Celtic stars Carl Starfelt and Daizen Maeda recovered in time to make it to Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI against Hibernian. But the gaffer missed the services of Aaron Mooy and Tomoki Iwata due to fresh injury concerns. That did not stop them from clinching a Premiership win at Parkhead despite early jitters versus the ten-man Hibs. They came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory and restore the nine-point cushion at the top of the Premiership standings.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their win against Hibernian.
Joe Hart: 6
Could have done little to stop Josh Campbell’s spot-kick late in the first half. Was hardly tested otherwise as the visitors had no option but to defend deep and protect the lead with a man down for the majority of the match.
Alistair Johnston: 7
Tried to get involved in the attacking build-ups. But his dribbling attempts and crosses were mostly unsuccessful and inaccurate. Did well though in terms of combining with Jota down the right-hand flank.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Showed his composure with the ball at his feet. Won a penalty that brought the Bhoys back in the game early into the second half. Won the duels and was quick to make recoveries deep down the field.
Carl Starfelt: 6.5
His mistake led to a penalty for Hibs against the run of play. Improved his game in the second half and was also denied by the woodwork following a heading attempt.
Greg Taylor: 7
Played long balls and whipped in crosses from the left-hand flank. Was replaced by Alexandro Bernabei around the hour mark who offered more pace and flair high up the pitch.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Pulled the strings from his central midfield role. Dominated possession and used his vision to create chances as a deep-lying playmaker.
Matt O’Riley: 7
Was denied by David Marshall in the Hibernian goal. Carried the ball forward to operate in the advanced areas of the pitch. Was taken off around the hour mark for ‘super sub’ Oh Hyeon-Gyu.
Reo Hatate: 6
Started the game but was taken off after 13 minutes with an injury. David Turnbull replaced him in the middle of the park.
Filipe Jota: 8
Was lively down the wide as he kept on causing menace in the opponents’ half with his crosses, dribbles, cut insides, shooting and link-up football. It was not the best of kicks, yet he managed to find an equalizer from the spot.
Daizen Maeda: 6.5
Was successful with his dribbling attempts but he should have done better with his final delivery. Made way for Liel Abada around the hour mark.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 7
All his goal-bound efforts were denied by Marshall. But his movements inside the box created space for fellow attackers. Was replaced by Sead Haksabanovic for the final few minutes.
Celtic Subs Vs Hibernian
David Turnbull: 8
Grabbed his opportunity expertly as he set it up for both Oh and Haksabanovic to cement a victory.
Alexandro Bernabei: 7
His pace and flair kept the Hibs’ defence on their toes.
Liel Abada: 7
Offered more directness in the attacking third in search of a winner.
Oh Hyeon-gyu: 7.5
Scored the most crucial goal of his Celtic career when he headed home spectacularly to earn them a lead late in the match.
Sead Haksabanovic: 7
His stellar strike from the left secured all three points from this edgy contest.
