Celtic, back to winning ways prior to clashing heads with Rangers, wanted to maintain the streak this afternoon against new boys Dundee United. It was the final fixture of the 2020 calendar year and the ‘quadruple treble’ winners finished things off with sheer supremacy scripting a comprehensive 3-0 win at Celtic Park.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their commanding win against Dundee United.
Vasilis Barkas: 7
Returned between the sticks after a few games off. Had a comfortable outing except for one occasion when he was beaten by Marc McNulty but a goalline clearance from Christopher Jullien saved him from humiliation. Was rarely tested otherwise and the clean sheet must boost his confidence after a torrid spell since completing a high-profile summer swoop from Athens.
Jeremie Frimpong: 8
Lively as always down the right-hand flank, he mostly spent his time upfront to combine with teammates in the Tangerines’ box. Whipped in crosses, created a couple of chances, and also made some recoveries down the wide.
Christopher Jullien: 7.5
Returned to action replacing Nir Bitton but was forced to leave the pitch early into the second half after clashing with the post following a goalline clearance. Big blow for the Hoops ahead of weekend’s Old Firm derby.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7
Maintained great passing accuracy, tried to play it out from the back to form attacking threats but was not superior in terms of winning the duels. Was found holding the ball longer than usual, which could have invited unnecessary trouble.
Diego Laxalt: 6.5
Replaced Greg Taylor down the left-back slot and delivered a steady display at Parkhead. Balanced his game between attack and defence, but should try for more creative output and variation while surging forward.
Ismaila Soro: 9
Outrageous display from the Ivorian as he showed once more why Neil Lennon should have preferred him over skipper Scott Brown from the very beginning of the 2020-21 campaign. He not only dominated the midfield game with his work rate and destructive display but also broke the deadlock midway through the first half with a stunning long-distant effort. Also, set the ball up for David Turnbull who made it 2-0 before the break. Made way for Brown with 10 minutes remaining of the regulation time.
Ryan Christie: 7
Was effective from the right flank with persistent movements, smart one-twos, crosses and cut insides. Having said that, we expect more from the Scotsman who is capable of breaking down opponents’ resolve with his vision and range of passing.
David Turnbull: 8.5
Has been a revelation since earning a starting role as midfield attacker. Found the net exquisitely from outside the box to double the lead and came close to add more to his tally before making way for Tom Rogic late in the match.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Set it up for Soro, but the Ivorian deserves all the credit for his stunner. That does not take anything away from the versatile midfield maestro who created four chances and completed the most number of passes (94, stats via Fotmob) while covering a lot of ground both in midfield and high up the pitch.
Odsonne Edouard: 8
Missed an opportunity early on but showed sheer composure in the second half to loft the ball over Benjamin Siegrist in Dundee United goal after picking up Griffiths’ through pass. His goalscoring run is a massive relief for the gaffer now who was sweating over the Frenchman’s form and fitness concerns. Made way for Mohamed Elyounoussi minutes after making it 3-0.
Leigh Griffiths: 8
Enjoying a majestic run of form even though he got denied twice by Siegrist and failed to score a goal this afternoon. His excellent through ball split open the visitors’ before ending up into the back of the net by Edouard. Was taken off to be replaced by Albian Ajeti moments later.
Celtic Substitutes vs Dundee United
Nir Bitton: 6
Did well since replacing injured Jullien early into the second half. Celtic had full control over possession, and the Israel international faced little trouble in the heart of the backline.
Tom Rogic: 5
Did not make any notable contribution.
Albian Ajeti: 5
Did not make any notable contribution.
Scott Brown: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Mohamed Elyounoussi: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
