Celtic player ratings vs Rangers as heroic 9/10 brings title hopes back from the brink in Old Firm epic

Celtic drew 2-2 against Old Firm rivals Rangers in their latest Premiership clash, as more points were spilled in the title race.

Youssef Chermiti notched the hosts ahead with an overhead kick as they put Hoops backs against the wall, the Portuguese forward netting against before half-time. Kieran Tierney halved the deficit after the break and Luke McCowan missed a big chance to level things up. Reo Hatate then notched a penalty on 90 minutes to split the spoils and leave Celtic eight points off leaders Hearts with a game in hand.

This match lurched close to win or bust territory for manager Martin O’Neill, who celebrated his 74th birthday on Sunday. Hearts’ win over Aberdeen had put them nine clear of the Hoops in third, and while they do have a game in hand, Motherwell in fourth were just a point behind. They needed much improvement from the 2-1 loss at home to Hibs but any birthday celebrations O’Neill may have had in mind look far flung in the opening 10 minutes.

Over 40% of the opening 14 minutes were played in Celtic’s half as Rangers battered their rivals. Viljami Sinisalo came in for the poorly Kasper Schmeichel between the sticks in a big call by O’Neill but he could do nothing as Chermiti rose highest with a bicycle kick to send the Ibrox side in front through a touch of the spectacular. Dane Murray arrived in central defence ahead of the suspended Auston Trusty and the day started horribly, slicing a Rangers cross, that Chermiti managed to wrestle off Julian Araujo to net a key second goal.

It’d all gone wrong for Celtic in the first half-hour and hopes of victory already looked lost, with the second balls and battles gobbled up by those in blue. Unsurprisingly, changes were made at the interval, and they spawned Celtic’s first shot at the target as Hatate came off the bench to force a save out of goalkeeper Jack Butland. Things had improved though and pressure paid off when Benjamin Nygren’s dinked cross was headed home by Tierney.

Hatate-inspired Celtic were the better team after the break and McCowan almost levelled up with a low effort as Butland scrambled to make a save. His next stop to deny Daizen Maeda was even more spectacular but the Japanese forward’s header came off the arm of Dujon Sterling. Hatate eventually bundled home to snatch a point and while it isn’t ideal, a win over Aberdeen may just make it a better one for the champions. Next up for Celtic is their key game in hand at Pittodrie and then it’s back to Ibrox for a Scottish Cup quarter-final. Here’s how we rated the Celtic players.

Viljami Sinisalo - 5/10

A huge day for the Finnish stopper. Left helpless at first and sold out by those in front of him by the second. Everything else fine.

Julian Araujo - 4/10

Chermiti peels off him for goal but not a lot can be done about the finish. Lost control of the forward at second strike but steadied in second half.

Dane Murray - 5/10

Another major game in the career of the academy product but horror moment at second goal. Managed to compose himself and put in a solid second half shift which should build confidence.

Liam Scales - 5/10

An experienced Old Firm campaigner compared with some in this team. Couldn’t stop Andreas Skov Olsen’s cross to Chermiti. Dragged out of centre for second goal but on both counts goals were preventable even after those moments.

Kieran Tierney - 6/10

Another who was left exposed in a dire first half but headed his side back into the game. Subbed.

Callum McGregor - 5/10

Midfield was swarmed and he wasn’t on the first contacts and second balls. Booked but more commanding after half-time and plays part in Tierney’s goal.

Benjamin Nygren - 5/10

His goals have been key but when he’s not scoring, overall play comes into focus. That’s where he’s been lacking and again didn’t do enough to command midfield. Good cross for Tierney’s goal.

Alex Oxlade Chamberlain - 4/10

Still getting up to speed but this isn’t a game for that. This looked like a game too far for him at this stage as Rangers physically breezed past him. Subbed at half-time.

Yang - 4/10

Quiet and not much to note. Subbed in the second half. Just the one touch in the Rangers box and no successful dribbles.

Junior Adamu - 4/10

A more physical outlet through the middle but did next to nothing in a bleak first 45 minutes. Hooked at the break.

Daizen Maeda - 6/10

Gone off the boil and O’Neill would have looked for him to hold the ball better than he did. Pace through the middle was more of an issue for Rangers in an improved second half but still little end product. Gets on end of a cross that creates penalty.

Reo Hatate - 9/10

Made an instant impact with nice passes and calm touches. Worked Ibrox into a shoot as he showed his quality and got the leveller. Celtic need this version of him going forward this season.

Sebastian Tounekti - 7/10

Brought more of an outball down the line. Some tremendous link play as he caused Rangers all sorts of bother.

Luke McCowan - 3/10

Almost scored a dramatic leveller.

Marcelo Saracchi - 3/10

Provided a fresher alternative at left-back.

James Forrest - N/A

Replaced Nygren late on.