A narrow win against Ross County on Saturday afternoon saw Rangers closing the gap with Celtic at the top of the Premiership standings. But the Hoops have now restored the nine-point cushion with another comprehensive victory. They left it late against St Johnstone when these two sides locked horns at McDiarmid Park earlier this campaign. However, today’s outcome was more straightforward as the Glasgow giants clinched a routine 4-1 win in Perth.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 4-1 win against St Johnstone.
Joe Hart: 6
Although it was a stellar strike from Drey Wright, the veteran Englishman should have done better to stop the goal. His streak of six successive clean sheets ended this afternoon.
Alistair Johnston: 6.5
Struggled aerially, was rusty with his tackles and his overlapping runs lacked impact in the attacking third. But he was quick to make recoveries to avoid trouble.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Had plenty of touches in the defensive third as he played it out from the back to execute ‘Angeball’. Dominated the duels and showed his strength in the heart of the backline.
Carl Starfelt: 8
Was spot-on with his tackles. Made some no-nonsense clearances and crucial interceptions along with blocks and recoveries in the defensive third. Was in the right place at the right time throughout the game.
Greg Taylor: 7.5
Was relentless down the left even though his crosses and long balls lacked accuracy on most occasions. Posed a constant threat with his marauding runs, cut-insides and link-up play.
Callum McGregor: 8
Another calm and composed performance from the club skipper who pulled the strings from his deep-lying role by marshalling the defence and scripting attacking transitions.
Aaron Mooy: 9
Enjoying a dream run of form as he delivered yet another man-of-the-match display with his creative spark and scoring streak. Played his part in the build-up of Kyogo’s goal before finding the net late in the first half. Made way for David Turnbull in the closing minutes of the contest.
Reo Hatate: 7
Worked hard in the middle of the park with his box-to-box runs. Carried the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas of the pitch. Was replaced by Liel Abada midway through the second half.
Filipe Jota: 8
Did well on the right as he not only set it up for Mooy but also contributed to Kyogo’s goal. Kept the Saints on their toes with his flashy footwork and swift skills. Was taken off for Sead Haksabanovic with minutes remaining.
Daizen Maeda: 7
Lively down the left as he kept on combining with Taylor and Hatate. His movements often opened up space in St Johnstone’s defence. Made way for Matt O’Riley in the second half.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 8.5
Depicted his poaching trait to find the net midway through the first half. Combined with Jota before the Portuguese winger fed the ball through to Mooy who lobbed it over Remi Matthews. Was replaced by Oh late in the outing.
Celtic Subs vs St Johnstone
Liel Abada: 6.5
Had an attempt that went over the bar minutes after his introduction.
Matt O’Riley: 7
Played it smart for Turnbull who fired in to make it 4-1 in injury time.
David Turnbull: 7.5
Netted with his powerful right-foot shot moments before the final whistle.
Oh Hyeon-gyu: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Sead Haksabanovic: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
