Celtic Player Ratings v Rangers

In one of the most hotly anticipated Glasgow Derbys in a while, Celtic put in a resolute performance that was matched with some coruscating attacking moments. 

The Hoops ran out 2-1 winners at Ibrox as they moved six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. 

Here are my player ratings from the match. 

Joe Hart - 7/10

It is testament to the defence that was in front of him that Joe Hart had little to do in the Celtic goal. The Englishman made a great save to deny Fashion Sakala in the second half but apart from that, was relatively untroubled. 

Josip Juranovic - 6/10

Juranovic returned to the scene of his Celtic debut this afternoon as he helped Celtic to a crucial victory. The Croatian was outdone on the right hand side for Rangers’ opener and did make a number of uncharacteristic loose passes but proved his worth to the team when he filled in at left back for the closing stages. 

Cameron Carter-Vickers - 9/10

Although Tom Rogic was excellent in his own right, it is hard to not give the man of the match award to the Tottenham loanee. Cameron Carter-Vickers was stout at the back, managing to win countless aerial duels and defend unwaveringly. Furthermore, he bagged what turned out to be the winning goal late in the first half after a skirmish in the box seen the ball fall at his feet. I think I speak for all Celtic fans when I say signing the American on a permanent deal should be of paramount importance come the summer for the club. 

Carl Starfelt - 8/10

The other half of Celtic’s centre back duo, Cart Starfelt, was equally as robust as his partner. The Swede has had some undue criticism in his time at Celtic so far but there’s no getting away from how virtuous his performance was today. 

Greg Taylor - 8/10

Greg Taylor has begun to establish himself as first choice left back at Celtic in recent times and he proved this once more today. The timing of some of the twenty four year old’s tackles were immaculate and Taylor also posed a threat going forward, getting in behind to set up Tom Rogic in the first half however the Australian fired over the bar. It is fair to say today was one of Taylor’s best showings in a Celtic shirt. 

Callum McGregor - 8/10

Controlling and anchoring the Celtic midfield today was Callum McGregor. The captain was a standout in the engine room and the driving run he made for Tom Rogic’s equaliser was a thing of beauty. McGregor continues to outdo himself week in, week out and is proving to be a worthy captain of this Celtic side. 

Reo Hatate - 6/10

After his tremendous display in the previous Glasgow Derby, the Japanese midfielder ran himself into the ground this afternoon and was subbed off on the hour. It was his shot that led to Celtic’s first half equaliser when he forced a save out of Alan McGregor from the edge of the box. 

Tom Rogic - 8/10

Ange Postecoglou opted for derby experience in the midfield when he chose Tom Rogic over Matt O’Riley today and it was a decision that turned out to be a master-stroke. Rogic was magnificent and in the right place at the right time to equalise for Celtic in the first half. Moreover, the Australian continued to find pockets of space between the lines before he was brought off on the hour. 

Jota - 6/10

It was a rather muted performance from the Portuguese today with his only notable involvement coming from his teasing free-kick delivery which led to Celtic’s second of the game. Nonetheless, Jota remains an esteemed outlet for Celtic in attack with his deceptive trickery wrong-footing defenders up and down the country. 

Giorgos Giakoumakis - 7/10

Despite murmurs of a Kyogo Furuhashi start, it was Giorgos Giakoumakis who led the line for Celtic today. Particularly towards the end of the match, the Greek offered a valuable outlet for his team, throwing himself around and frustrating defenders to run down the clock. 

Daizen Maeda - 7/10

The Japanese forward operated on the left hand side once more and his pressing was admirable as ever. Maeda had a few one-on-one’s with Alan McGregor in the first half and one of them probably should’ve resulted in a penalty. Going forward, the twenty four year old offers yet another adequate option in a Celtic attack that is looking stronger and stronger, at least in terms of depth, as the weeks go on.  

Substitutes 

Ange Postecoglou made use of all five of his available substitutes with the first two being made on the hour mark. 

Nir Bitton and Matt O’Riley replaced both Reo Hatate and Tom Rogic in midfield with Bitton being extremely composed and breaking up the superbly play as he helped his side see out the win. 

O’Riley, on the other hand, had to be withdrawn just fifteen or so minutes after he was brought off due to a strong Joe Aribo tackle. David Turnbull replaced him and at the same time, young Liel Abada came on for Jota. The Israeli had two glorious opportunities to put the game to bed however one went off target and the other forced Alan McGregor into a terrific save. 

The only substitute we’ve not yet mentioned was Anthony Ralston. He came on for Greg Taylor with just under twenty to go and played his part in the hard-fought win. 

Today’s victory was one that completely contrasted Celtic’s previous Glasgow Derby win. The Hoops showed great character to come from a goal behind early on and to see out the game in the manner they did, was exceedingly commendable. 

If you didn’t already know, Ange Postecoglou’s side now sit six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership with six games to play and should they taste victory against St. Johnstone next weekend, they will move nine points clear before Rangers travel to Paisley on the Sunday. 

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 for more Celtic and Scottish football content.