Goals keep on coming for fun as Celtic settles into life under Brendan Rodgers. After scoring five goals in both of their last two games, Celtic now drilled in four past St. Johnstone. Two games, two wins- Celtic have definitely started their domestic campaign on a strong note but once again, the Hoops had to deal with a late scare. The Bhoys looked to seal the game comfortably but the Saints provided moments of magic of late and it could have been a poor outcome for the Bhoys. However, Rodgers’ side manage to survive the late lapse.
At the end of the first half, Celtic had a considerable 0-3 lead scoring three in 16 minutes. It was none other than Celtic sensation Leigh Griffiths who scored the first goal of the game. The Scotsman already makes it six in all competitions this season after having a 40-goal last season. Scott Sinclair, Celtic’s new summer signing, makes it two in two Premiership games as he scored Celtic’s second of the afternoon pouncing on a rebound.
Celtic winger James Forrest’s rejuvenation continues as he scored the third of the afternoon. It looked like the game had settled for an impressive 0-3 away win for Celtic but the Saints something else in mind. An 83rd-minute penalty from Danny Swanson and then an 89th-minute strike from Steven MacLean gave the game a nervy finish but Celtic substitute Ryan Christie put the game into bed with an injury time insurance goal.
Here are the Celtic player ratings from the game-
Craig Gordon: 2.5/5
Made a few good saves and jumped in the right direction but could not save the penalty. However, the Scottish international’s poor distribution once again will definitely make Rodgers worried. Not being good with the ball at his feet, Gordon’s place could be in jeopardy when new signing Dorus de Vries comes back to full fitness.
Saidy Janko: 2.5/5
Showed his hunger to burst forward but was quite unproductive. Defending was lacklustre from the 20-year-old.
Kolo Toure: 3/5
The Ivorian was solid defensively and led the back four well. He kept on putting the keeper Gordon in trouble time and time again by passing the ball back unnecessarily.
Eoghan O’Connell: 2.5/5
A shaky performance from the young defender losing possession again and again.
Kieran Tierney: 4/5
One of the standout players for the Hoops. The youngster burst forward from the left flank again and again and made solid deliveries into the box.
Scott Brown: 3.5/5
A brilliant game from the Celtic skipper winning possession in the middle of the park. Defensively he was solid and sprayed the ball nicely all across the pitch.
Nir Bitton: 3/5
A solid game defensively from the Algerian. Dictated pace of the game nicely. However, lacked discipline and was eventually booked.
James Forrest: 4/5
Looks like a completely reborn player under Rodgers as the Scottish international kept up his amazing form and scored with a well-struck finish.
Tom Rogic: 3.5/5
The Aussie international had a good game finding out pockets of space. Was unlucky to be denied by the crossbar.
Scott Sinclair: 3.5/5
A slow start to the game but his impact was evident as the game went on. Intelligent running off the ball throughout the game to make space and get in behind the defence. Was at the right place at the right time to score Celtic’s second.
Leigh Griffiths: 3.5/5
Was a constant threat to the Saints with his intelligent runs into the box. Scored his sixth goal of the season in all competitions but needs to improve his discipline.
Substitutes
Moussa Dembele: 2.5/5
Came on for Griffiths and had a decent game. Hold up play was good from the youngster.
Liam Henderson: 2.5/5
Looked composed in midfield after replacing Bitton and is beginning to show what he can do after last season’s loan spell. Gave away a penalty in the closing stages.
Ryan Christie: 3/5
Came on for Forrest with 20 minutes remaining for his first appearance of the league season. A poor start from the youngster as he misplaced a few passes but scored a brilliant last-minute goal to put an end to the late drama produced by St. Johnstone.
