Celtic player ratings vs Falkirk as lamented ace is 8/10 and January transfer mission made clear
Here is how we rated the Celtic players who faced off against Falkirk.
Celtic won 1-0 in their Premiership clash with Falkirk, as they moved second on goal difference.
Kyrell Wilson spurned a huge chance for the Bairns before half-time and Benjamin Nygren’s header ensured Martin O’Neill’s went up the tunnel with a slender lead, and eventually three points. Kasper Schmeichel made a big stop after the break to ensure Celtic go above Rangers by a singular goal, remaining six points off leaders Hearts. Next up for the Hoops is a Scottish Cup fourth round clash with Auchinleck Talbot.
Boss O’Neill has insisted the Hoops are working hard on January transfer deals but for now it’s the crop of stars who’ve been at the club for most of the season who must do the business, alongside newly-added Bournemouth loanee Julian Araujo. They started out in sluggish fashion and it was the Bairns who were putting on the pressure inside the opening half-hour.
Filip Lissah tested Schmeichel before a huge chance for Wilson, burning Kieran Tierney for pace but blasting wide with the Hoops keeper beat. Barney Stewart then fired low from around the 18-yard box area and Leon McCann almost converted a dangerous break during a dangerous spell. Daizen Maeda then had the best Hoops chance to that point with a header well saved by ex Celtic stopper Scott Bain.
John McGlynn’s side had been the better team but against the run of play, the Hoops got their goal at a crucial time, just a couple of minutes before half-time. Nygren found space in the box to nod home from a Arne Engels corner, and while it perhaps wasn’t overly merited, it was paramount they punished Falkirk for not striking when they were on top. It was an improved Celtic display after half-time albeit without creating clear chances and they needed their keeper, Kasper Schmeichel making a huge stop with 10 minutes to go to deny Wilson.
They rode their luck at times and five Falkirk shots on target against two for Celtic shows it, but it’s all about points at this stage of the season, and the key stat was their one goal. O’Neill said after thumping Dundee United at the weekend that Celtic need fresh blood or risk serious bother in event of injury. On the evidence of this, their January mission seems clearer than ever, bringing quality in who can make an impact now to make games like this more comfortable. Here’s how we rated the Hoops players in Grangemouth.
Kasper Schmeichel - 8/10
Couple of smart stops in the first half against a side he was loaned to early in his career. Dealt with crosses into his box well and then major save late on. Criticised recently but came up trumps here with some heroics.
Julian Araujo - 7/10
Passing was accurate and not tested in defence during first half. Falkirk threw more at him after the break and stood up well, an encouraging display.
Auston Trusty - 6/10
Struggled early in the physical battle albeit still managing a few clearances. Adjusted well in second half and not troubled.
Liam Scales - 6/10
Tasked with playing out from back and did that well and wasn’t asked too many defensive questions.
Kieran Tierney - 6/10
Pace of Wilson a real issue and was getting dragged about the defensive line in first half. Recovered really well in a more comfortable second 45.
Callum McGregor - 5/10
Wasn’t able to dictate play in the first half with much of his passing going short, albeit with supreme accuracy. More of same in the second half but key interaction helping deny Falkirk a late leveller.
Arne Engels - 6/10
Passing was accurate but defensive work wasn’t suiting him. Showed his technical prowess with great corner for Nygren.
Benjamin Nygren - 7/10
Game passed him by in first half with a lack of duels and touches on the ball before popping up when needed most. Kind of summed up time at Celtic so far, a sometime frustrating player to watch but can’t argue about end product.
Sebastian Tounekti - 4/10
Had a lot of the ball but Lissah kept him quiet and unable to help Tierney going back the way. Subbed after a quiet 65 minutes.
Daizen Maeda - 5/10
Had a decent chance saved and almost robbed of the ball in a dangerous with consequence. Limited impact all night albeit his pace was utilised on occasion.
Yang - 4/10
Passing conversion was under 50% as half-time drew near and not getting on the ball enough. Didn’t improve much after the break and subbed after an hour.
Luke McCowan - 3/10
Brought on in double change. Not a whole lot of impact.
Reo Hatate - 3/10
Another arriving after the hour mark. A few touches but that was about it.
Johnny Kenny - N/A
Thrown on late in the game.