Celtic were stunned by their ‘Old Firm’ rivals Rangers prior to the winter break. But they exhibited sheer dominance over St. Mirren on Wednesday night and continued their supremacy this afternoon against Hamilton Academical. The league leaders were clear favourites to clinch three more points versus the struggling Accies, and the contest at the Celtic Park proved to be a stroll in the park for Brendan Rodgers’ juggernaut. The Bhoys claimed a comfortable 3-0 win and stretched the gap at the top of the Championship standings.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their win against Hamilton Accies.
Scott Bain: 7
Had yet another comfortable afternoon between the sticks as he was rarely tested throughout the game and grabbed a clean sheet without much difficulty.
Mikael Lustig: 8
The veteran fullback failed to leave a mark in recent games but was spectacular versus the Accies with some stunning link-up play with young Johnston and James Forrest. Released some exquisite through balls and also whipped in crosses inside the box which saw him assisting Scott Sinclair in the closing minutes.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7.5
Did not have much trouble at the back but was alert all the time and pulled off some crucial blocks, tackles and interceptions by being in the right place at the right time.
Filip Benkovic: 7
Benkovic, too, dominated the game defensively and never allowed the visitors to threaten in and around the Celtic box. Built the game up from the back with his passing and distribution skills.
Emilio Izaguirre: 7
The experienced fullback was instrumental from the left flank even though he did not offer a similar attacking flair like that of the injured Kieran Tierney. Yet he linked up well with Scott Sinclair and played some smart one-twos to trouble the Accies backline.
Scott Brown: 7.5
The skipper never let the opponents have control over the midfield game. Kept on snatching the ball back, keep it rolling and moving down the flanks to open up space and distort Hamilton’s defensive set-up.
Callum McGregor: 8.5
The Scotsman looked menacing from the very beginning and broke the deadlock with a 20-yard strike which went through Ryan Fulton’s legs in the Accies goal. The custodian fumbled yet again as he failed to grab McGregor’s curler and Christie made no mistake in making it 2-0 in the second half.
Michael Johnston: 7.5
The youngster had a lively appearance down the right flank with his pace, tricky runs, cut insides and crosses from the byline. Got replaced by James Forrest just after the hour mark.
Ryan Christie: 8
Darted in and lifted the ball over Fulton to make it 2-0 late in the second half. Kept on creating chances and orchestrating the attacking flow from a ‘number 10’ role. Was taken off and replaced by Nir Bitton seconds after sealing the win.
Scott Sinclair: 8.5
Was denied by the woodwork in early minutes but found the net in the closing seconds with an excellent header. Kept on terrorising the opponents with his dribbling, swift skills and cut insides from the left flank.
Timothy Weah: 7
The young PSG loanee made his first start since completing a winter transfer. Had a few opportunities but was denied by Fulton on most occasions. Was replaced by Oliver Burke just after the hour mark.
Substitutes
James Forrest: 7
Created a few chances as soon as he entered the pitch. Linked up well in the attacking third exploring the width of the pitch and saw his effort flashing narrowly wide seconds after the final whistle.
Oliver Burke: 6
Score a brace versus the Buddies and was keen to add more to his tally after coming on. Came close but failed to grab a goal this time around.
Nir Bitton: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
