A staggering 6-0 win against St Johnstone before the break signalled Celtic’s resurgence after a nervy start in the title defence. The challenge was more significant this afternoon than it usually is against Hibernian who made significant strides under ex-Hoops boss Neil Lennon. Lennon was eyeing a result on his return to Celtic Park but left the ground empty-handed following a thrilling contest where his side went down 4-2 despite a fierce fight.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their nervy victory against Hibernian.
Craig Gordon: 6
Did his job efficiently as he stopped Stephen Mallan and Martin Boyle late in the first half and protected a two-goal lead at halftime. Conceded twice in the second half but the Hoops managed to grind out a victory after nervy ninety minutes of football.
Mikael Lustig: 5
Offered less in attack and also struggled defensively, particularly in Boyle’s late chip over Gordon that brought Hibernian back in contention.
Dedryck Boyata: 6
Had a towering presence in the Celtic backline and also threatened from set-pieces at the other end. Had some moments of scare against Hibs’ pace and physicality but came out victorious in this crucial tie.
Filip Benkovic: 6.5
Partnered Boyata well in central defence. Lost his concentration for a while in the closing minutes of the first half, but the Leicester loanee had a decent outing despite the defence conceding twice after the break.
Kieran Tierney: 6.5
The youngster made his 150th Hoops appearance today and marked it with a crucial win where he made the usual impact with overlapping runs and attacking contribution down the left. Should have worked more on the defensive end of things by tracking back at times.
Scott Brown: 6
The skipper made a commanding start but was forced to leave the pitch after 20 minutes of football through injury. Was replaced by Scott Sinclair for the remainder of the game.
Olivier Ntcham: 7.5
Had a tough time on the pitch but was back to his best this afternoon as he hit the woodwork in the early minutes before finding the net with a neat finish from Rogic’s pass. Forced Adam Bogdan into making saves and earned applauds from the supporters following a dominating display.
James Forrest: 8.5
Scored four goals versus the Saints and once again played his part in Celtic’s win in early minutes when he linked up beautifully with Tom Rogic and the latter scored from a trademark finish to earn the Hoops an early lead. Forrest continued his supremacy even after the break and his sensational solo run led to Celtic’s third of the afternoon following a simple tap-in from Edouard. Made his way for Ryan Christie in the closing minutes of the game.
Tom Rogic: 8
Their Australian wizard curled the ball into the far corner and laid on another for Ntcham who made no mistake in making it 2-0 within 20 minutes of the game. Was replaced by Eboue Kouassi in the second half.
Callum McGregor: 7
The versatile Scotsman looked purposeful from the beginning with his crosses, cut insides and link-up football. Hit the woodwork in early minutes from a set-piece and later switched to a more central role following the injury woe of skipper Scott Brown. Should have played better in the second half, particularly while the visitors found the back of the net via Florian Kamberi. He, however, restored the parity in closing seconds finding Edouard inside the box who made no mistake in making it 4.
Odsonne Edouard: 8
Did his best to combine with fellow attackers high up the pitch and maintained the tempo of a pressing game which helped the Hoops to dominate the show versus Hibs. Hit the woodwork midway through the second half moments before making his name in the scoresheet with a tap-in from Forrest’s pass. The Frenchman found the net again in closing seconds following a brilliant one-two with McGregor and sealed all three points from a highly-engaging encounter. Was denied a hat-trick by Adam Bogdan in the added minutes.
Substitutes
Scott Sinclair: 6.5
Was an early replacement of skipper Scott Brown. Was sharp in the attacking third and created a few chances in and around the box. Should have contributed more defensively when the Hoops looked in trouble throughout the second half.
Eboue Kouassi: 5.5
Hibs scored their second seconds after Kouassi’s introduction though he had nothing to do with it.
Ryan Christie: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
