Neil Lennon’s Celtic side emerged victorious at the end of what was an extremely strenuous and stressful ninety minutes of Europa League football, against Italian team Lazio. The game at Celtic Park ended 2-1 to the home side, with Christopher Jullien heading home a late winner in the 89th minute. Although the visitors were the ones to break the deadlock in the first half, the Hoops made an impressive comeback in the second period guided by an exceptional performance from Ryan Christie. Fraser Forster made a couple of incredible saves to maintain the upper hand, as Celtic head straight back to the top of Group E.
Here are the Celtic player ratings:
Fraser Forster – 6.5
The Englishman was right on the spot when Celtic needed him most, stopping a thunderous effort from Lazio with an almost unbelievable save. Couldn’t have done much about Lazio’s opener, but was guilty of some questionable handling.
Hatem Elhamed – 6.5
Did a decent job down the right side of the Celtic defence and was able to create a lot going forward as well. He did play some key passes as the Celts began to push for the winner.
Christopher Jullien – 8
Stepped up when it mattered the most and towered above the Lazio defence to pick up the winner in the 89th minute. Other than being outrun for the Lazio goal, didn’t do too much wrong.
Kristoffer Ajer – 6.5
The Norwegian youngster showed his quality on multiple occasions on the night but needed to improve on his defensive positioning.
Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo – 6.5
The Congolese-born Belgian professional had a very good game on the left flank and did well to support Elyounoussi on the overlap as well. Did have some troubles in the defensive phase though.
Scott Brown – 7
A typical display by the Celtic captain. The signs of his advancing age have begun to show, but he still managed to put up a good performance against a dynamic Italian midfield.
Callum McGregor – 6.5
The 26-year-old Scot was at the heart of the Celts’ attacks in the second half but struggled to get into the game, because of the physical nature of the opposition midfielders.
James Forrest – 6.5
Showed signs of his quality today but needs to offer more in the final third. His work-rate was good, but the end-product just seemed to be lacking all evening.
Ryan Christie – 8.5
The young Scottish international singlehandedly ensured that all three points stayed at Celtic Park, thanks to spectacular individual display. This included a shot which hit the post, a goal and an assist for the winner.
Mohamed Elyounoussi – 6
Was on the fringes of the game right from the off, and nothing seemed to be working out for him on the night. After being booked in the second half, Neil Lennon responded but taking him off.
Odsonne Edouard – 7
Although the striker didn’t get his name on the scoresheet, he played an important part in Celtic’s victory tonight. Although it was his assist that led to their opener, it was his overall forward play that caught the eye.
Substitutes
Tom Rogic – 7
Replaced Elyounoussi and was an immediate improvement on the Norwegian.
Nir Bitton – NA
Didn’t have the time to make an impact.
Jonathan Hayes – NA
Didn’t have the time to make an impact.
