Celtic named an unchanged lineup this afternoon against St Mirren following last weekend’s League Cup triumph by defeating Rangers. The Buddies are the only side to beat the Hoops so far this season and an early goal from Mark O’Hara earned them a perfect start in their own backyard. However, a marching order to Charles Dunne shifted the momentum and the ruthless Hoops scored five past the ten-man hosts in the second half.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 5-1 win against St Mirren.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Could have done little to stop O’Hara’s strike from the spot. Did well to come out and deal with a dangerous-looking cross minutes after the opener. But was rarely tested since St Mirren went down to ten men.
Alistair Johnston: 8
An exquisite performance from the Canadian who was relentless with his attacking runs and crosses from the right-hand flank. Headed home his first Celtic goal from Mooy’s free-kick around the hour mark.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Had some nervy occasions early into the game. But he settled down well by making recoveries and winning duels. Showed his passing composure once again from the deep defence.
Carl Starfelt: 7.5
Struggled aerially at times, but was in the right place at the right time to handle the pressure. Made some crucial interceptions and no-nonsense clearances.
Greg Taylor: 7
Was unlucky to concede a penalty early into the game when the ball hit his hand. His crosses lacked accuracy, but he kept on causing menace with his overlapping runs, cut insides, link-up play and passes into the final third.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Could have shown more effort at times for the 50-50 challenges. But he maintained his discipline and calmness while pulling the strings from his ‘number 6’ role.
Aaron Mooy: 8.5
Another majestic display from the Aussie veteran who set it up for Johnston and Abada to find the net. Also, he played his part in the build-up to Jota’s equalizer. Made way for Tomoki Iwata late in the match.
Reo Hatate: 7.5
Carried the ball forward from the deep with his lively runs, smart one-twos and swift passing moves. Made way for Matt O’Riley midway through the second half.
Filipe Jota: 8
Fired in minutes before the hour mark to make it 1-1. Not all his dribbling attempts were successful, but he kept the Buddies on their toes with his flashy skills and footwork. Was replaced by Sead Haksabanovic around the 71st-minute mark.
Daizen Maeda: 6
Struggled down the left both in terms of duels and dribbles. Was taken off at half-time for Liel Abada which looked like a tactical alteration by Ange Postecoglou.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 7
Could not make a scoring impact as he did last week in the Old Firm clash. However, he drew a foul outside the box that led to Dunne’s dismissal. Got replaced by Oh midway through the second half.
Celtic Subs vs St Mirren
Liel Abada: 8.5
Made an instant impact by smashing the ball into the back of the net. Laid on for O’Riley a couple of minutes later.
Matt O’Riley: 7.5
Slotted home from Abada’s pass to make it 4-1 minutes after his introduction in place of Hatate.
Oh Hyeon-gyu: 7.5
Won a penalty and converted from the spot to secure a 5-1 triumph for the Bhoys.
Sead Haksabanovic: 6.5
Exhibited his pace and dribbling expertise late in the game.
Tomoki Iwata: 6.5
Enjoyed his time on the pitch since replacing Mooy.
