Celtic’s domestic supremacy continues this season too as they clinched the Scottish League Cup trophy, their first title of the new campaign, defeating Motherwell last Sunday. The Hoops, however, encountered The Steelmen for the third time within a week following a hard-fought 1-1 draw this midweek. Their Saturday afternoon opponents at Celtic Park almost drew an end to Brendan Rodgers’ unbeaten domestic run on Wednesday night but failed to hold the lead as Scott Sinclair scored a late equalizer for the Hoops.
The trilogy had its final showdown and the hosts were confident of snatching a win this time against Motherwell in order to extend the gap with second-placed Aberdeen in Scottish Premiership table. The game, however, proved to be a stroll in the park for the Bhoys who grabbed a thumping 5-1 win at Celtic Park.
Below are the Celtic FC players rated from their win against Motherwell.
Craig Gordon: 6
Was troubled by substitute Elliott Frear who scored early in the second half and forced the veteran custodian to make a decent stop towards the end. Gordon was mostly untested otherwise.
Mikael Lustig: 7
Scored an own goal against their today’s opponent in midweek that almost caused his side their first domestic defeat in Brendan Rodgers’ era. Lustig, however, was pretty decent this afternoon as he kept on combining up front with Jonny Hayes and later James Forrest down the right-hand flank. Also whipped in few decent crosses inside the box.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7
Made some rusty tackles at times but the Norwegian youngster made a solid defensive impact alongside Boyata.
Dedryck Boyata: 7.5
Was troubled at times by Frear in the second half but kept the composure and didn’t allow his opponents to control the game inside the box.
Kieran Tierney: 8
The youngster once again impressed with his forward runs and shooting traits. Kept the Motherwell defence on toes throughout the game down the left-hand flank. Assisted James Forrest for his first goal since coming on as a second-half substitute.
Scott Brown: 7.5
The skipper was combative, strong and rigid in the middle of the park. Won back possession, switched it on the flanks and worked hard to control the game from a deeper midfield slot.
Olivier Ntcham: 6.5
The youngster made some decent down the middle runs, carried the ball from deep defence and created space up front. Was replaced by Callum McGregor midway in the second half.
Tom Rogic: 7
The Australian international linked up beautifully in Celtic’s attacking third and played a crucial part in Edouard’s second goal. His smart one-twos troubled the Motherwell backline throughout the game.
Scott Sinclair: 7.5
Sinclair saved Rodgers’ unbeaten domestic streak with a late equaliser against today’s opponents’ on Wednesday night and was instrumental in Celtic’s attack once again this afternoon. He set up Edouard’s opener and looked menacing down the left wing. Was taken off towards the end with a suspected injury and replaced by Stuart Armstrong.
Jonny Hayes: 6.5
Hayes made some early impact with forwarding runs, cut insides and crosses from the right flank. Faded off lately and was replaced by James Forrest midway of the second half.
Odsonne Edouard: 9
A dream outing for the teenager who was handed an unlikely start ahead of Leigh Griffiths. But the PSG loanee marked his appearance with a hat-trick as he was well-positioned as well as prolific with his strikes this afternoon.
Substitutes
James Forrest: 8.5
Forrest helped the Hoops to secure a win in League Cup final beating tonight’s counterparts and haunted them again by scoring twice after coming on as a second-half substitute in place of Jonny Hayes.
Callum McGregor: 6.5
McGregor came in place of Ntcham and mostly spent his time in Celtic’s attack.
Stuart Armstrong: 7
Was introduced late in the game in place of Sinclair. Assisted Forrest for his second of the afternoon.
