Heartbreak For Joe Aribo And Steven Gerrard As Celtic Crush Gers’ Cup Dreams

It was a disappointing day for the Super Eagles midfield ace who was on the losing end on Sunday as Celtic were crowned Scottish Cup champions after defeating Rangers 1-0 at the Hampden Park.

Nigeria international Joe Aribo was on the pitch for 74 minutes but his best efforts could not stop 10-man Celtic from claiming the Scottish League Cup at the expense of Steven Gerrard’s men.

A goal on the hour mark from  Christopher Jullien handed the league champions their 10th trophy in a row, despite playing the last half hour with a man down.

Jeremie Frimpong was shown a red card three minutes after Neil Lennon’s men took the lead, with Rangers awarded a penalty for the foul on Morelos in the box. However, Gers’ traditional penalty-taker James Tavernier gave it to Alfredo Morelos, who then saw his kick saved by Forster.

The Colombian hit his shot hard and low to the keeper’s right but Forster was down early and blocked it to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

Although Steven Gerrard would be disappointed with the result,  it was a brilliant performance from his men who had all the play, all the possession and all the chances.

Aribo – moments after picking up a booking for going through Jonny Hayes – was taken off for winger Brandon Barker midway into the second half as Rangers searched desperately for a way back into the tie but Celtic held on to lift their first trophy of the season.

Meanwhile, Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo was on the bench for the entire duration of the encounter, with Gerrard turning instead to old warhorse Jermain Defoe as his side chased the game.