Celtic 3 Rangers 3

Last updated : 06 October 2002 By Footymad Previewer

In an exciting Old Firm derby match, that was televised live throughout the UK, Celtic and Rangers shared the points after a six-goal thriller at Celtic Park.

After their disappointing UEFA Cup exit on Thursday, Rangers will be more pleased with their point especially as it keeps them top of the league.

Celtic twice had to come from behind to draw level but despite two goals from Henrik Larsson and a third from Chris Sutton it was not enough to defeat a defiant Rangers side.

The visitors went ahead early in the match when Celtic keeper Rab Douglas was at fault as he allowed Mikel Arteta's speculative shot to creep under his body and roll into the net.

Inspired by this breakthrough Rangers had the better of the opening exchanges but gradually they were pinned back into their own half.

After two half-hearted penalty claims were turned down, Mo Sylla tested Stefan Klos in the Rangers goal with a powerful shot.

Lorenzo Amoruso did well to block Stilian Petrov's effort after a clever turn put the midfielder clear, but Celtic's increasing pressure finally paid off shortly before the interval.

There seemed little danger from Sylla's cross but Larsson controlled it beautifully before sweeping his shot into the net.

If the fans and players needed the interval to recover from a hectic first half, it was nothing compared to events after the break.

Celtic got their noses in front when that man Larsson leapt to head home Petrov's well-struck corner. However, hardly had they finished celebrating when Rangers drew level.

Substitute Neil McCann delivered a perfect cross which Ronald de Boer dispatched with a powerful header past Douglas.

It was end to end play as both sides went for a third goal and Alan Thompson was unlucky to see a free kick clip the bar on its way over.

Rangers took the lead once again when Shota Arveladze was in the right spot to touch the ball home after Douglas again looked at fault when he failed to hold Arthur Numan's 30-yard strike.

However, the Gers' lead was short-lived as the home side came back to equalise with Chris Sutton their hero as he scored from close range with Klos and Bert Konterman unable to block his effort