A late header of Leigh Griffiths sealed all three points against Rosenborg BK in their midweek Europa League tie, but Celtic have been a mere shadow of their earlier self so far and struggling in Premiership despite being favourites to clinch it for the eighth successive time. The Hoops settled for a futile scoreless draw against new boys St Mirren last week and once again failed miserably on the road this afternoon allowing Kilmarnock to script a comeback with a 2-1 win at Rugby Park.
Below are the Celtic FC players rated in their disastrous defeat against Killie.
Craig Gordon: 6
The Scotsman made some routine stops early in the game but could have done little to stop either of Kilmarnock’s goals which stunned him and his side this afternoon.
Mikael Lustig: 6
Nothing exceptional from the right fullback who had some decent runs going forward. Whipped in crosses and also played some one-twos and link-up play using the width of the pitch which, however, lacked end results and failed to contribute to Celtic’s attacking flair.
Dedryck Boyata: 6.5
The Belgium international performed his defensive duties well but struggled at times while dealing with long balls. Saw his effort denied by Jamie MacDonald in Killie goal at the other end.
Jack Hendry: 5
Was a late inclusion in place of Filip Benkovic but the youngster had a nightmarish match as he should have done a lot better defensively in both of Killie goals.
Kieran Tierney: 6.5
Was lively down the left flank with his usual overlap runs, crosses to create multiple goal-scoring opportunities. Should have done better defensively at times which, however, has been his weakness for quite a while now.
Scott Brown: 6
The skipper was having a comfortable afternoon which ended up in a catastrophe as he failed to keep possession and drive his boys from the centre of the pitch. Killie were pressing hard to win the ball back, and they succeeded with an overwhelming second-half show.
Youssuf Mulumbu: 7
Was handed a start against his former club in place of suspended Olivier Ntcham. The veteran midfield star did a fair job against his ex-employers and tried to take the ball out and create chances from midfield. His teammates, however, let him down and Mulumbu was taken off to be replaced by Callum McGregor minutes after Chris Burke’s equaliser.
Michael Johnston: 5.5
The youngster showed lots of promises in recent games but was mostly quiet this afternoon except a few decent runs down the right flank. Was replaced by Odsonne Edouard late in the game.
Ryan Christie: 6.5
Looked promising in an attacking midfield role, created a few chances but lacked enough creativity when it mattered the most. A rare start for the Scotsman but showed he deserves more game-time having been handed a fringe status so far upon his return from a successful loan stint with Aberdeen.
Scott Sinclair: 5.5
Was a disappointment as he should have grabbed this chance to ensure a starting slot having been lost it to Callum McGregor in recent months. Had a few tricky runs and successful dribbles but his final deliveries lacked accuracy and versatility. Was replaced by Lewis Morgan right after Killie’s equaliser.
Leigh Griffiths: 6.5
His set-pieces were often troubling the hosts and also handed the Bhoys a first-half lead. He, however, had a quiet second half and failed to ensure a victory due to lack of chances inside the box.
Substitutes
Lewis Morgan: 6
Tried to add more threat upfront in search of a winner but ended up on the losing side following a late strike from Stuart Findlay.
Callum McGregor: 6
Came in place of Mulumbu to add more attacking intent from midfield. The hosts, however, defended well and did not allow the champions to cause enough menace in their defensive third.
Odsonne Edouard: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
