Celtic, the reigning Scottish League Cup champions, had one of the sternest tests of this season this afternoon at Murrayfield Stadium. They locked horns with Hearts in the semi-final tie and the Jambos, currently leading the Premiership tally, were high on confidence having beaten the Hoops once already earlier this season. But the champions showed their strength and delivered a commanding display to grab a 3-0 win. They are now through to the final and would meet Aberdeen on 2nd December at Hampden Park.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their comprehensive victory against Hearts.
Scott Bain: 7.5
Made some routine saves and did not have much trouble in earning a clean sheet. Has been understudy to veteran Craig Gordon in Premiership and Europe, but likely to retain his place in upcoming Cup games.
Mikael Lustig: 7
The early exit of Steven Naismith made the job easy for the Celtic right-back who had some unimpressive outings of late. Hearts failed to threaten from the wings and Lustig had a comfortable afternoon of football with timely overlapping runs.
Filip Benkovic: 7
Looked solid defensively as he stepped up in the absence of Dedryck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic. Had an aerial as well as physical command all throughout and was focused to his duties despite lack of attacking intent from the Jambos frontline.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7
A massive boost for Rodgers as he must be relieved by the return of the youngster amid a defensive crisis. Ajer did well to partner Benkovic in central defence, impressed with his positioning and calmness before making blocks, tackles and interceptions. Was replaced by Jack Hendry late in the game.
Kieran Tierney: 7.5
Was a constant threat down the left flank with his overlapping runs, crosses, link-up play, shooting and cut insides. Was not troubled much defensively due to the sheer dominance from the Bhoys.
Eboue Kouassi: 6
Must be devastated as he finally had his opportunities in place of injured Scott Brown. The youngster was forced to leave the pitch early with an injury despite a strong start and got replaced by Scott Sinclair minutes before the half-hour mark.
Olivier Ntcham: 6.5
Handled the pressure in the middle of the park throughout the first half and made some driving runs through the middle. The Frenchman, however, was taken off at the break due to yet another suspected injury woe and got replaced by Ryan Christie who changed the fate of the match.
James Forrest: 8
Continued his blistering form as he kept on threatening the Jambos from the left with cut insides, crosses and one-twos. He doubled the lead for the Hoops midway through the second half firing it in from close range after the custodian Zdeněk Zlámal fumbled in dealing with Christie’s strike.
Tom Rogic: 7.5
The Australian missed the midweek Leipzig trip through fitness concerns but delivered an inspiring display from his preferred attacking midfield role. Created chances one after another and his defence-splitting through balls kept the Hearts’ backline on their toes.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Started the game from the left flank but later shifted to a central role following the exit of both Kouassi and Ntcham. His versatility came handy for Rodgers, and the Scotsman did well to maintain supremacy in the middle of the park.
Odsonne Edouard: 7
The Frenchman did not make it to the scoresheet but kept on linking up with fellow attackers and created enough space with his mobility and smart one-twos. Had a few half chances but could not convert those into goals.
Substitutes
Scott Sinclair: 8
The super-sub drew the first blood from the spot minutes into the second half after Ryan Christie; the other substitute was tripped down inside the box. Was denied by Zlámal and saw his efforts cleared off the line on multiple occasions. Terrorised the Hearts defensive third with his tricky movements and mazy runs.
Ryan Christie: 8.5
Completely turned around the fortune in favour of the reigning champions. Earned a spot-kick, played his part in Forrest’s goal and found the net with a superb finish to seal a place in the final.
Jack Hendry: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
