Celtic were looking for their first victory under Ange Postecoglou ahead of locking horns with FK Jablonec in the Europa League third qualifying round. A defeat against Midtjylland shattered their Champions League hopes, however, they were supposed to secure a commanding with over the Czech minnows. It’s been an exciting contest and the Hoops eventually clinched an entertaining 4-2 win on the road.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their win against FK Jablonec.
Joe Hart: 5.5
Was registered just in time for tonight’s contest. Made a few decent saves, but the former England international should have done better to deny Václav Pilař’s strike that brought Jablonec back into contention.
Anthony Ralston: 7.5
Another impressive display from the academy prodigy who kept on bursting forward and creating chances from the right-hand flank. Played his part in the build-up to Christi’s late goal. Could have offered more defensively, but the young Scot is doing his level best to cement his place before a new right fullback arrives at Parkhead.
Nir Bitton: 5
His through ball set it up for Furuhashi to make it 2-0 early into the game. Should have done better though defensively as he allowed Pilař to have the run before finding the net and was erroneous once again in the closing minutes which led to an own goal. The gaffer needs to try Stephen Welsh in deep defence ahead of the Israel international.
Carl Starfelt: 6.5
Adjusting to new surroundings by trying his best to adapt Postecoglou’s free-flowing football. Had some nervy occasions, but the centre-half did well overall with timely recovery, neat passing and concentration.
Greg Taylor: 7
Kept on making marauding runs from the left, linked up well with Forrest in the attacking third and kept on whipping in crosses inside the box. Played his part in Abada’s opener.
Ismaila Soro: 7.5
Might not have dominated the midfield game, but the Hoops had more possession and the Ivorian maintained his passing accuracy all throughout. Made some timely challenges and successful dribbles to keep it lively in the middle of the park.
Callum McGregor: 8
The skipper was instrumental in attacking transitions. Carried the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas. Kept on creating chances for the attacker.
Liel Abada: 8.5
Impressed once more as he not only found the net early into the game but also assisted Forrest just over the hour mark. Made way for Tom Rogic moments later.
David Turnbull: 7
Lively from his attacking midfield role. Should be more prolific though in front of the goal as he missed a great opportunity to make it to the scoresheet. Made way for fellow countryman Ryan Christie midway through the second half.
James Forrest: 9
Settling down well on the left as he kept on combining with Taylor and McGregor. Picked up Abada’s pass and made no mistake to restore the two-goal cushion. Looked sharp with his runs and cut insides, also his cross found Christie who made no mistake to head home from close range in the final minutes.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 8
Showed enormous confidence to lift it over Hanus after picking up Bitton’s through ball. His swift footwork, flashy skills and smart runs kept the home defence on their toes. Was replaced by Odsonne Edouard just over the hour mark.
Celtic Substitutes Vs Jablonec
Odsonne Edouard: 6
Offered little since coming on. Questions might be asked about his intent amid transfer talks.
Tom Rogic: 6
Should have done better in terms of creating chances from a ‘number 10’ role.
Ryan Christie: 7
Continues to impress as he scored a late goal to reclaim the two-goal margin.
