Following a midweek Champions League Third Qualifying Round victory against Norwegian outfit Rosenborg, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic FC started their Scottish Premiership campaign this afternoon against Heart of Midlothian with a view to continue their unbeaten domestic run as well as conquer their seventh league title in a row despite the re-emergence of age-old rivals Rangers FC. The fixture, however, proved to be a stroll in the park for the Hoops who secured a dominating 4-1 triumph in the league opener at Celtic Park.
Celtic Players Rated And Slated In Their Dominating Win Vs Hearts
Craig Gordon: 6
The veteran custodian mostly had to deal with routine crosses and shots. But he conceded one sloppy goal towards the end as he committed early and misjudged substitute Esmael Goncalves’ powerful strike.
Mikael Lusting: 6.5
Spent more time in attack but performed his defensive responsibilities as well. Another steady outing by the Swedish international right-back.
Jozo Simunovic: 7.5
Led the backline in absence of the injured defensive duo Dedryck Boyaka and Erik Sviatchenko. Did well to contain Kyle Lafferty and Impressed with his intercepting and blocking traits.
Nir Bitton: 7
The Israeli international was used in a makeshift defensive role alongside Simunovic following the injury concerns of Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko as the latter was forced to leave the pitch early in the game against Rosenborg on Wednesday night. Bitton did a commendable job and almost found the back of the net in the early minutes.
Kieran Tierney: 6.5
The highly-rated youngster impressed once again with his overlap runs, footwork and crossing skills, Linking up beautifully with Scott Sinclair down the left-hand flank. Lacked defensive contribution and failed to track back on several occasions and was punished late into the game by Esmael Goncalves who found the back of the net from his side.
Scott Brown: 7.5
The skipper was combative as always and was booked early into the game for fouling Djoum inside his own half. Kept the midfield fluid, screened his defence and stretched the game on both the flanks with his vision and range of passing. Did well to set up the third goal for his side.
Olivier Ntcham: 8
The former Manchester City midfielder has to be one of their top performers this afternoon for his high work ethics and tireless runs. The new signing broke down Hearts’ counters and linked up with fellow attackers repeatedly before being taken off in the closing minutes amidst massive acknowledgement from the fans
James Forrest: 6.5
Celtic’s saviour of the midweek clash has a big season ahead of him particularly due to the departure of Manchester City youngster Patrick Roberts following his impressive loan spell with the Hoops. He linked up well with the likes of Callum McGregor and Leigh Griffiths but could not find the back of the net like in his previous outing.
Callum McGregor: 8
The Scottish international, who had an imposing pre-season campaign, impressed in an attacking midfield role and kept on shooting from distance to test the Hearts custodian Jack Hamilton. Some were stopped, a few were off target, but finally, McGregor found the back of the net with a thunderous strike after picking up Scott Sinclair’s perfectly set delivery for him. Also, he chipped the ball beautifully for Griffiths after picking up Brown’s pass and the Scottish hitman made no mistake to head it home. Was replaced by Tom Rogic with 15 minutes remaining.
Scott Sinclair: 8.5
The Englishman toyed the Hearts back-line with his footwork, dribbling and stunning skills. He doubled the lead minutes into the second half taking advantage of some poor defending to tap-in from close-range. He also set the fourth of the afternoon finding McGregor after driving through the opponent’s defence.
Leigh Griffiths: 9
The Scottish international continued his scoring run and netted twice this afternoon as well. Drew the first blood on the half an hour mark and doubled his tally with a thumping header from close range midway into the second half. Impressed with his set-piece ability yet again. Earned a standing ovation before leaving the pitch to make way for new signing Jonny Hayes.
Substitutes
Jonny Hayes: 5
Struggled against Rosenborg and did not offer much today either. The former Aberdeen winger is yet to settle in his new team.
Tom Rogic: 6
Impressed with his passing and link up play.
Stuart Armstrong: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
