Despite Rangers’ resurgence under Steven Gerrard, Celtic have maintained their supremacy in Scottish football and are favourites to conquer yet another domestic treble for the fourth time in a row. They are the runaway Premiership leaders having already won the League Cup by defeating Rangers. Today, the Glasgow giants managed to edge past St. Johnstone this afternoon in the Scottish Cup quarterfinal at McDiarmid Park.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 1-0 win against the Saints.
Celtic Players Rated In Their Narrow Win Against St. Johnstone
Fraser Forster: 7
The hosts had their chances but failed to test the big custodian barring a few routine saves. A routine clean sheet for Forster as the Hoops bounced back from their European nightmare.
Nir Bitton: 7.5
Slotted in Celtic’s three-man defence and helped the team maintain their shape by dictating proceedings from the back. Was clumsy at times with his tackles, but used his experience to deal with the pressure and contain the in-form Callum Hendry throughout the game.
Christopher Jullien: 8.5
Slotted it home late in the match and ensured a place in the semis exhibiting his scoring traits on decisive occasions. Was solid at the back and instigated moves from the deep with his passing and distribution.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7.5
His positioning, game reading and the confidence to carry the ball out from the back left the hosts frustrated all afternoon. They failed to threaten enough in the Celtic half and Ajer, an absolute revelation over the past couple of campaigns, delivered yet another stellar show shaking off their shambles against F.C. Copenhagen.
James Forrest: 8
Although featuring as a right wingback, Forrest spent the majority of his time in the attacking third. Linked up well with Edouard and Griffiths, and kept on cutting inside. Got denied by Zander Clark in St. Johnstone goal on a couple of occasions.
Ryan Christie: 8
Had a lively presence in the middle of the park as he mostly operated from an advanced role. Sent a delightful delivery which was converted by Jullien with 10 minutes remaining and therefore, sealed the game in the Bhoys’ favour.
Scott Brown: 7
The skipper was combative as well as destructive while operating centrally. Did not allow the home side to dominate the midfield game in an attempt to build up attacking threats.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Featured box to box as he carried the ball forward from behind and orchestrated the show from the centre of the pitch. His crosses and set pieces were effective as the Scotsman looked purposeful with his runs, one-twos and down the middle runs.
Greg Taylor: 6.5
Had a balanced game between attack and defence but failed to cause enough menace with overlapping runs or crosses. Was taken off in the second half to be replaced by Jonny Hayes.
Odsonne Edouard: 6.5
The Frenchman had his moments in front of goal but could not convert the opportunities despite coming close. Worked hard to instigate attacking threats and received plaudits from the travelling fans while being replaced by Bayo for the final few minutes of the contest.
Leigh Griffiths: 6
Has recovered his lost charm to some extent but failed to leave an impression this afternoon except a few ambitious runs and link-up play. Made way for Tom Rogic just over the hour mark.
Celtic Substitutes
Tom Rogic: 7
Had a lively impact while operating as a ‘number 10’. Looked creative with his passes and through balls for Forrest and Edouard.
Jonny Hayes: 6.5
Injected more directness with his runs from the left flank since replacing young Taylor.
Vakoun Issouf Bayo: N.A.
Played too little to warrant a rating.
