Celtic Player Ratings v St. Johnstone


Celtic won their third game in a row on Saturday against St. Johnstone at Celtic Park. Not only was it the third victory on the trot, it was also the third two nil victory in a row. It was another persevering win for Ange Postecoglou’s side who moved up to fourth in the Scottish Premiership. 

Joe Hart - 6/10

The English goalkeeper had next to nothing to do throughout the match. I cannot recall any saves Hart had to make yet he remained focused and helped Celtic to their third clean sheet in a row. 


Anthony Ralston - 8/10

Ralston marauded down the right hand side as per and set up Giorgos Giakoumakis for Celtic’s opener. The Scot was thorough defensively in the game and it seems Ralston is holding his place at right back with the fact Josip Juranovic had to fill in at left back today. 


Cameron Carter-Vickers - 7/10

The Tottenham Hotspur loanee was involved in an incident deep into the second half and was unfairly, at least in my opinion, booked for his inclusion in said episode. The American’s partnership with Carl Starfelt has continued to blossom as the season has went on.  Celtic’s clean sheet today is testament to this. 


Carl Starfelt - 8/10

Despite a few tentative moments, Carl Starfelt was outstanding in the match. The twenty-six year old defended resolutely and his partaking in build up play was significant. The Swede was the predominant performer of Celtic’s centre backs yet again. 


Josip Juranovic - 9/10

After missing a number of weeks due to injury, Josip Juranovic was reinstated to the Celtic lineup today. The Croatian lined up at left back but didn’t let being out of position be detrimental to his performance. Juranovic got forward well, was tidy in his all round play and kept his nerve to slot home his second Celtic goal from the spot.  


Callum McGregor - 8/10

Once again, Callum McGregor orchestrated the play in midfield for Celtic. The captain had a few efforts on goal which evidently didn’t hit the back of the net yet McGregor’s consistency in his performances were kept up today. 


David Turnbull - 6/10

I feel Turnbull had a quiet game this afternoon after playing a part in Celtic’s second goal against Ferencvaros midweek. The twenty two year old though, has played a plethora of football recently and added another ninety minutes to that this afternoon. 


Tom Rogic - 8/10

Tom Rogic had a dominant display in midfield. The Australian made use of his body to a supreme level and drew a number of fouls for his side. Rogic didn’t manage to get a goal or assist however he was vital clog in the Celtic midfield. 


Kyogo Furuhashi - 7/10

Kyogo wasn’t as lively in the first hour as we’ve come to expect but this is likely due to the fact he was being deployed at right wing. When the Japanese was moved to striker around the hour mark, he became increasingly involved and eventually won the penalty which Josip Juranovic converted to give Celtic all three points. 


Giorgos Giakoumakis - 8/10 

Giorgos Giakoumakis provided a different dynamic up top when he was introduced against Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Tuesday. The Greek was rewarded with a start today and repaid Ange Postecoglou’s faith in him by opening the scoring with a typical striker’s goal on thirty four minutes. Giakoumakis’ maiden Celtic goal will hopefully be the catalyst for more for the twenty six year old. 


Jota - 7/10

Jota was awarded the sponsor’s man of the match and the Portuguese was full of vitality in the game. The Benfica loanee’s trickery was a thorn in the side of St. Johnstone right back James Brown. Jota played eighty six minutes before being replaced by Albian Ajeti. 


Substitutes 

Ange Postecoglou made use of all three substitutes with Mikey Johnston, Liel Abada and Albian Ajeti getting minutes from the bench today. Abada and Ajeti didn’t get a significant opportunity to make an impact with both playing nine and four minutes respectively. However, Mikey Johnston played just under half an hour and was energetic and vivacious throughout his time on the park. The twenty two year old had some efforts on goal, the closest being one that hit the woodwork. 


Celtic fans will have a contented Saturday night knowing three points are in the bag. The Hoops will now head to Easter Road on Wednesday evening to take on a Hibernian side who have lost their last three matches. 


Thank you for reading this article. If you have any thoughts or opinions, leave a comment below. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @Josh_Footblog. 

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