A shocking defeat to Livingston prior to the break handed Celtic a significant blow in their ‘ten in a row’ mission. Rangers have gained a two-point lead at the top of the league standings, but the game this afternoon against Ross County offered the Hoops an opportunity to regain the leaders’ spot for the time being.
The newly-promoted Staggies scripted a strong start to their season, but the Parkhead fixture turned out to be catastrophic for the Highlanders who conceded three within five minutes into the second half and lost 6-0 versus the mighty hosts.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their emphatic win against Ross County.
Fraser Forster: 7
Was rarely tested between the sticks and grabbed a clean-sheet without encountering any difficulties while protecting the goal.
Jeremie Frimpong: 8.5
The deadline day recruit from Manchester City enjoyed his league debut while featuring as a right fullback. He was effective with his tireless runs and combined exquisitely with James Forrest when the latter fired in his side’s fifth of the afternoon.
Christopher Jullien: 8
Was rarely troubled by Ross Stewart inside the box and played the ball out from the deep to maintain the temperament and domination all throughout the fixture. Was denied a goal when his looping header was cleared off the line by Richard Foster. Played his part in Edouard’s first soon after the half-time break.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7.5
Ajer, too, had a comfortable outing as he kept the ball on his feet, showed his calmness and composure and made down the middle runs to convert defence into attacking threats.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo: 8
Had more engagement in the attacking third unlike his previous outings and set it up for Elyounoussi for his second and Celtic’s sixth of the game.
Scott Brown: 7.5
The skipper dominated the game in the middle of the park and kept on switching it down the wide to create space in the Staggies defence. The visitors were fighting in the first half but broke down after the break and kept on conceding goals until the final whistle.
Callum McGregor: 8.5
The Scotsman found the ball inside the box before rolling it past Ross Laidlaw to make it 3-0. Set it up for Elyounoussi in the early minutes who made no mistake in breaking the deadlock. Was denied by the woodwork too and eventually made way for Nir Bitton midway through the second half.
Tom Rogic: 6.5
Could not find the target or register an assist but kept on contributing to the build-ups with smart one-twos, swift runs and link-up football. Yet he should have marked his name on the scoresheet to challenge the suspended Ryan Christie for the starting role.
James Forrest: 8
Kept on threatening from the right flank. Forced Laidlaw into making majestic saves before finding the net prior to the hour mark. He picked up Frimpong’s pass and smashed home to earn a 5-0 lead. Made way for Marian Shved midway through the second half.
Mohamed Elyounoussi: 9
The Norwegian has settled down at Parkhead and delivered yet another steady performance by grabbing a couple of goals. He opened the account in the early minutes and then wrapped it up in style to make it 6-0.
Odsonne Edouard: 8.5
The Frenchman is in red-hot form and continued his boisterous scoring streak by doubling the lead soon after the game restarted.
Liam Fontaine failed to clear his header moments later and ended up putting it into his own net. Was taken off to be replaced by Bayo just over the hour mark.
Substitutes:
Vakoun Issouf Bayo: 7
Played his part in the build-up for the final goal of the afternoon.
Nir Bitton: 6
Enjoyed a good few minutes in the middle of the park.
Marian Shved: 6
Was brought in place of Forrest and enjoyed his time on the pitch.
