Celtic decided not to give a guard of honour to Rangers who dethroned them to conquer the coveted Scottish crown after a decade. The decision sparked controversy from the perspective of sporting integrity ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby, but the Hoops could not spoil the Gers’ ‘invincibles’ league status despite scoring early. Alfredo Morelos cancelled out Mohamed Elyounoussi’s opener and the two bitter rivals settled for a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 1-1 draw against Rangers.
Scott Bain: 7
Could have done little to stop Morelos’ equalizer from an extremely close range. Made a couple of routine saves otherwise as the visitors failed to keep the majority of their efforts on target.
Jonjoe Kenny: 7
The Everton loanee did well against the former Liverpool starlet Ryan Kent who is usually known for his pace, power and cut insides from the left-hand flank banking on his strong dribbling traits. Kenny had an attempt on target, made timely overlapping runs, also performed his defensive duties as mentioned before.
Stephen Welsh: 7
Has been a revelation since being promoted from the academy ranks. Delivered a steady display once again in the heart of the backline, but the lack of coordination while defending set-pieces remains a concern.
Kristoffer Ajer: 6.5
Mostly concentrated on protecting the scoreline and refrained from making his usual adventurous runs from the deep. Tried to play it out from the back to build moves, however, should have done better in terms of winning duels both physically as well as aerially.
Diego Laxalt: 7.5
Had a decent game with defensive composure along with persistent marauding runs from the left-hand flank. Whipped in crosses and long balls with purpose.
Scott Brown: 6.5
Operated from the deep, made some crucial interceptions and recoveries, also conceded fouls to break down the Bears’ momentum using his experience and expertise. Lacked the pace with time and was taken off to make way for Ismaila Soro minutes before the final whistle.
Callum McGregor: 8
Was relentless with his work ethics as the chief ball carrier and forced Allan McGregor to make a crucial save around the half-hour mark. Completed the most passes and exhibited an all-round display from the middle of the park.
Ryan Christie: 6
Tried to utilize the width of the pitch but lacked creativity with the ball at his feet. Combated well in terms of winning the ball back, worked hard at both ends of the pitch but failed to produce anything spectacular.
David Turnbull: 7
Kept on creating chances while operating as a ‘number 10’. Had an attempt on target, also played a few smart one-twos with Edouard and Elyounoussi high up the pitch. Got replaced by James Forrest late in the game.
Mohamed Elyounoussi: 7.5
His diving header earned the hosts an early lead. Was denied a double by McGregor late in the first half and eventually made way for Tom Rogic late in the match.
Odsonne Edouard: 8
The Frenchman was excellent to beat the offside trap and deliver a cross from the byline for Elyounoussi who made no mistake to fire in with a diving header. Came close to score minutes after Morelos’ equalizer, but was somehow denied by McGregor at the second attempt. Had a penalty shout ruled out by the referee during the final quarter of the encounter. Made way for Leigh Griffiths with minutes remaining.
Celtic Substitutes Vs Rangers
James Forrest: 6
A good few minutes for the Scotsman who is working his way towards full fitness after a long injury layoff.
Tom Rogic: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Ismaila Soro: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Leigh Griffiths: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
