Celtic were supposed to have a stroll in the park this afternoon against Dundee United, particularly after a thumping 9-0 victory on the road in the reverse contest. But the outing at Parkhead proved to be far more competitive even though the Hoops clinched a 4-2 win, thanks to a late strike from Kyogo Furuhashi. Liel Abada scored moments later in the injury time to seal all three points from this gruelling encounter.
Celtic players rated in their 4-2 win against Dundee United.
Joe Hart: 6
Could have done little to stop both goals. Was beaten once by Glenn Middleton whose shot was cleared off the line by Greg Taylor. Ryan Edwards’ header hit the woodwork from the resulting corner.
Anthony Ralston: 8
Was lively down the right-hand flank as he forced Mark Birighitti to make a save. Made a massive contribution by setting the goal up for Furuhashi in the closing minutes of the game.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Returned to action after recovering from a minor knock and mostly had it under control in the defensive third. Was a bit rusty with his tackles and lost a few ground duels. But his overall presence in the heart of the backline brings composure to Celtic’s game.
Moritz Jenz: 7
Struggled aerially against the likes of Jamie McGrath and Steven Fletcher. Looked impressive with his passing game while playing it out from the back.
Alexandro Bernabei: 5.5
Another underwhelming performance from the Argentine left fullback who conceded a penalty early into the contest. Was vulnerable defensively and the gaffer decided to replace him at half-time with Taylor.
Matt O’Riley: 8.5
Had an excellent occasion in the centre of the pitch as he played his part in the build-ups to Sead Haksabanovic’s brace. Assisted Abada in the final moments of the match that assured all three points despite a late scare.
Reo Hatate: 7.5
Although he was not always accurate with his passes and final balls, the liveliness and work ethic in the middle of the park helped Celtic dominate possession and pull the strings all throughout.
David Turnbull: 7.5
Carried the ball forward to operate in the advanced areas of the pitch and tested the United keeper between the sticks. Was replaced by Daizen Maeda minutes before the final whistle.
Sead Haksabanovic: 9
Was struggling to find the net so far this term, but the first-half brace must boost his confidence for the remainder of the campaign. Was taken off midway through the second half as he made way for Liel Abada.
Filipe Jota: 8
Assisted Haksabanovic early into the match. Posed a constant threat down the left with his dribbles, crosses and cut insides. Was replaced by James Forrest with 15 minutes remaining of the regulation time.
Giorgos Giakoumakis: 7.5
Could not score a goal but he laid it on for Haksabanovic who made it 2-1 minutes over the half-hour mark. Was taken off for Kyogo Furuhashi in the second half.
Celtic Subs vs Dundee United
Greg Taylor: 8
Made a massive goalline clearance when the Tangerines were pushing for goals.
Liel Abada: 7.5
Fired in the closing seconds to secure a hard-fought win.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 7.5
His poaching attribute made the difference once again around the 90th-minute mark.
James Forrest: 6.5
Added freshness and firepower in the attacking third.
Daizen Maeda: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
