A dreadful defeat last week against Livingston raised questions over Ange Postecoglou’s credibility as the new Celtic chief. The Hoops had to clinch a victory this afternoon versus Dundee United, but the 1-1 draw at Parkhead complicates things further ahead of hosting mighty Bayer Leverkusen.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their disappointing draw against Dundee United.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Made some timely saves but could have done little to stop Ian Harkes moments after Abada’s early opener. Did well with his passing and distribution from the last line of defence.
Anthony Ralston: 6
Was completely outdone by Ilmari Niskanen who whipped in the cross for Harkes’ equalizer. Was effective otherwise with his marauding runs and crosses from the right-hand flank.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7
Dominated the defensive game with his physicality and aerial supremacy. His recoveries and interceptions were crucial, particularly when the visitors threatened with their quick transitions.
Carl Starfelt: 6
Was not well positioned when Niskanen crossed in for Harkes. Completed the most passes out from the back, but the composure was missing again in the heart of the defensive line.
Josip Juranovic: 6.5
Featured as a makeshift left fullback and started aggressively with his overlapping runs, cut insides and shots. But was forced to leave the pitch midway through the second half with an injury. Adam Montgomery was brought in to replace the Croatian.
James McCarthy: 6
Struggled to retain possession at the centre of the pitch. Got dispossessed once and was a bit rusty while making challenges. Was taken off at the break for Ismaila Soro.
Tom Rogic: 8
His footwork was excellent, kept on creating chances with his trademark dribbling and through balls. It was not his day either as a header hit the woodwork late in the match.
David Turnbull: 7.5
His lethal strike hit the bar moments before the half-time whistle. A few more attempts were off target, but the Scotsman tried to make a difference with down the middle runs and link-up play.
Liel Abada: 8
Headed home from Jota’s cross early into the game. Got denied by Benjamin Siegrist in the Tangerines goal, had a few more opportunities as well from which he should have scored.
Filipe Jota: 8.5
Effective all throughout with his tricky skills, stepovers, cutbacks and directness from the left-hand flank. Set it up for Abada with a perfect cross. Could have had the winner in the injury time, but his strike hit the woodwork similar to Rogic and Turnbull.
Albian Ajeti: 5
Shocking once again as he not only had the least number of touches but also missed sitters including an open goal from a yard out seconds after United’s equalizer.
Celtic Subs Vs Dundee United
Adam Montgomery: 7
Impressive with his liveliness, pace and fearless efforts along with overlapping runs.
Ismaila Soro: 6.5
Tried to retain possession and calm things down in the middle of the park.
