Celtic, despite early shambles, enjoyed a great resurgence in recent weeks and were upbeat ahead of their top of the table clash against Hearts at Celtic Park. The Jambos were defeated by the Hoops last weekend in the Scottish League Cup semi-final contest but once again failed to show resilience against the reigning Champions. The league leaders surrendered in early minutes, and an injury-riddled Celtic went on to score five times to seal yet another comprehensive victory to reach within one point of Hearts with a game in hand.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their commanding 5-0 victory against Hearts.
Craig Gordon: 7
Had a comfortable outing between the sticks as he was barely tested throughout the game and earned a clean sheet without much trouble.
Mikael Lustig: 6.5
Had little pressure at the back which allowed him to whip in crosses, make overlapping runs and combine with Forrest down the right flank. Was clumsy at times while tackling. However, it was overall a cosy outing for the Swedish international and was replaced by Kristoffer Ajer just before the hour mark.
Filip Benkovic: 8
The Leicester City loanee scored his first goal in Celtic colours as he headed home from Callum McGregor’s corner to double the lead midway through the first half. Had a towering presence at the back and did not allow Steven MacLean to threaten inside the box.
Dedryck Boyata: 7.5
The Belgian international was not tested much defensively but maintained his composure as well as concentration even if the Hoops’ dominated the game throughout.
Kieran Tierney: 8.5
The young fullback was relentless down the left flank with his runs, crosses and shooting traits. Forced Zdenek Zlamal into making saves, threatened the Jambos with his pace and set it up beautifully for Edouard who struck his second to make it 3-0 from the close range.
Callum McGregor: 8
The versatile Scotsman started in midfield following the absence of injured Scott Brown, Olivier Ntcham and Eboue Kouassi. He had little trouble in the middle of the park and kept on orchestrating the flow from a deeper role. Assisted Benkovic from a corner and also created a few more chances high up the pitch.
Ryan Christie: 8.5
Was thriving for opportunities and a game-changing display off the bench last week against the same opponents earned him a place in Brendan Rodgers’ plans. Christie did not find the net this time but adapted well in a more central role than usual and kept on trying his luck with goal-bound efforts.
Was denied by the keeper on a few occasions but kept on terrorising the visitors with his power-packed display. Earned his reward as he converted a spot-kick in closing minutes to make it 5-0 on back to back games.
James Forrest: 8.5
Made his presence known down the right flank with cut insides, crosses and smart one-twos with Rogic, Christie and McGregor. Continued his blistering form as he made it 4-0 with a strong right-footed strike to the bottom right corner. Drew a spot-kick late in the game which was calmly converted by Christie to make it five past the Jambos.
Tom Rogic: 7.5
The Australian operated from an attacking midfield role and created chances for Edouard and the wide forwards with defence-splitting through balls.
Scott Sinclair: 7
Kept on threatening the visitors from the left flank and also played his part in Edouard’s opener at around 17th-minute mark. Came close to score but failed to hit the net this time having notched from the spot in last two outings. Was replaced by Lewis Morgan late in the game.
Odsonne Edouard: 9
Continued his excellence as the Hoops ‘number 9′ scoring twice in the first half. His stunner from outside the box broke Hearts’ resilience early in the game. The Frenchman scored another from close range and also set it up for Forrest to make it 4-0 just over the hour mark before being replaced by youngster Michael Johnston.
Substitutes
Kristoffer Ajer: 6
The Norwegian starlet replaced Lustig early in the second half and had comfortable minutes at the back.
Michael Johnston: 6
Returned to action after an injury layoff and enjoyed quality game-time towards regaining match fitness.
Lewis Morgan: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
