Celtic are at sixes and sevens since suffering a home humiliation against Rangers in mid-October and have won only twice ahead of their Betfred Cup outing against Ross County today afternoon. The contest at Celtic Park handed the Hoops an opportunity to bounce back shaking off recent frustration but only ended up adding more misery to it jeopardising Neil Lennon’s future at Parkhead furthermore. Announcement imminent?
Below are the Celtic players rated in their Shambolic 2-0 defeat against Ross County.
Celtic Players Rated In Their Disastrous Defeat Vs Ross County
Vasilis Barkas: 5
The Greek international is already under immense pressure following his high-profile summer move from AEK Athens. Despite not being tested as such between the sticks, the Greece international ended up in the losing side when Ross Stewart put the ball past him from the spot late in the first half. Alex Iacovitti’s header at the back post left him clueless as well.
Nir Bitton: 5.5
Neil Lennon opted for a change in the setup and fielded Nir Bitton down the right-hand side of the Bhoys’ ‘back three’. Although the hosts posed little threat going forward, the Israel international lacked pace and positioning whenever the Staggies staged counter-attacking threats. Was taken off midway through the second half to be replaced by Callum McGregor.
Christopher Jullien: 5
Has returned from his injury recently and got wiped out by Stewart in pace which forced him to bring down the centre-forward who would have fired in Josh Reid’s stunning low cross otherwise. A shadow of his earlier self who did no justice to his reputation.
Kristoffer Ajer: 5.5
The dependable Norwegian had a nervy occasion in terms of defending deep and building the play up out from the back. Laxalt’s minimal contribution at the back forced the youngster to cover a lot of ground under pressure.
Hatem Elhamed: 5
Usually effective from his right wingback role with relentless runs, crosses and cut insides, the Israel international had an afternoon to forget with little impact in the attacking third. Was taken off late in the game to be replaced by Shane Duffy.
Scott Brown: 4.5
Not sure why Lennon is still banking on the veteran week in, week out. He is clearly past his prime and struggled once more to keep pace with Ross County’s midfield stars. His tackles were late, mistimed and lacked the venom.
Ryan Christie: 6.5
Tried to carry the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas, created a few chances on his own but was not having enough support from the wide or high up the pitch.
Diego Laxalt: 5.5
Spent his time down the wing but lacked enough accuracy with his crosses and passes. Left a lot of space behind that allowed the visitors to expose Celtic defensively.
Tom Rogic: 5
Could have been more influential from his ‘number 10’ role. Had a few attempts early on but faded off eventually and was almost invisible when it mattered the most in the decisive moments in the match.
Albian Ajeti: 5.5
Hit the woodwork minutes after Stewart’s opener. But was largely disappointing otherwise and was taken off to make way for Mohamed Elyounoussi midway through the second half.
Odsonne Edouard: 6
Forced Ross Laidlaw to make a decent save early on from a free-kick. Tried his best to be a part of the build-ups, however, was well contained by the Staggies backline throughout the match.
Substitutes
Callum McGregor: 5.5
Tried to stretch the game and open up space in a resilient Ross County defence.
Mohamed Elyounoussi: 5
Wasted a golden opportunity to equalize soon after coming on in place of Ajeti.
Shane Duffy: 5
No idea what Lennon was thinking when he decided to bring him in replacing Elhamed.
