Celtic, on the verge of winning the Premiership crown, hosted Rangers this afternoon at Celtic Park. They were supposed to seek revenge for April’s Scottish Cup semifinal defeat and an early goal from Filipe Jota set the stage for a third successive Old Firm win in the league. However, the Gers bounced back after the break and the game eventually ended 1-1 following Fashion Sakala’s second-half equalizer.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 1-1 draw against Rangers.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Should have done better to prevent Fashion Sakala from finding the equalizer at the near post. Made a crucial save to deny the Zambian minutes later.
Anthony Ralston: 7
Had some nervy occasions at the back against Ryan Kent, but the young Scotsman did his best in terms of overlapping runs and whipping in crosses from the right-hand flank.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7
Struggled at times in the second half against Sakala, but the USMNT international was rock solid once again in the heart of the backline. Tried his best to maintain the composure against Rangers’ press.
Carl Starfelt: 7.5
His own goal in the extra time eliminated Celtic from the Scottish Cup semis. But the Swedish centre-half looked majestic this afternoon with timely tackles, challenges and the driving runs to carry the ball out from the back.
Greg Taylor: 6.5
Mostly concentrated on his defensive duties and contained Tavernier from causing menace down the wide. Should have offered a bit more high up the pitch.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
Pulled the strings from his deep-lying playmaking role. His tackles and the pressing game helped the Bhoys dominate the midfield game all throughout the first half. Had some tough time in the second half, particularly against John Lundstram’s down the middle runs and attacking transitions.
Matt O’Riley: 6.5
Worked hard to close down the space and stop the Light Blues from controlling possession in the middle of the park. Lacked the creative spark and was eventually taken off for Nir Bitton around the hour mark.
Reo Hatate: 6.5
Covered a lot of ground with his tireless runs and relentless pressing. Tried to carry the ball forward to operate in the advanced areas. Was replaced by Tom Rogic around the hour mark.
Filipe Jota: 8
Another impressive performance from the Portuguese who made no mistake to slot home after picking up Daizen Maeda’s cross. His tricky runs and swift movements often caused menace in Rangers’ defence.
Daizen Maeda: 7
Showed great work ethic once again. Did extremely well to set it up for Jota, but his finishing let him down on a couple of occasions. Was replaced by Liel Abada during the final quarter of the contest.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6.5
Lively in the attacking third and played his part in an array of build ups. Had an effort off target and was eventually taken off for Giorgos Giakoumakis with half an hour remaining.
Celtic Subs Vs Rangers
Giorgos Giakoumakis: 6
Had some great aerial duels with Connor Goldson, but the Greek ‘number 9’ made little impact while leading the line.
Tom Rogic: 6
His dribbles and directness were missing since replacing Hatate in the centre of the pitch.
Nir Bitton: 6
Received a booking soon after his introduction. Failed to calm things down in midfield.
Liel Abada: 6
Could not make any noteworthy contribution since replacing Maeda.
