A stunning 7-0 win over St Johnstone to kickstart the title defence showcased Celtic’s superiority in Scotland despite multiple high-profile exits. The fierce rivalry is touted to be reignited following Rangers’ resurgence under Steven Gerrard. The Hoops, under Neil Lennon, were determined to maintain the momentum at Fir Park against Motherwell in a Saturday lunchtime kickoff. Despite having a nervy start, the champions staged a stunning comeback as the game ended 5-2 in favour of Neil Lennon’s men.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their terrific win against the Steelmen.
Scott Bain: 6
The Scotsman was beaten twice by Liam Donnelly. But he had a comfortable outing otherwise as the hosts failed to test him with enough on-target efforts.
Kristoffer Ajer: 8.5
An injury to Hatem Abd Elhamed forced Lennon to deploy Ajer as a fullback. The Norwegian has been a revelation at the back, and he exhibited his excellence yet again by finding an equaliser. He started the move from the back and combined with James Forrest magnificently before firing it into the back of the net.
Nir Bitton: 7
Had some nervy occasions at the back but did well to calm things down and play it out from the back to initiate attacking moves. A decent outing from the Isreal international following an injury-ravaged spell in the recent past.
Christopher Julien: 7
Maintained his composure, was in the right place at the right time and used his physical as well as aerial strength whenever required. Still adjusting to life at Parkhead and is expected to uplift his game furthermore in the forthcoming future.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo: 7.5
Had a difficult beginning but improved with time and played his part in the Forrest goal with a timely cut-back. The Belgian has some big shoes to fill following Kieran Tierney’s exit and must work harder to add more flair and finesse going forward.
Scott Brown: 7.5
Was destructive as always with his timely tackles, challenges and blocks. Recovered possession and combined well with fellow teammates to orchestrate from the deep areas.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Featured as their leading ball carrier as his relentless runs, down the middle moves and link-up play often opened up space high up the pitch. His distribution, creativity, along with accuracy, made all the difference in the middle of the park.
Olivier Ntcham: 8
Started in a slightly advanced role and kept on threatening the hosts with his passing, pressing and goal-bound efforts. Did exceptionally well to find Odsonne Edouard who made no mistake in netting Celtic’s fourth of the afternoon. Got replaced by Scott Sinclair late in the game.
James Forrest: 8.5
Was menacing from the right flank as he not only set it up for Ajer early in the first half but also found the net to make it 3-1 minutes after the hour mark. Made way for Ryan Christie seconds after his sublime strike.
Lewis Morgan: 6
Had some ambitious runs and came close to making it to the scoresheet on a couple of occasions. Overall, it was an underwhelming afternoon of football for the youngster.
Leigh Griffiths: 8
His spectacular free-kick earned Celtic the much-needed go-ahead goal late in the first half. Was replaced by Odsonne Edouard around the hour mark.
Substitutes
Odsonne Edouard: 8
Not only scored one but also earned his side a spot-kick in the closing minutes of the fixture.
Ryan Christie: 7.5
The hat-trick hero against the Saints found the net again as he slotted it home calmly from the spot to make it 5-1 for the visitors.
Scott Sinclair: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
