Celtic player ratings vs Motherwell as stats experts identify key man in Parkhead comeback after early scare
Here’s how the Celtic players rated in their Scottish Premiership clash with Motherwell as per the experts.
Celtic came from behind against Motherwell to win 3-1 at home, as they keep the pressure on their title race rivals, who have still to play this weekend.
The Hoops started just five points ahead of their Lanarkshire rivals, who got off to a dream start when Elijah Just opened the scoring courtesy of a Reo Hatate error. However seven minutes later, Yang Hyun-jun levelled the scoring as this time The Steelmen paid for living dangerously in their own box.
The match was finely balanced going into the second half until Motherwell’s Emmanuel Longelo was sent off for a foul on Daizen Maeda in the box as Tomas Cvancara put away the resulting spot kick. Yang then doubled his tally in the 79th minute to seal the three points for the hosts.
With Hearts travelling to Kilmarnock later on this evening, Celtic have closed the gap on the league leaders to two points and are also now four clear of Rangers who face St Mirren in Paisley tomorrow. Here’s how stats experts WhoScored rated the Celtic starting XI:
Viljami Sinisalo - 6.6/10
Kept his place at number one after last weekend’s Ibrox heroics. Not troubled and did all the basics fine.
Colby Donovan - 6.5/10
In for Julian Araujo in a surprise squad omission. Hooked for Anthony Ralston with 12 minutes to go as he looked to have taken a sore one.
Benjamin Arthur - 6.8/10
Another strong performance for the Brentford loanee on only his second start. Looks like a colossus, combining speed with good technical ability.
Liam Scales - 6.6/10
A leader at the back in the absence of Auston Trusty. Returned to centre back after being deployed on the left at Ibrox.
Kieran Tierney - 7.3/10
An accomplished performance from the defender on his return to the team.
Reo Hatate - 5.8/10
The Japan International was tasked with filling the Callum McGregor-shaped hole but his early error could’ve been costly. Recovered and steady after that.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6.3/10
An early yellow meant the new man was walking on eggshells all game as he was substituted for Paulo Bernardo in the 78th minute.
Benjamin Nygren - 6.5/10
Retrieved the ball for Yang’s equaliser. Other than that, fairly quiet as he was subbed for Luke McCowan on the hour mark.
Yang Hyun-jun - 8.7/10
A player who has had to cope with criticism throughout his Celtic career but his brace today could be instrumental in the title race. Composed and clinical, elements he’s needed.
Daizen Maeda - 6.9/10
The winner of the all-important penalty that proved pivotal towards the Hoops win. His pace stretched Motherwell.
Sebastian Tounekti - 6.8/10
A quiet afternoon for the in-form winger, who was substituted at half time for Cvancara. Needs to do more from the off to shake super sub tag.
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly