High-flying Celtic hosted Aberdeen this afternoon in a crucial Premiership encounter. They were firm favourites to clinch all three points given the ongoing crisis in the Dons’ camp and the goals from skipper Callum McGregor, Liel Abada along with Reo Hatate’s brace ensured the same ahead of next weekend’s massive Old Firm clash in the League Cup final.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 4-0 win against Aberdeen.
Joe Hart: 7
Was hardly tested between the sticks as the veteran Englishman faced little trouble en route to grabbing a clean sheet.
Alistair Johnston: 7.5
Looked composed in the defensive third. Made timely overlapping runs and whipped in crosses inside the box from the right-hand flank.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 8
Although the Dons posed little threat in the Celtic half, the USMNT centre-half maintained his focus while playing it out from the back. Made his physical as well as aerial presence known against the in-form Bojan Miovski and Luís Lopes.
Carl Starfelt: 8
Was in the right place at the right time while partnering with Carter-Vickers in the heart of the backline. Played plenty of passes, made key recoveries and won the majority of duels throughout the contest.
Greg Taylor: 8.5
Played his part in the build-ups of both goals. Was relentless down the left with his marauding runs, cut-insides, crosses and link-up play.
Callum McGregor: 8.5
A stellar half-volley from the skipper saw the Hoops opening the account moments after the kick-off. Showed his expertise as a ‘number 6’ as he pulled the strings and drove the show with ease.
Matt O’Riley: 8
Created a great opportunity for Oh early into the match. Dominated the space and his box-to-box movements often troubled the Dons’ defence. His goal-bound attempt following a Cruyff turn was denied by Jay Gorter minutes before the break.
Reo Hatate: 9
Another inspiring performance from the Japanese playmaker who not only scored a brace but also kept on creating chances with his one-twos and creativity.
Jota: 7.5
Excellent from the flank with his swift skills and footwork. Should have found the net as he missed an array of opportunities throughout the game. Made way for Liel Abada midway through the second half.
Daizen Maeda: 7.5
Came close to firing goals on a number of occasions. But he worked extremely hard to accelerate the transitions. Was taken off for Sead Haksabanovic midway through the second half.
Oh Hyeon-gyu: 7
Was handed his first start ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi. His pace and touches were causing menace in the Aberdeen box. But he could not add a goal to his name before being replaced by Kyogo Furuhashi.
Celtic Subs Vs Aberdeen
Liel Abada: 7.5
Made it 4-0 in the closing minutes of the fixture.
Sead Haksabanovic: 7.5
Had a few chances before setting it up perfectly for Abada to make it 4-0.
Tomoki Iwata: 6.5
A good few minutes for the Japanese ace in the middle of the park.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6
Much-needed gametime for the hitman before next weekend’s thrilling battle.
James Forrest:
Played too little to warrant a rating.
