In spite of yet another European disappointment, Celtic have maintained their sheer supremacy in the Scottish Premiership. They had little trouble this afternoon en route to scripting a routine victory against Kilmarnock, the same outfit that knocked them out of the League Cup earlier this campaign.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 3-1 win against Kilmarnock.
Joe Hart: 6
The veteran custodian had a tough time against Lazio. But he was hardly tested today until the 72nd-minute mark when Killie pulled back one via David Watson.
The right fullback was busy down the right with overlapping runs and timely defending. His crosses and shots could have been better at times.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7
After a midweek cameo versus Lazio, the USMNT centre-half is back in the starting XI replacing Nat Phillips. Showed his composure while playing the ball out from the back. Was taken off for Phillips soon after Watson’s goal.
Liam Scales: 7.5
The resurgence continues for the Irishman who was solid once again with his recoveries, blocks and interceptions. Dominated the aerial duels and exhibited his passing accuracy alongside Carter-Vickers.
Greg Taylor: 8
Lively down the left with marauding runs and passes into the final third. Linked up well with Luis Palma in and around the attacking third. Was unfortunate not to be rewarded with a free-kick before the Kilmarnock goal. But he compensated in the closing minutes by finding the net from Maeda’s corner.
Callum McGregor: 8.5
Set it up for Hatate who drew the first blood midway through the first half. His dribbles, long balls and down-the-middle runs often created opportunities for his teammates.
Matt O’Riley: 8
Kept on creating chances with his box-to-box movements, link-up play and crosses. Made an array of recoveries in midfield before scripting attacking transitions. Was replaced by Odin Thiago Holm minutes before the final whistle.
Reo Hatate: 9
Excellent in the middle of the park as he posed a constant threat in the Kilmarnock half. Not only found the net early into the game but also laid it on for Palma who doubled the lead just over the half-hour mark.
Daizen Maeda: 7.5
Registered an assist late in the match as his corner fell favourably for Taylor who made no mistake to restore the two-goal cushion. Worked his socks off while featuring from the flank. Was taken off for Hyun-Jun Yang late in the game.
Luis Palma: 8
Another promising performance from the Honduran who showcased his exquisite finishing trait by smashing the top left corner. Made way for James Forrest midway through the second half.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6
A quiet afternoon for the Japanese hitman who hardly had an impact high up the pitch. Was replaced by Hyun-Gyu Oh in the closing minutes.
Celtic Subs vs Kilmarnock
Nat Phillips: 7
Calmed things down in the heart of the backline.
James Forrest: 6.5
Tested Will Dennis in the Killie goal.
Odin Thiago Holm: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Hyun-Jun Yang: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Hyun-Gyu Oh: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
