Despite Rangers’ return to the top tier of Scottish football, Celtic were on the verge of a historic back to back treble winning campaigns under Brendan Rodgers and the Sunday lunchtime clash against the great rivals have now been the ‘sweetest’ Old Firm derby victory for the Parkhead club.
They needed a win to ensure their seventh successive Premiership title and they did so in style following yet another comprehensive win to add more misery to Rangers’ season at Celtic Park. The Hoops scored five past the Gers and exhibit why they are miles ahead of their league counterparts in recent time.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their title-defining 5-0 victory against Rangers.
Craig Gordon: 8
Did not have to do much between the sticks but pulled off a great stop to deny Jason Hold midway through the first-half which could have been the equalizer.
Mikael Lustig: 7.5
The fullback recovered on time despite missing out the Hibs game with a broken toe and delivered a balanced display down the right. He kept on making forward runs, combined well with James Forrest and also performed his defensive responsibilities when needed. Was replaced by Hendry midway in the second half.
Dedryck Boyata: 8.5
What an occasion to celebrate his 100th appearance for the Parkhead club as the Belgian international was solid throughout the afternoon and earned a clean-sheet en route to clinching the league title defeating the age-old rivals.
Kristoffer Ajer: 8
The Norwegian teenager has been a revelation in deep defence all season and delivered yet another calm and composed outing alongside Boyata. He is being tracked by several top European outfits, his performance shows why.
Kieran Tierney: 8.5
Kept on bullying Daniel Candeias and Andy Halliday down the left as the highly-rated young fullback kept on making overlap runs, whipping in crosses and combining high up the pitch with McGregor, Rogic, and Edouard with his pace, tricky runs, and dribbling traits. Assisted Edouard for his first goal with a sublime low cross from the left flank.
Scott Brown: 8
The skipper never the let the opponent hold possession in midfield with his destructive display and also did well to drag the opponents towards him in order to allow space for Ntcham to stride forward and link up in the attacking third.
Olivier Ntcham: 8
Yet another stellar derby performance from the French youngster who kept on making tireless runs from midfield and also forced Jak Alnwick making some crucial stops during the game.
James Forrest: 9
Terrorized the Gers defence throughout the game down the right flank as he skipped past three defenders to score late in the first half to make it 3-0 for the Hoops. Also did extremely well within seconds into the second half which led to yet another goal for the hosts.
Tom Rogic: 8
Continued his dominating display in the middle of the park versus the Gers as Celtic’s Australian wizard scored yet again in an Old Firm derby before being replaced by Scott Sinclair.
Callum McGregor: 8
Settled in well in his new role down the left and the Scotsman marks his name on the scoresheet yet again when he netted the fifth and the final goal of the afternoon.
Odsonne Edouard: 9.5
Started the game in place of injured Moussa Dembele and scored twice inside first 45 minutes as well as set it up for McGregor early in the second half to make it five past the rivals. Was replaced by Leigh Griffith with 15 minutes remaining.
Substitutes
Scott Sinclair: 7
Looked impressive down the left, created some chances and also caused trouble with his runs.
Jack Hendry: 7
Replaced Lustig in the second half. Did well to retain a clean-sheet.
Leigh Griffiths: 6
Came close to score but wasted his effort from the 10 yards out late in the game.
