Despite an untimely exit from the Champions League, Celtic bounced back with emphatic wins against Hibernian and Motherwell. They traveled to Tynecastle this afternoon to lock horns with Hearts and despite the hosts’ best efforts to salvage a result, this Premiership fixture ended 4-3 in favour of the visitors.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their thrilling 4-3 win against Hearts.
Joe Hart: 6
Made some decent saves early into the contest. Could have done little to stop Lawrence Shankland from scoring a hat trick. Saved his second penalty initially but failed to do so from the retake.
Anthony Ralston: 6.5
Did extremely well in the buildup of James Forrest’s opener. Found the net minutes later, but the goal was ruled out by the newly-introduced VAR.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 6.5
A rare mistake from the USMNT international who conceded a penalty in the closing minutes of the first half. Was composed otherwise in terms of winning duels and playing it out from the back.
Moritz Jenz: 6
Was unfortunate with the booking. Looked nervy in deep defence against the home side’s press and directness. Conceded a penalty similar to his central defensive partner which allowed Shankland to find his second from the spot.
Alexandro Bernabei: 5.5
An afternoon to forget for the young Argentine who was never settled down the left-hand side. Was at fault during Shakland’s second soon after the break and was eventually taken off for Greg Taylor midway through the second half.
Matt O’Riley: 6.5
Struggled to control the game in the middle of the park despite some timely tackles, crucial recoveries and forward passes. The ‘number six’ role does not suit his game.
Aaron Mooy: 8.5
A bit slow at times while tracking back, but the veteran Aussie playmaker made an impact by setting up Giakoumakis’ goal. Also played his part in Maeda’s goal moments later.
Reo Hatate: 6.5
Hatate, too, failed to dominate the show with his pace and swift box-to-box movements. Kept on getting dispossessed in the centre of the pitch. Was replaced by Oliver Abligaard in the closing seconds.
James Forrest: 7.5
Made no mistake in heading home from a very close range. Was denied by Craig Gordon on the other occasion. Made way for Liel Abada midway through the second half.
Daizen Maeda: 8
Found the target to make it 3-3 around the hour mark. Worked hard down the wide before making way for Sead Haksabanovic around the 66th-minute mark.
Giorgos Giakoumakis: 7.5
Showed his poaching trait by finding the target from Mooy’s corner. Looked effective despite limited touches in the attacking third.
Celtic Subs vs Hearts
Greg Taylor: 7.5
Made an instant impact by finding the target. His goal proved to be the winner in this seven-goal thriller.
Liel Abada: 7
Played his part in Taylor’s winner. Had a goal ruled out by VAR before the final whistle.
Sead Haksabanovic: 6.5
Looked lively since coming on with his flair and finesse from the flank.
Oliver Abligaard: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
