Celtic took a massive step towards winning their 9th league title in a row as they secured a 4-1 win against a stubborn Hamilton side to go 7 points clear at the top of the table. The scoreline might look like Celtic were comfortable, but Lennon’s men got the last three goals in the final 12 minutes of the game and Hamilton made it tough for the Bhoys.
The Accies opened the scoring as Ogkmpoe headed home from a corner in the 26th minute. The turning point of the game came when Jamie Hamilton was sent off in the 34th minute after he pulled down Griffiths just outside the box. The red card looked soft, but Celtic were not complaining, and Edouard scored from the resultant free-kick to make it 1-1.
Hamilton defended bravely for most of the game, but the Hoops made a breakthrough as Christie’s low cross was guided home by Jullien in the 78th minute. Edouard got his second with a smart finish to make it 3-1. Then he turned the provider for Forrest, who scored from close range.
Here is how Celtic fared.
Fraser Forster 6
Didn’t have much to do throughout the game. Couldn’t have done much to prevent the goal.
Kristoffer Ajer 7
Carried the ball forward well and looked assured in possession. Ogkmpoe troubled him on occasions, but Ajer got the job done.
Christopher Jullien 6.5
Guilty of not sticking tight to his man for Hamilton’s goal. Given his aerial capabilities, one would expect better from him. Ogkmpoe gave him some hard time, but he redeemed himself with a crucial goal which made it 2-1. Scored with a proper striker’s finish.
Stephen Welsh 6
The youngster made his debut and did his job well. Nothing too fancy but put in a decent shift. Wasn’t tested too much defensively.
Greg Taylor 6
Always looking to provide an attacking outlet from the left but could have done better with his crossing.
Callum McGregor 6
Moved the ball well but wasn’t at his penetrative best. Didn’t influence the game as he can do when playing with confidence on the field.
Scott Brown 6
Was overrun in midfield a few times but cruised through the game apart from that. Steady but unspectacular.
Olivier Ntcham 6
Failed to influence the game too much in the attacking third. Tried a few flicks which didn’t come off.
James Forrest 6.5
Didn’t look the sharpest and his driving runs were missing. Not his best but got a late goal in the end. Provided Edouard with a great chance to get his hattrick but the Frenchman missed.
Leigh Griffiths 7
Made some good runs between the channels and that got Hamilton a red card as Griffiths was brought down. Wasn’t able to get any clear cut chances but struck a wonderful free-kick from 30 yards which hit the post.
Odsonne Edouard 9
Just looks head and shoulder above everyone. Every time he got on the ball, defenders seemed to be on edge. Linked up play well. Scored with an impressive free-kick and then showed good control and finish to get his second. Missed a great chance to get his hattrick. Provided an assist for Celtic’s fourth.
Substitutes:
Ryan Christie 7
Improved things as soon as he came on and provided the crucial assist for the second goal which Jullien put away.
Jonny Hayes 5
Played with good energy and did his job.
Tom Rogic 5
Looked decent after coming on.
