Celtic were supposed to have a stroll in the park when they clashed heads with Ross County in Dingwall. The struggling Staggies fought extremely hard to grab a result in their own backyard, but a controversial VAR call ruined their afternoon late in the first half. Filipe Jota made no mistake from the spot, also a stellar strike from Alexandro Bernabei moments before the final whistle secured all three points for the Celts on Sunday lunchtime.
Celtic players rated in their 2-0 win against Ross County
Joe Hart: 8
Had a mix-up at the back with Carl Starfelt early into the game which the home side failed to capitalize on. But he made a massive save around the hour mark to keep the lead intact.
Alistair Johnston: 7.5
Was effective down the right with his overlapping runs, crosses and passes into the final third. Created an array of opportunities for fellow attackers.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 8.5
The USMNT centre-half was rock solid in the heart of the backline. Dominated the duels, and made timely recoveries and no-nonsense clearances to defend the narrow lead throughout the second half.
Carl Starfelt: 7.5
Despite a nervy start at the back, the Swedish centre-back showcased his experience and game-reading traits to deal with the pressure. Struggled aerially, but his sense of positioning and tacking attribute helped the Hoops register a clean sheet on the road.
Greg Taylor: 7.5
Had an effort denied by the woodwork. Forced Ross Laidlaw to make a save between the sticks minutes before Jota’s spot-kick late in the first half. Made way for Alexandro Bernabei around the 65th-minute mark.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Another routine performance from the skipper who controlled the game with his vision, movements and distribution. The absence of both Aaron Mooy and Matt O’Riley saw him restricting his game down the deep of a three-man midfield.
Matt O’Riley: 7
Won all the tackles in the centre of the pitch. But he could have done better occasionally on fifty-fifty challenges. His dribbles were unsuccessful too and the gaffer Ange Postecoglou took him off for David Turnbull late in the outing.
Tomoki Iwata: 7.5
A rare start for the Japanese midfield ace who did his job expertly with tackles, interceptions and recoveries. Helped in the attacking transitions by operating box-to-box.
Filipe Jota: 9
Another impressive game for the young Portuguese who calmly slotted home from the spot and set it up for Bernabei minutes after hitting the woodwork. Made way for Rocco Vata before the final whistle.
Daizen Maeda: 7.5
Industrious down the flank as he played his part in the build-ups with swift runs, link-up play and smart one-twos in the final third. Was replaced by Sead Haksabanovic late in the second half.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6.5
Had a couple of efforts wide. Lacked enough involvement while leading the line and the gaffer opted for Oh who offered more directness upfront.
Celtic Subs vs Ross County
Alexandro Bernabei: 7.5
Netted his first Celtic goal with a stellar strike.
David Turnbull: 7
Looked impressive in the closing stages of this intriguing contest.
Sead Haksabanovic: 6.5
Tried to show his creative spark down the wide.
Oh Hyeon-gyu: 7
Was menacing as a targetman who came close to finding the net on several occasions.
Rocco Vata: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
