Celtic are no more the ‘invincibles’ of Scottish football but still well ahead of their closest rivals Aberdeen and Rangers FC. Their Boxing day outing against Dundee United was supposed to be a cakewalk for the Hoops at Dens Park who were supposed to register a dominating away win unlike their shocking 4-0 defeat against Hearts.
The game, as expected, was a stroll in the park for Brendan Rodgers’ men who clinched a routine 2-0 against the hosts and get closer to their seventh consecutive Premiership title.
Below are the Celtic FC players rated from their comfortable victory.
Craig Gordon: 7
Gordon was mostly untested this afternoon and made some routine stops. An easy clean-sheet for the custodian.
Mikael Lustig: 8
Looked menacing down the right-hand flank with his overlap runs, cut insides, and crosses. Created plenty of opportunities inside the box.
Dedryck Boyata: 7.5
Boyata was rusty at times while tackling but had a comfortable outing overall and didn’t allow the opponents’ to take command over the Bhoys’ defensive line.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7
The teenager delivered a steady show in the heart of Celtic defence alongside Boyata as he stakes a claim to be regular in Celtic defence.
Kieran Tierney: 8.5
Tierney didn’t have much to do defensively and concentrated on forward runs and whipped in crosses from the left-hand flank. His delivery was converted by James Forrest to earn the visitors an early lead into the game.
Olivier Ntcham: 7.5
The ex-Manchester City youngster had an impressive outing in the middle of the park as he made some ambitious runs forward, had a few long-range efforts, delivered some key passes forward and assisted Griffiths to double the lead. Was taken off in the second half and replaced by Stuart Armstrong.
Scott Brown: 7
The skipper had yet another consistent display in a destructive role and didn’t allow the opponents to take charge of the game in midfield.
James Forrest: 8.5
Forrest has been in stupendous form lately and scored early in the game from Tierney’s cross. Also had a few more chances and created some glorious opportunities from the right-hand flank.
Callum McGregor: 7
Was unlucky not to find the target as his early effort hit the woodwork. Did well in an attacking midfield role and linked up with fellow wingmen as well as Griffiths up front.
Jonny Hayes: 6
Started the game in place of Sinclair, had a good inception but suffered an early injury that forced him to leave the field within half an hour. Was replaced by youngster Johnston.
Leigh Griffiths: 8
Missed a few opportunities but scored late in the first half to double the lead for the Hoops. Was taken off late in the game to be replaced by Moussa Dembele.
Substitutes
Michael Johnston: 7
Came early in place of injured Hayes and left his mark with tricky runs, pace, and some swift skills.
Stuart Armstrong: 6
Helped his side to keep things calm in midfield and seal a routine win.
Moussa Dembele: 6
Probably his last game for the Hoops as he is reportedly set to join Premier League new boys Brighton & Hove Albion in January transfer window.
