Celtic FC, the Scottish supergiants, might have maintained an unbeaten domestic status since Brendan Rodgers’ arrival last year, but the Hoops are struggling with several defensive injury concerns that are hindering them from delivering their best in the prestigious Champions League competition and despite being top of the Premiership table, Celtic have failed to extend the gap with second-placed Aberdeen following a disappointing 1-1 draw against struggling Kilmarnock at Celtic Park last Saturday.
Rodgers, the ex-Liverpool boss, thus was cautious ahead of their trip to McDiarmid Park to contest St. Johnstone who have clinched a few impressive outcomes so far this season and were capable of jeopardizing Celtic’s title defence for the time being.
The game, however, proved to be a cakewalk for the Bhoys who grabbed a dominating 4-0 win against the hosts.
Below are the Celtic FC players rated from their comfortable win against the Saints.
Craig Gordon: 7
The veteran custodian mostly remained untested barring a few routine stops. He, however, almost spilled a free-kick of Saints’ Blair Alston but managed to keep hold of it and eventually grabbed a clean-sheet for his side.
Mikael Lustig: 7.5
Lustig explored the right-hand flank and combined excellently with James Forrest. The right fullback was great going forward, whipped in crosses and created chances inside the Saints’ defensive half.
Nir Bitton: 7
The Israeli international was once again preferred in a makeshift centre-back role due to significant injury absentees. He was dispossessed dangerously midway of the first-half but Stefan Scougall could not capitalize for the hosts. Bitton was decent otherwise, did well to partner Boyata in Celtic deep defence.
Dedryck Boyata: 7.5
Boyata was solid, did not allow the Saints attackers to create enough goal-bound opportunities. Was unlucky as his header was cleared off the line by Aaron Comrie early in the second half.
Kieran Tierney: 8
Another impressive outing by the highly-rated youngster who showed great pace, power and dribbling skill to run forward and whip in crosses for Moussa Dembele inside the Saints’ box. He, alongside Sinclair, kept the opponent’s defence on toes down the left-hand flank.
Scott Brown: 7.5
The skipper was consistent, won back possession in the middle of the park, used his experience to hold it and distribute for his fellow teammates.
Stuart Armstrong: 8.5
Armstrong started in central midfield alongside Brown. Impressed with his forward runs and passing skills. Switched the game in both the flanks for Forrest and Sinclair who used the width of the pitch quite masterly. Impressed with his set-piece skills and assisted Sinclair with a ground cross from the resulting corner in Celtic’s opener. He contributed in Celtic’s second as well when Moussa Dembele picked his cross and finished into the back of the net. Was taken off late in the second half and replaced by Olivier Ntcham.
James Forrest: 8
Forrest looked lively throughout the afternoon but could not mark his name in the scoresheet. He played some smart one-twos with Lustig, McGregor, and Dembele that helped to create space and open up the St. Johnstone defence frequently. Was taken off and replaced by Jonny Hayes late in the second half.
Callum McGregor: 6.5
An average outing for the Scotsman in an attacking midfield role. He combined well with his fellow attackers, had a few fine attempts from distance but could not create enough opportunities in front of goal. Was taken off around an hour mark to be replaced by Tom Rogic.
Scott Sinclair: 9
Was sensational down the left wing and his footwork, dribbling, cut insides and layoffs troubled the Saints backline throughout the game. He broke the deadlock in the first half and assisted Olivier Ntcham to score Celtic’s fourth and final goal of the afternoon.
Moussa Dembele: 8
The Frenchman underperformed in the first half and wasted a glorious opportunity in closing minutes when he headed wide from 8 yards. But he was majestic since half-time and doubled the lead after picking up a Stuart Armstrong cross. His strike was deflected by the Saints skipper Steven Anderson into his own net minutes later which made it 3-0 for the visitors. Had his chances late in the game to double his tally and terrorized the hosts’ defence persistently.
Substitutes
Tom Rogic: 7
The Australian came in place of McGregor. Impressed with is footwork, touches, and movements.
Olivier Ntcham: 7.5
Came in place of Armstrong. Scored the fourth and final goal of the afternoon after picking up Scott Sinclair’s pass.
Jonny Hayes: 6.5
Came in place of Forrest. Impressed with his runs and crosses towards the end.
