High-flying Celtic are on the verge of reclaiming the Scottish crown following last weekend’s derby triumph. The upbeat Hoops hosted St Johnstone this afternoon, and the struggling Saints failed miserably in a dreadful 7-0 defeat at Celtic Park.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their thumping win versus St. Johnstone.
Joe Hart: 7
A comfortable outing for the English custodian who was hardly tested between the sticks en route to clinching a clean sheet against Callum Davidson’s men.
Josip Juranovic: 8.5
Reliable from the spot, the Croatian slotted home to make it 4-0 after Reo Hatate was brought down inside the box minutes into the second half. Assisted Matt O’Riley for his second of the afternoon.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Had great composure with the ball at his feet. Played it out from the back with little trouble from the Saints attacker. Made some quick recoveries to maintain the command.
Carl Starfelt: 7.5
Showed his supremacy in the air while engaging in duels. Also exhibited his passing expertise alongside Carter-Vickers. Was in the right place at the right time to keep things calm in the heart of the backline.
Greg Taylor: 8
The Scotsman looked lively down the left-hand flank with his marauding runs and cut-backs. Set it up beautifully for Hatate who made no mistake to slot home early into the game.
Callum McGregor: 8
Pulled the plugs from his usual deep-lying midfield role. Depicted his vision by switching the play and finding his teammates across the pitch. Was replaced by James McCarthy ahead of the final quarter.
Reo Hatate: 8.5
Was not at his best at Ibrox. But the Japanese midfield ace showed his expertise with box-to-box movements and late runs inside the box. Found the net to make it 1-0; also won a penalty after being brought down inside the box. Made way for David Turnbull minutes before the hour mark.
Tom Rogic: 7
His down the middle runs and dribbles often opened up space in the Saints’ half. Ange Postecoglou took him off at half-time in favour of O’Riley.
Filipe Jota: 8
Started down the right but was shifted on the other flank following Abada’s introduction. Kept on causing menace with his swift footwork and cut insides. His pinpoint cross was converted by Maeda to make it 3-0 around the 36th-minute mark. Was eventually taken off for Kyogo Furuhashi who made his much-awaited injury return.
Daizen Maeda: 8.5
His immense work rate and pressing paid off in the build-up of Giakoumakis’ goal. He then headed home from Jota’s cross showing his poaching traits as a ‘number 9’. Registered an assist late in the match for Abada’s strike.
Giorgos Giakoumakis: 7.5
Made no mistake to make it 2-0 with a smart two-touch finish. Was forced to leave the pitch with an injury soon after finding the net. Liel Abda replaced him in the attacking third.
Celtic Subs Vs St. Johnstone
Liel Abada: 8
Made it 7-0 for the Celts with a stellar strike. Came close to making it eight in the closing minutes of the contest.
Matt O’Riley: 8.5
Scored a brace in quick succession after coming on as a second-half substitute.
David Turnbull: 8
More minutes for the Scotsman who made his presence known by assisting O’Riley from a decent cross.
James McCarthy: 7
Rare minutes for the veteran midfielder as the gaffer decided to bring him on to replace the ever-present McGregor.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 7.5
Received massive applause from the Parkhead faithful as he made his return from a long injury layoff. Played his part in the build-up to Abada’s goal. Missed the target narrowly moments later.
