High-flying Celtic not only had maintained an all-win run but also kept three successive clean sheets in the Premiership before hosting Rangers this afternoon in the season’s first Old Firm derby. The Gers, undergoing a transition under Philippe Clement, were supposed to uplift their game and put up a fight at Parkhead. But they surrendered miserably as it finished 3-0 in favour of the hosts, thanks to the strikes from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 3-0 win against Rangers.
Kasper Schmeichel: 7.5
Made a few crucial saves throughout the game en route to clinching yet another clean sheet. A blistering start to life in Glasgow for the veteran Dane.
Alistair Johnston: 8.5
Relentless down the right with his overlapping runs, crosses, link-up play and cut insides. Set it up exquisitely for Daizen Maeda who fired it in around the 17th-minute mark. Was equally impressive at the back while performing his defensive duties.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Overcame an injury scare to secure a starting status in the heart of the backline. Had a few nervy occasions against Cyriel Dessers, but the USMNT centre-half showed his calmness and composure with no-nonsense clearances and swift passing moves.
Liam Scales: 8
Excellent yet again as he was spot-on with his tackles, blocks, interceptions and key defensive actions. Showed his ball-playing ability from deep defence.
Greg Taylor: 8
Did well to keep hold of Vaclav Cerny and James Tavernier. Laid it on for Kyogo Furuhashi who made no mistake to double the lead late in the first half.
Callum McGregor: 8.5
The skipper delivered another scintillating performance from the base of a three-man midfield. Dominated the show with his vision and aggression. Scored again with a long-range strike to make it 3-0 late in the match.
Paulo Bernardo: 7.5
A decent outing for the Portuguese ‘number 8′ as he made several down-the-middle runs. His dribbling, smart one-twos and off-the-ball movement caused menace in Rangers’ defence. Was replaced by new signing Arne Engels around the hour mark.
Reo Hatate: 7.5
Had a couple of attempts off-target. Was sharp and swift with his runs as a ‘number 8’. Made way for another debutant and deadline-day signing Luke McCowan.
Nicolas Kuhn: 7.5
Threatened down the right despite failing to find the net or registering an assist this afternoon. His dribbles, pace, prowess and precision often opened up space high up the pitch. Was taken off for James Forrest midway through the second half.
Daizen Maeda: 9
The versatile Japanese ace worked hard to regain possession and stage attacking threats. Scored early into the game and also played it into the patch of McGregor who found the net with his thunderous strike.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 8.5
Continues his impressive scoring record against the Light Blues. Had a goal denied by VAR in early minutes, but he doubled the lead late in the first half with a decent finish. Was replaced by Adam Idah with 13 minutes remaining of the regulation time.
Celtic Subs Vs Rangers
Arne Engels: 6.5
Took a while to adjust to the pace of the game, but he showed glimpses of his quality while featuring as a midfield attacker.
James Forrest: 6.5
Used his experience to keep the pressure on the opponents.
Luke McCowan: 6
A good few minutes for the former Dundee star.
Adam Idah: 6
Had limited involvement since replacing Furuhashi as the ‘number 9’.
