Celtic should not have a problem in clinching their eighth successive Premiership title despite Rangers’ upsurge this season under Steven Gerrard. But their current form has been far from convincing as the Hoops once again struggled in front of goal this afternoon against Kilmarnock. A Jozo Simunovic header in the second half earned them all three points, but the visitors put up a great fight right till the very end despite suffering a narrow defeat at Celtic Park.
Below are the Celtic players rated from their narrow win against Killie.
Scott Bain: 8
Was alert between the sticks and made some crucial saves to frustrate the opponents. Earned his fifth clean sheet in a row.
Mikael Lustig: 7
Had some nervy occasions against Liam Millar, but the right-back used his experience to keep things calm at the back and offer his presence high up the pitch to link-up play in the attacking third.
Kristoffer Ajer: 8
Got dispossessed dangerously but recovered exceptionally well by making a superb tackle to deny Eamonn Brophy from shooting around the half-hour mark. This was one of the many highlights of the Norwegian’s defensive resilience in the heart of the Bhoys backline.
Jozo Simunovic: 8.5
Divine intervention as the Hoops’ ‘number 5’ scored the winner days after the sad demise of legendary Billy McNeill – the best ‘number 5’ to have graced the game in Celtic Colours. Simunovic had a towering presence at the back too and surely had the most memorable moment of his Celtic career.
Emilio Izaguirre: 6.5
Having a run of games in the absence of injured Kieran Tierney. The left-back had a slow start but settled in well and built up a few attacking threats from the flank alongside Sinclair.
Scott Brown: 7
Did not offer much in the advanced areas but combated well in midfield and improvised his game a bit in the second half to unsettle the visitors.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Operated in a box-to-box role and made some ambitious runs down the middle. Linked up well with his teammates and assisted Simunovic with a sublime corner.
James Forrest: 6
Was not as influential as he has been this season except a few cut insides and crosses. Made way for Jonny Hayes late in the game.
Tom Rogic: 6
The Aussie wizard created a few chances from his advanced midfield role but lacked accuracy with his final delivery. Was taken off to be replaced by Olivier Ntcham late in the game.
Scott Sinclair: 6.5
The Englishman looked menacing down the left flank and played some smart one-twos with his teammates. Had a few opportunities but could not add to the tally despite coming close.
Odsonne Edouard: 6
Tried to make some runs from the deep positions to recover possession but failed to threaten the keeper enough as most of his efforts missed the target.
Substitutes
Olivier Ntcham: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Jonny Hayes: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
