High-flying Celtic hosted Hearts this afternoon intending to maintain their winning streak across competitions. Also, they kept clean sheets in all four league outings before the international break. A 3-0 Old Firm triumph showed their sheer supremacy in the Premiership, and the Hoops exhibited another committed performance by scripting a routine 2-0 victory, thanks to second-half goals from summer signings Arne Engels and Luke McCowan.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 1-0 win against Hearts.
Kasper Schmeichel: 7
Made some timely saves including one in the closing minutes to deny Musa Drammeh. It’s now the fifth successive league clean sheet for the veteran Dane.
Alistair Johnston: 7
Limped off for Canada during the international break but recovered on time for this afternoon’s clash. Got dispossessed a few times but he balanced his game between defence and attack.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 8
Calm and composed display from the USMNT international who won the majority of duels and showed his distribution traits while playing it out from the back.
Liam Scales: 7.5
Was fortunate not to concede a penalty after VAR ruled out the referee’s decision around the half-hour mark. Had a good time otherwise with no-nonsense clearances and a smart passing game from the heart of the backline.
Greg Taylor: 7.5
Made several recoveries down the left as he tracked back on most occasions despite making persistent runs to help the attackers. Whipped in a few crosses and long balls from the flank.
Callum McGregor: 8
No long-range stunner this time but the skipper dominated the midfield game with his vision, distribution and down-the-middle movements. Broke down the Jambos’ attacking moves from the midfield base.
Arne Engels: 8.5
Exquisite from the Belgian on his first start in Celtic colours. Hit the woodwork early into the game but he eventually broke the deadlock with a composed spot-kick minutes after the break. Made way for McCowan with 10 minutes remaining.
Reo Hatate: 7.5
Worked hard in the centre of the pitch as his swift runs and link-up play often opened up space in Hearts’ defence. Regained possession time and again before making way for Paulo Bernardo midway through the second half.
Nicolas Kuhn: 8
Was lively down the right with his dribbles, one-twos and creative spark. Forced Craig Gordon to make a save, and also kept on creating changes for his teammates. Was taken off alongside Hatate in favour of James Forrest.
Daizen Maeda: 7
Covered a lot of space but he lacked the finishing touch while playing the final ball or finding the target. Made way for Luis Palma around the 80th-minute mark.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6.5
Struggled physically high up the pitch. Had a few chances while spearheading the attack but the Japanese hitman had a rare blank in the Hoops colours. Made way for Adam Idah midway through the second half.
Celtic Subs Vs Hearts
Paulo Bernardo: 7
A decent cameo from the young Portuguese who showed patience and calmness with the ball on his feet.
James Forrest: 7.5
The experienced Scotsman set it up for McCowan in the closing minutes.
Adam Idah: 6
Idah, too, lacked involvement since replacing Furuhashi.
Luke McCowan: 7.5
Fired in to double the lead and seal all three points for the Bhoys.
Luis Palma: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
