The relevance of Scottish football in Europe’s map might have diminished in recent past, but the sheer dominance of Celtic Football Club continued in last decade as they won their seventh successive Scottish Premiership title and scripted history on Sunday afternoon by conquering domestic treble in successive seasons. The Hoops, under Brendan Rodgers, have achieved epitome of success and were the clear favourites to attain the Scottish Cup glory against Motherwell at Hampden Park. Well were soundly beaten by the champions in the League Cup final back in November and the fixture saw an identical outcome when the defending champions registered a 2-0 victory to complete a ‘double treble’.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their comprehensive win against Motherwell.
Craig Gordon: 7
The veteran custodian returned between the sticks but had little to offer due to lack of attacking threats from the opponents. Made some routine stops and had a moment of the scare when Gaël Bigirimana’s free-kick hit the woodwork late in the game.
Mikael Lustig: 7
The Swedish fullback had a balanced outing down the right-hand flank with timely forward runs and defensive duties. He combined with James Forrest time and again and whipped in crosses and long balls in the box for Dembele.
Dedryck Boyata: 7.5
Did the basics right to fend off threats from the Well attackers and was in the right place at the right time to safeguard the backline. A well-earned clean-sheet for the Belgian international.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7.5
The Norwegian starlet had a sensational campaign and finished things off in style with yet another towering performance at the back. His height helped him to maintain aerial supremacy and also played the ball from the back to constitute moves one after another. Was replace by Jozo Simunovic in the second half.
Kieran Tierney: 8.5
Exhibited why he is a man in-demand among English heavyweights as the left-back kept on terrorizing the Well backline with his blistering pace, unstoppable runs and sublime crosses from the wide which helped the Hoops to inject more flair in the attacking third.
Scott Brown: 8
The skipper dominated the midfield game, screened the backline and carried the ball from the halfway line to switch the game on the flanks to utilize the width of the pitch, thus, forcing the opponents to stretch themselves at the back which, in turn, opened up space to stride forward in and around the box.
Olivier Ntcham: 8.5
Has been a revelation in Celtic midfield as his relentless box-to-box movements dispersed the set-up of the opponents never allowing them to take control of the midfield game. The Frenchman doubled the lead with a sublime first-time effort that ended up into the far corner.
James Forrest: 7
His runs, link-up play and cut insides caused a lot of problems in Motherwell defensive line who had a tough 90 minutes against a top-notch counterpart. Was replaced by Scott Sinclair in the closing minutes of the game.
Tom Rogic: 7.5
Celtic’s Aussie wizard penned a new deal yesterday and continued his masterclass as a midfield attacker with a persistent attacking handout. He created plenty of opportunities and also tested the keeper repeatedly before being replaced by Scott McGregor midway through the second half.
Callum McGregor: 9
Has adopted masterly to a left-wing role and the Scotsman earned his side an early lead with a stunning strike from the edge of the box. Kept on continuing his domination and forced several blocks, saves, tackles and clearances from the Well deep defensive line.
Moussa Dembele: 8
Did not make it to the scoresheet but assisted Ntcham who doubled the lead in the first half and kept on combining well high up the pitch alongside fellow attackers. Saw his effort being denied by Well custodian Trevor Carson but it was already too late as Dembele played his part quite efficiently in his side’s title-winning victory.
Substitutes
Stuart Armstrong: 7
Had a positive impact since replacing Rogic as he kept on troubling Well’s depleted defensive line with his dribbling and through passes.
Jozo Simunovic: 7
Had a difficult season with injuries and loss of form but handed game-time in the second half which might be his final appearance in Celtic Colours.
Scott Sinclair: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
