Celtic, far from their best, were under serious threat when St. Johnstone fired in an injury-time equalizer. However, Giorgos Giakoumakis rescued the Hoops as he restored the lead moments before the final whistle. A sigh of relief for Ange Postecoglou after a 3-1 midweek defeat against RB Leipzig.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their edgy 2-1 win against St. Johnstone.
Joe Hart: 7
His howler cost the Bhoys a result in Germany, but the veteran Englishman was spot on this afternoon with a couple of crucial saves. Could have done little to stop Alexander Mitchell from finding the net.
Anthony Ralston: 7.5
Was handed a start in place of Josip Juranovic. The right fullback enjoyed his minutes with timely overlapping runs as well as tackles, clearances and interceptions.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Returned to action after a brief injury layoff. Dominated the aerial duels and showed his composure while playing it out from the back.
Stephen Welsh: 7.5
Retained his place in the heart of the backline. Completed the most passes during the contest. Was in the right place at the right time which helped him recover possession despite losing duels.
Alexandro Bernabei: 8.5
A rare start for the Argentine in place of Greg Taylor who was rested for their trip to McDiarmid Park. And the left fullback grabbed his opportunity as he not only posed a constant threat but also set it up for Giakoumakis in the dying seconds.
Matt O’Riley: 7.5
Mostly operated as a double pivot alongside Hatate. Made a decent impact in terms of creating chances and carrying the ball forward. Made way for Oliver Abildgaard midway through the second half.
Reo Hatate: 7.5
Lively in the centre of the pitch as he kept on making down-the-middle runs. Linked up well high up the pitch and played his part in the build-up that led to Andrew Considine’s own goal. Was replaced by Aaron Mooy midway through the second half.
Liel Abada: 6.5
Wasted a couple of great chances down the right-hand flank. Tested Remi Matthews between the sticks but was eventually taken off for James Forrest.
Sead Haksabanovic: 8
Impressed as a midfield attacker. Contributed to Considine’s own goal with a cross and his flair in the attacking third caused menace in the hosts’ defensive third. Was replaced by James McCarthy in the closing minutes.
Filipe Jota: 6
Was not at his best while operating from the flank. The gaffer took him off at half-time in favour of Daizen Maeda.
Giorgos Giakoumakis: 7.5
Did not have many touches high up the pitch. However, his decisive strike ensured all three points for the Glasgow giants.
Celtic Subs vs St. Johnstone
Daizen Maeda: 6
Worked hard down the right, but he offered little creativity in the final third.
Aaron Mooy: 6
Failed to make any noteworthy contribution since entering the pitch.
James Forrest: 6
Did not have many touches since coming on as a second-half substitute.
Oliver Abildgaard: 6.5
Tried to calm things down in the middle of the park.
James McCarthy: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
