Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, hold an unparalleled domestic record having won all three domestic competitions last season remaining unbeaten and their imposing run is still continuing this term with a view to conquering the Scottish Premiership title the seventh-time on a row. Rangers FC, their age-old rivals, and Saturday afternoon opponents are also gearing up for the iconic clash at Ibrox following a slow start to the new campaign under Pedro Caixinha who is now determined to end Celtic’s unbeaten run and get closer to the Hoops in order to challenge for the league title.
The game, however, proved to be a cakewalk for the visitors who wrapped up a comfortable 2-0 win against bitter rivals and concrete their position on top of the league tally.
Below are the Celtic players rated from their win.
Craig Gordon: 8
Gordon made an outstanding stop and denied Alfredo Morelos an equalizer with a free header inside the six-yard box. He kept the lead intact and earned a thoroughly deserved clean-sheet.
Mikael Lustig: 7
Kept on making forward runs, whipping in crosses and combined extremely well with Patrick Roberts that often troubled Rangers back-line, particularly Lee Hodson who had a disappointing outing against the Bhoys.
Dedryck Boyata: 7.5
Boyata is back in Celtic back-line after missing out opening few fixtures due to injury concerns and did extremely well to keep things under control despite being troubled by Morelos occasionally. Blocked a few of Rangers’ efforts and offered aerial supremacy.
Jozo Simunovic: 7
Simunovic too had a steady outing with his positioning, intercepting skills and clearances. Looked aerially threatening from Celtic’s set-pieces.
Kieran Tierney: 7.5
The youngster explored the left-hand flank banking on his pace and forward runs. Whipped in crosses and combined well with Scott Sinclair.
Scott Brown: 7
The skipper was combative as always and screened his back-line when needed. Stretched the game, helped his side to create attacks from deep down the middle.
Stuart Armstrong: 7.5
Armstrong mostly concentrated on attack and played a few smart one-twos with the attackers. His movements often created enough space in Rangers’ defence.
Patrick Roberts: 8.5
The Manchester City loanee kept on troubling Lee Hodson down the right-hand flank and his sublime effort was denied by the Gers’ custodian Wes Foderingham. He, however, left his mark with his tricky run and set up sensationally for Leigh Griffiths who made no mistake to double the lead. Was taken off late in the second half and was replaced by James Forrest.
Tom Rogic: 8
His long-range effort was denied by Foderingham in early minutes. But the Australian broke the deadlock minutes into the second half as he found the top corner that left the Gers’ keeper with no chance. Was taken off and replaced by Callum McGregor around an hour mark.
Scott Sinclair: 7.5
Had a much-improved second half as he kept on cutting inside and caused enough trouble in Gers’ defence down the left-hand flank.
Leigh Griffiths: 8
The Scotsman missed a few opportunities but found your back of the net to double the lead in the second half. Was replaced by Moussa Dembele late into the game.
Substitutes
Callum McGregor: 7
Came in place of Rogic. Kept on making forward runs and linked up well with fellow attackers.
James Forrest: 6.5
Came in place of Roberts. Had a few impressive runs and dribbling.
Moussa Dembele: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
