Despite having a nine-point cushion at the top of the Premiership standings, Celtic had to avoid an upset this afternoon when they hosted bitter rivals Rangers at the Paradise. The Gers had to go for all three points to stay relevant in the title race, but their frailty at the back cost them the game. The heroics of skipper James Tavernier went in vain as the Hoops clinched a 3-2 victory thanks to a brace from Kyogo Furuhashi and the decisive goal from Filipe Jota, capitalising on John Souttar’s mistake.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their win against Rangers.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Made some routine saves, but he could have done little to stop Tavernier on both occasions.
Alistair Johnston: 7.5
Another impressive performance from the right fullback who kept on making marauding runs to contribute upfront. Also played his part in the defensive third with timely challenges and blocks.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7
Looked a bit rusty early on. But he settled down with time and delivered a rock-solid performance in the heart of the backline.
Carl Starfelt: 7
Struggled aerially at times, but he showed his composure with his passing and positioning alongside Carter-Vickers.
Greg Taylor: 7.5
Was a constant threat down the left with several successful dribbling attempts. Whipped in crosses and played an array of passes into the final third.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Was not as smooth as he normally is. Lost a few duels and looked rusty with his tackles. But his recoveries and distribution helped him pull the strings in the middle of the park.
Matt O’Riley: 8
Linked up well with Maeda down the left before setting it up for Furuhashi to break the deadlock midway through the first half. Made way for Hyun-Gyu Oh late in the contest.
Aaron Mooy: 6.5
Returned to the starting lineup shaking off an injury problem, but the Aussie veteran looked off-paced and out of depth before making way for Tomoki Iwata around the hour mark.
Filipe Jota: 8.5
Scintillating down the right-hand flank with his Swift runs and flair. Laid it on for Furuhashi to restore the lead and then scored 10 minutes later which eventually proved to be the winning goal. Was replaced by Sead Haksabanovic for the final 15 minutes.
Daizen Maeda: 6.5
Played his part in the build-up of Furuhashi’s opening goal. But he struggled to win duels as well as failed with his dribbling attempt. Could not cope up with the physical demands and was replaced by Alexandro Bernabei minutes before the final whistle.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 9
A nemesis for the Gers as he scored twice exhibiting his exquisite finishing attribute. A last-ditch block from Davies denied him a hat-trick midway through the second half. Got replaced by David Turnbull late in the fixture.
Celtic Subs vs Rangers
Tomoki Iwata: 6.5
Tried to calm things down and dominate possession since replacing Mooy in the centre of the pitch.
Sead Haksabanovic: 6
Offered little down the wide other than a few one-twos and link-up play.
Hyun-Gyu Oh: 5.5
Was hardly involved high up the pitch since replacing O’Riley.
Alexandro Bernabei: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
David Turnbull: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
