Celtic were beaten 2-1 by Hearts in the opening gameweek of the Premiership season. However, the stage was set for the in-form hosts to avenge the defeat this afternoon and a dominant display at Parkhead helped them clinch an entertaining 3-2 win in the Scottish League Cup second round.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their win against Hearts.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Could have done little to stop either of Hearts’ goals against the run of play. But his leadership and command from the last line of defence have improved things a lot despite the frailty.
Anthony Ralston: 7
The youngster looked sharp once again with his balanced display from the right-hand flank. Performed his defensive duties, also made some marauding runs to combine upfront and cause menace in the Hearts defensive line.
Stephen Welsh: 7
Was spot on in the heart of the backline with timely recoveries, blocks and interceptions. Threatened from set-pieces at the other end and his header in the first half earned the Hoops a 2-0 lead minutes over the half-hour mark. Should have done a bit better defensively late in the match.
Carl Starfelt: 5
Not his best outing as he conceded a spot-kick which allowed Liam Boyce to make it 2-1 in the second half. Must take the blame as well for Aaron McEneff’s injury-time strike.
Greg Taylor: 6.5
Nothing exceptional from the Scotsman who performed his basic duties as a left fullback. Linked up at times in the attacking third and tracked back to regain possession down the left-hand flank.
Callum McGregor: 8
Controlled the midfield game with his work rate and experience. Made down the middle runs, switched the game wide, also showcased his creative spark from set-pieces and through balls.
Tom Rogic: 8
Dribbled past the defenders time and again, looked sharp high up the pitch and kept on creating chances with his one-twos, movements and shooting traits. Set it up for Furuhashi before making way for debutant James McCarthy in the final quarter of the contest.
David Turnbull: 7
Decent from the Scotsman as his runs and link-up play often created space upfront. Was withdrawn in the closing minutes for Ismaila Soro.
James Forrest: 8
Set it up for Edouard who broke the deadlock around the half-hour mark. Kept on changing the flanks and causing problems in the Jambos backline.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 8.5
Outstanding once again as he played his part in Edouard’s opener, kept on threatening from in and around the box, also restored the two-goal advantage with a left-foot cracker. Was replaced by Adam Montgomery with 15 minutes remaining.
Odsonne Edouard: 9
Back in business as he not only broke the deadlock but also assisted Welsh to make it 2-0 minutes later. Could have grabbed a few more goals had he not been denied by Craig Gordon on a number of occasions. Made way for Albian Ajeti in the closing minutes of the match.
Celtic Subs Vs Hearts
Adam Montgomery: 6.5
A good few minutes for the youngster who is gradually attuning to first-team football.
James McCarthy: 6.5
Debut for the veteran who is tipped to play a big role in the coming days.
Albian Ajeti: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Ismaila Soro: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
