Celtic returned to Tannadice this afternoon after a thumping 9-0 victory against Dundee United earlier this campaign. The hosts looked more resilient this evening compared to the previous meeting, but the deadlock was finally broken with two goals in quick succession early into the second half. The Tangerines could not script a comeback and suffered their third league defeat of the campaign versus the champions of Scotland.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 2-0 win against Dundee United.
Joe Hart: 7
Made some routine saves en route to grabbing yet another clean sheet, his fifth in a row since conceding twice against Rangers earlier this month.
Alistair Johnston: 7.5
Kept on feeding the ball for the attackers with his timely overlapping runs, crosses and cut insides from the right-hand flank.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Returned to the starting XI recovering from a minor knock. Showed his composure in deep defence as he kept on playing it out from the back with sheer accuracy. Won the duels against Steven Fletcher, and also made some crucial clearances and interceptions under pressure.
Carl Starfelt: 7.5
Was in the right place at the right time while partnering Carter-Vickers in the heart of the backline. Looked a bit rusty with his tackles, but he was combative while engaging in duels and challenges.
Greg Taylor: 7
Returned to action after weeks of injury absence. Picked up momentum with time as he did his best to whip in crosses and passes into the final third. Lost the majority of duels and got dispossessed twice. But he exhibited his energy and effectiveness down the left-hand side.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
A win on his 400th Celtic appearance must be the icing on the cake for the skipper. The Scotsman dominated the game by pulling the strings from his deep-lying role. His efficiency as a ‘number 6’ allowed Hatate and Mooy acres of space in the centre of the pitch.
Aaron Mooy: 8.5
Enjoying a blistering run of form as he not only set it up perfectly for Jota to open the account but also converted from the spot to make it 2-0 minutes later. Made way for David Turnbull midway through the second half.
Reo Hatate: 7
Worked hard in midfield with relentless runs and link-up play in and around the attacking third. Carried the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas. Was taken off for Matt O’Riley midway through the second half.
Liel Abada: 6.5
Combined well with Mooy and Johnston down the right wing. Scored a hat-trick at Tannadice during the previous tie, but he failed to leave an impact this time around before making way for Sead Haksabanovic late in the match.
Filipe Jota: 8
Threatened Mark Birighitti time and again with his shooting. Caused a menace in the United defence with his pace, flair and swift runs. Headed home from the tightest of angles at the far post to break the deadlock. Got replaced by Daizen Maeda midway through the second half.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6.5
Tested the keeper once, but his other attempts were off-target. Missed a great scoring opportunity, but he should have offered more in the build-ups before making way for the debutant Hyun-Gyu Oh late in the contest.
Celtic Subs Vs Dundee United
David Turnbull: 7
Made his presence known in midfield with his creative spark and vision.
Matt O’Riley: 7
Good few minutes for the midfielder who has lately lost his starting status to Mooy.
Daizen Maeda: 7
Left an impact as he came close to finding the net on a few occasions.
Sead Haksabanovic: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Hyun-Gyu Oh: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
