Ryan; Hooley, Milnes; Sutton, Ackers, Lewis, Chamberlain, Fulton, Mellor.

Replacements: Souter, Douglas, Doro, Peposhi.

Toulouse: Ashall-Bott; Laguerre, Jussaume, Rennie, Ulberg; Lacans, Rouge; Belmas, Hands, Dupree, Bretherton, Lima, Marion

Replacements: Cator, Butler, Roumanos, Wallace.

Referee: Scott Mikalauskas.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says he does not believe the penalty awarded to Manchester United for a foul by Maxence Lacroix, who was shown a red card, should have been awarded.

MATCH REPORT: Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace

Available to UK users only.

It was the desperate goalmouth scramble that could perhaps sum up a season. As Reo Hatate shot low to his left, and after Jack Butland made the penalty save, the Old Firm was hanging in the balance as an afternoon of fire and chaos flipped on its head. But, at the third attempt, Hatate forced a crucial equaliser over the line to salvage a point for Celtic and deny Rangers all three, while leaving one clear winner. With nine games to go, it is advantage Hearts once again.

A furious second-half comeback from two goals down kept Celtic’s challenge alive, but only just, on a day at Ibrox that neither club could afford to lose. It was a desperately tough blow for Rangers but, by the end, Danny Rohl’s side could have no complaints. Celtic had highlighted their shortcomings just as Rangers had fully illustrated Celtic’s after Youssef Chermiti’s astonishing double had the hosts in full control by the break.

open image in gallery

So it is Hearts who are now six points ahead of Rangers, with Celtic a further two behind but with a game in hand. This was a good result, too, for Motherwell, whose form is currently much better than both Old Firm clubs. They are two points behind Celtic, also with a game in hand, but with plenty of points to play for against those above them as the Premiership title race approaches the season-defining split.

For now, this was a further example of why Hearts are poised to become the first club outside of the Old Firm to lift the title since 1985 – when Sir Alex Ferguson, who was watching on at Ibrox, having been at Hearts on Saturday, won it with Aberdeen.

Rangers were sensational in the first half, offering a performance that suggested they were up for the fight. By full time, they looked lost, devoid of any confidence and letting the control of the game slip from their grasp. “It was outstanding – but it is about 95 minutes, not 45 or 50 minutes,” said Rohl, unable to hide his disappointment.

After half time, Celtic did to Rangers what Rangers had done to them from the start. Martin O’Neill replaced the ghost of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the equally ineffective Junior Adamu with Hatate and Sebastian Tounekti, pushing Daizen Maeda up front. From having their first shot on target in the 50th minute, O’Neill’s side were transformed, aggressive, playing on the front foot, bursting forward after winning the second balls. They swarmed around Rangers and forced desperate clearances. The tide had turned by the time Kieran Tierney arrived to head in at Benjamin Nygren’s header in the 56th minute, and it was one-way traffic from there.

open image in gallery

“We were so dominant,” O’Neill said. “You wonder where [the first half] came from, or why we couldn’t have strung a couple of passes together. We couldn’t have started any worse.” Celtic’s Luke McCowan had irritated Rangers in midweek by stating that “no one in that league touches us” when on top form, but Celtic could not get near their rivals to begin with.

That Rangers found a magnificent intensity from the kick-off will come as no consolation for Rohl now. Nor for Chermiti, who produced two more big-game goals with a ridiculous overhead kick and a stylish finish in the box to put Rangers in charge and towards an 11th consecutive victory at Ibrox. They suffocated Celtic from the off, with Mikey Moore and Nico Raskin providing the drive and energy in midfield to overwhelm and outnumber Celtic. “Everyone saw how Rangers played,” said Rohl. “I think this is our benchmark for the future, not just 50 minutes.”

Chermiti, however, also encapsulated their fragility. His overhead kick from Andreas Skov Olsen’s cross was sublime, as fine an Old Firm goal as has been scored, and called to mind Scott McTominay’s against Denmark. The striker’s second was instinctive and cleverly taken as the sound of “Chermiti scores again” rang around a bouncing Ibrox; it was his third and fourth goals against Celtic this season, to add to his hat-trick against Hearts two weeks ago. But the 21-year-old’s head dropped after losing the ball carelessly with his back to goal. Rohl remonstrated with his striker for his flick, as he sensed the momentum turning.

open image in gallery

O’Neill sensed it, too. “The players showed some character to come back, and I thought we dominated the whole second half, so much so that the crowd were perhaps turning on their own players.”

The Rangers supporters had seen this script before. Rangers would be above Hearts by now had they not dropped points in away games at Livingston and Hibernian in recent weeks, and thrown away another two-goal lead here. Their inconsistency has again cost them. Just as Celtic’s inability to take the initiative from the start has plagued their difficult campaign. It feels as if they are always chasing.

Despite their position at half-time, O’Neill saw enough of Celtic’s second-half display and chances, with Butland denying another Maeda header and an opportunity for McCowan after a flowing move, to believe they could yet haul Hearts in. When Maeda’s header hit Dujon Sterling’s hand from close range, and Hatate stood over the spot before equalising at the third attempt, there were still a few minutes left and Celtic found belief.

“We’re not out of it,” O’Neill insisted. “If the game had ended at half time, and [given] our performance in the first half, you’d have thought we’re a million miles off it. Now by the end of the game, in the manner in which we played, particularly here at Ibrox, there’s still plenty of heart and desire to try and win the title.” It was Hearts, though, who were left celebrating the late drama.