Celtic, the champions of Scotland, began their title defence this afternoon against Aberdeen. It just took them two minutes to find the net when Stephen Welsh headed home from Matt O’Riley’s corner and the lead was doubled by Filipe Jota with a stellar strike late in the game.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their commanding 2-0 win against Aberdeen.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Had a comfortable outing between the sticks except for a routine first-half save to deny Matty Kennedy. Made a mix-up early on that was almost capitalized by ex-Hoops attacker Jonny Hayes. Tipped Callum McGregor’s late defensive header over the bar.
Josip Juranovic: 8
Excellent down the right with marauding runs, crosses and link-up play. Had a decent effort on target which, however, was stopped by Kelle Roos with a diving save. Made way for Anthony Ralston late in the match.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Dominated the aerial duels and allowed the Dons little space inside the Celtic box. Played it out from the back to instigate swift attacking movements.
Stephen Welsh: 8
Started in the heart of the backline amid injuries to Carl Starfelt and Moritz Jenz. Made an instant impact as his header earned the Hoops an early opener. Did well defensively in terms of positioning and concentration.
Greg Taylor: 7
Another balanced display from the left with timely overlapping runs and trackbacks against Kennedy. Won the most number of duels and made swift recoveries despite getting dribbled past on a few occasions.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Orchestrated the show as a deep-lying playmaker. Made some crucial tackles and challenges to break down Aberdeen’s build-ups. Another commanding display from the skipper.
Reo Hatate: 7.5
The workaholic midfield ace kept on carrying the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas. Used the pockets well, and also exhibited his creative spark in and around the visitors’ box. Was forced to leave the pitch with an injury as he made way for David Turnbull midway through the second half.
Matt O’Riley: 8
Assisted Welsh with a corner and showed his composure all throughout. Kept on creating chances and testing the Dons keeper. Received plaudits from the fans while making way for debutant Aaron Mooy late in the contest.
Filipe Jota: 8.5
Lively all throughout down the flanks. Came close to finding the net repeatedly before doubling the lead with an outrageous long-range effort.
Daizen Maeda: 6.5
Made his presence known high up the pitch but struggled at times against Aberdeen’s physicality. Left the pitch minutes over the hour mark to be replaced by Liel Abada.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 7
Missed some chances while leading the line. Looked sharp, though, with his movements and swift footwork. Was taken off for Giorgos Giakoumakis in the second half.
Celtic Subs Vs Aberdeen
Giorgos Giakoumakis: 6.5
Had some massive chances in the closing minutes. But the Greek centre-forward failed to find the target on all occasions.
Liel Abada: 7
Tested Roos in Aberdeen goal soon after entering the pitch.
David Turnbull: 7
Registered an assist by setting it up for Jota.
Anthony Ralston: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Aaron Mooy: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
