Celtic were having a rare low in Brendan Rodgers’ realm following elimination from the prestigious Champions League qualifiers but showed signs of improvement in recent outings securing a place in the Europa League main draw and also recovered from a shocking league defeat to Hearts by grabbing successive domestic wins. They hosted this season’s first Old Firm derby at Celtic Park this afternoon but were cautious against the galvanised Rangers who were enjoying an unbeaten streak under new boss Steven Gerrard. The visitors were humiliated time and again at Parkhead in past two seasons and could not break the curse this term too in the aftermath of a 1-0 defeat despite a much-improved and resilient show. Gerrard tasted his first defeat since taking charge of the Teddy Bears that too against Rodgers, his former boss, who was in charge of Liverpool during those final years in Merseyside.
Below are the Celtic players rated from their 1-0 derby triumph over Rangers.
Craig Gordon: 7
Mostly had a quiet afternoon as the visitors did not trouble him much. Did well to deny Alfredo Morelos at the first post minutes after Ntcham’s decisive goal and maintained composure with throws, distribution and outings.
Mikael Lustig: 8
The Swedish international had an outstanding outing as he posed a persistent threat going forward and also came close to finding the net but his header hit the woodwork. Was disciplined defensively and repeatedly threatened from set-piece situations inside Rangers’ box.
Dedryck Boyata: 8.5
Brought back the stability in the Hoops backline as he clinched the third successive clean sheet in as many games since returning to action. Did well against Kyle Lafferty who rarely had opportunities to hit the target.
Kristoffer Ajer: 8
The youngster was impressive once more as he never allowed Alfredo Morelos to cause menace inside the box. Was calm, kept the ball rolling and helped the Hoops to build moves from the deep.
Kieran Tierney: 7.5
The young Scotsman was not frequent going forward but made some timely runs, combined well with Callum McGregor down the left and also did well against James Tavernier, the Rangers skipper who is known for his overlap runs and crosses.
Scott Brown: 7.5
Was physical and combative from the very beginning of the game but effective as well to win the ball and keep hold of possession in the middle of the park.
Olivier Ntcham: 8.5
Has been a great influence since the previous season as he maintained his scoring streak against the Light Blues while finding the back of the net from a classic counter-attacking team move. Forced Allan McGregor to make stops on other occasions and proved to be the man who was the difference in the scoreline with the solitary goal of the fixture.
James Forrest: 8.5
Saw his thumping effort denied by the woodwork in the first half but found Ntcham perfectly from the right who slotted it home to grab three massive points. Was replaced by Scott Sinclair in the closing minutes of the game.
Tom Rogic: 8
The Aussie playmaker carried the ball forward to build up a stunning counter-attacking movement which was eventually converted following a great team effort. Was replaced by Ryan Christie with 13 minutes remaining of the regulation time.
Callum McGregor: 8
Callum McGregor kept Allan McGregor busy in Rangers goal and kept on threatening the visitors from the left. His presence restricted James Tavernier from maintaining defensive composure over going forward thus disabling him from his persistent attacking contribution for the Gers.
Odsonne Edouard: 7.5
Was handed a start on returning from his injury. Looked threating from crosses and also contributed to Ntcham’s goal before leaving the pitch to be replaced by Leigh Griffiths.
Substitutes
Leigh Griffiths: 7
Looked lively since coming on as he hit the side-netting once and also forced McGregor to save his thumping free-kick late in the game.
Ryan Christie: 7
Was confident with the ball and helped his side to control possession while defending the lead.
Scott Sinclair: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
