Despite losing their key midfield ace Matt O’Riley to Brighton & Hove Albion, Celtic maintain their sheer supremacy in the Premiership with a thumping 3-0 win against St Mirren at the SMISA Stadium. The midfielders were on fire as two early goals from Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate secured all three points before Alistair Johnston blasted a third in the second half.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 3-0 win against St Mirren.
Kasper Schmeichel: 7
Another comfortable outing for the veteran Dane who is yet to concede a goal in this Premiership campaign.
Alistair Johnston: 9
Played his part in the build-up of Hatate’s goal. Fired in midway through the second half after picking up Kuhn’s brilliant lay-off.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 8
Another routine performance from the USMNT centre-half who was calm on the ball, spot on with his duels and exhibited his tackling traits.
Liam Scales: 7.5
Made an array of no-nonsense clearances. Lost a few duels but was composed with his passing game. Did his best to play it out from the back as he contributed to attacking buildups.
Greg Taylor: 7.5
Although his crosses could have been more accurate at times, the Scotsman posed a constant threat and was relentless down the left with his marauding runs. Was taken off and replaced by Anthony Ralston around the 75th-minute mark soon after receiving a yellow card.
Callum McGregor: 8.5
The skipper drove the show from the base of a three-man midfield. Found the net minutes after the kick-off and dominated the game with his down-the-middle runs and vision.
Paulo Bernardo: 7.5
Started in place of O’Riley as the latter travelled south of the border to complete his Brighton transfer. Had a slow start but eventually adjusted to the demands with timely tackles and recoveries. Was combative during the duels as he received plaudits from the gaffer Brendan Rodgers while making way for Odin Thiago Holm.
Reo Hatate: 8.5
Was a constant threat in the Buddies’ box. Not only did he double the lead just over the half-hour mark but also depicted his mastery by creating the most number of chances while featuring as a box-to-box midfielder. Made way for teenage prodigy Francis Turley for the final few minutes.
James Forrest: 7.5
Set it up for McGregor early into the game. Was not always successful with his dribbling attempts, but the veteran wideman was creative enough thanks to prowess and experience high up the pitch. Was replaced by Nicolas Kuhn around the hour mark.
Daizen Maeda: 7.5
Was lively down the left with his runs, one-twos and directness. Assisted his compatriot for the Hoops’ second of the afternoon.
Adam Idah: 6.5
Had a couple of attempts denied by Ellery Balcombe in the Saints’ goal and was replaced by Kyogo Furuhashi whom he initially replaced for the ‘number 9’ role.
Celtic Subs Vs St Mirren
Nicolas Kuhn: 7.5
Made an instant impact in the attacking third. Also laid it on for Johnston who made it 3-0 in favour of the visitors.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6.5
Should have had more involvement while spearheading the attack.
Anthony Ralston: 7
A good few minutes of display from the Scotsman.
Odin Thiago Holm: 7
Impressed with his tackles, clearances, recoveries and interceptions.
Francis Turley: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
