Scottish teams still struggle to find the formula to upset Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic as the Hoops are cruising on to glory once again! The Hoops travelled to Firhill Stadium on Friday night to take struggling Partick Thistle and eased to a 1-4 victory. The win stretches Celtic’s lead at the top to 11 points over rivals Rangers having played two games lesser. Rangers and Hearts take on each other today and the gap might be reduced but still the difference in quality between Celtic and the other sides is pretty clear.
Celtic had to wait to find their way past a resolute Partick Thistle defence. The home side frustrated Rodgers’ boys and did not let them play their natural fluid football. However, they could do very little for the opening goal they conceded as Stuart Armstrong struck home from a close range. The in-form Scotsman doubled the lead after the half-time break.
Leigh Griffiths made his comeback from injury in style as he scored Celtic’s third goal with a signature finish. Liam Lindsay pegged one back for his side on 61 minutes but it was too late and Celtic were controlling the game. Substitute Callum McGregor added a fourth from Emilio Izaguirre’s cross with a cool half volley into the bottom corner.
Here are the Celtic player ratings from the game.
Craig Gordon: 6.5/10
Had to do very little throughout the game. Collected the high crosses into the box well. Could not have done anything for the goal he conceded.
Cristian Gamboa: 7/10
Was full of energy throughout the game. Ran up and down the flank and was solid on either end of the pitch. His determination led to Griffiths’ goal.
Mikael Lustig: 6/10
A decent display at the heart of defence apart from a poor defensive header which put his side under pressure.
Erik Sviatchenko: 7/10
A composed display at the back. Played the ball out of defence. Made a solid block to deny Doolan.
Emilio Izaguirre: 7/10
The Honduran came up with an excellent display against Partick. Bombarded forward throughout the game and also tracked back well. Set up McGregor for the final goal.
Scott Brown: 7/10
Had a decent game but did not have the usual control in the game as he does in most games.
Stuart Armstrong: 8.5/10
The Scotsman had nothing but joy against Partick Thistle. Perfect run onto Griffiths’ through ball for the first goal while scoring the second in some style from distance.
Tom Rogic: 7.5/10
Was at the heart of everything positive for Celtic. Went off after suffering a knock and the fans will hope that it is not too serious.
Patrick Roberts: 6.5/10
Started the game well but faded as the game went on.
Gary Mackay-Steven: 5.5/10
Made his first start of the season and failed to impress.
Leigh Griffiths: 7.5/10
Griffiths once again showed that what he is capable of. Perfect cross into Armstrong across the box. Good instinctive play to the ball to Armstrong. Brilliant finish for his 10th goal of the season. Pulled the strings throughout the game.
Substitutes
Ryan Christie: 6.5/10
Came on for Mackay-Steven and played the final 40 minutes. Was quite lively on the flank.
Callum McGregor: 6/10
Cool finish for Celtic’s fourth of the game.
Moussa Dembele: NA
