Premiership football is back again after the international break and Celtic, three points clear at the top after defeating famous rivals Rangers in their own backyard, travelled to South Lanarkshire to face Hamilton Academical. The Saturday early kickoff fixture at New Douglas Park proved to a stroll in the park fo Neil Lennon’s men who started from where they left off against the Gers, and an early goal from James Forrest ensured all three points for the Champions.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their win against Hamilton Academical.
Fraser Forster: 7
The big custodian had a comfortable afternoon of football as he was rarely tested barring a few routine catches and stops. The hosts failed to threaten enough, and it was a cosy clean sheet for the Southampton loanee.
Hatem Abd Elhamed: 7
Impressed once again with his movements down the right-hand flank. He not only made some lung-busting runs but also defended deep to protect the lead throughout the fixture.
Kristoffer Ajer: 8
Returned to action after a brief injury spell and delivered yet another calm and composed display in the heart of the backline. Did well to hold the ball and play it out from the back to instigate attacking moves.
Christopher Jullien: 7.5
Made his presence known with a towering display alongside Ajer. He was solid aerially and exhibited physical attributes while defending deep to defend the narrow lead.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo: 7
Improved immensely of late and showcased his all-round ability down the left-hand side. Made some overlapping runs, whipped in crosses, linked up well with Elyounoussi, also defended deep to ensure the win under challenging circumstances.
Scott Brown: 7
Was combative, destroyed the Accies’ moves in midfield, shielded the backline and tried to create chances from the middle of the park with his vision and distribution attributes.
Callum McGregor: 6.5
Had a steady outing in the centre of the pitch as he featured as the Hoops’ leading ball carrier to convert defence into attacks. Could have been more clinical with his final balls on several occasions.
Ryan Christie: 6
The in-form Scotsman had a quiet afternoon as he failed to cause enough menace with his pacy moves, mazy runs and swift footwork. Was taken off to be replaced by Jonny Hayes in the closing seconds of the match.
James Forrest: 8
His smart finish in early minutes proved to be the decider. The Scotsman met Elyounoussi’s cross and found the net with sheer composure. Came close to doubling the lead, but was denied by the woodwork early in the second half.
Mohamed Elyounoussi: 7.5
Took four minutes to leave an impression on his debut. The Southampton loanee cut inside from the left after picking up Edouard’s exquisite pass and whipped in a low cross which was converted by Forrest to seal the deal for the Bhoys. Made way for Tom Rogic midway through the second half.
Odsonne Edouard: 7.5
Did not make it to the scoresheet but played a huge role in the only goal of the game. The Frenchman set it up for Elyounoussi with an unpredictable pass and opened up space for the Norwegian to have a free run before whipping in the cross. Was taken off to be replaced by Vakoun Issouf Bayo late in the game.
Substitutes
Tom Rogic: 6
A good few minutes for the Aussie wizard after a long injury layoff.
Vakoun Issouf Bayo: 5.5
Was introduced late in the game, made a few decent moves in and around the box but could not find the insurance goal for the visitors.
Jonny Hayes: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
