After back-to-back blips against Kilmarnock and St Johnstone, Celtic were determined to bounce back this afternoon at Ibrox. Although the test was sterner against bitter rivals, the Hoops stood up to the occasion and secured an edgy win thanks to Kyogo’s late first-half strike and a controversially ruled-out goal that denied Kemar Roofe around the half-hour mark.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 1-0 win against Rangers.
Joe Hart: 8
His positioning, outing and reflexes saw the Bhoys defending the one-goal lead throughout the second half. A well-deserved cleansheet for the veteran Englishman.
Alistair Johnston: 7.5
Won a few tackles and used his pace to track backwards in order to help the defensive line. Looked a bit worn out after the hour mark and was, therefore, taken off for Anthony Ralston for the remainder of the contest.
Gustaf Lagerbielke: 7.5
Dealt the pressure well in the heart of the backline. Must consider himself lucky though as a slight touch on him from Cyriel Dessers was adjudged to be a foul in the build-up of Kemar Roofe’s controversially ruled-out goal.
Liam Scales: 8
Another commendable performance from the forgotten Celtic centre-back who was not only spot on with his clearances but also made some tactical fouls to frustrate the hosts.
Greg Taylor: 7
Offered little going forward as he mostly stayed back in order to help the decimated backline. Was taken off for Alexandro Bernabei midway through the second half.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
The skipper worked tirelessly to construct moves from the deep and destroy the opponents’ buildups in the centre of the pitch.
Matt O’Riley: 8.5
Another impressive performance from the midfield ace who kept on making down-the-middle runs to open up space in the Rangers’ half. Set it up for Kyogo for the decisive goal of the match.
David Turnbull: 6.5
Not as effective as O’Riley who should have offered more in terms of linking up with fellow teammates in and around the attacking third. Made way for Odin Holm midway through the second half.
Liel Abada: 7.5
Showed his creative spark from the right-hand flank with swift pace and tricky footwork. Created a few chances for Kyogo, and also tested Jack Butland in the Rangers’ goal. Was taken off for Yang Hyun-jun in the second half.
Daizen Maeda: 7
Was combative down the left with his tireless runs. His dribbles and mazy runs often caused menace in the Gers’ defence. Could have done better with his finishing traits.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 8
Another exquisite goal from the Japanese hitman who once again sealed three points for the Bhoys in an Old Firm clash. Made way for Oh Hyeon-gyu late in the match.
Celtic Subs vs Rangers
Yang Hyun-jun: 6.5
Injected fresh legs and pace for the final half an hour.
Anthony Ralston: 7
Did well defensively when the hosts were pushing for the equalizer.
Odin Thiago Holm: 7
Forced Butland to make a stunning save.
Alexandro Bernabei: 6
Should have closed the space on a number of occasions when Rangers were attacking from the flank.
Oh Hyeon-gyu: 6
Failed to make any notable contribution late in the encounter.
