Celtic player ratings vs Rangers as Scottish Cup throws up 9/10 rock, injury woe, clear concern and carnage

Celtic won 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw over extra time, in their Scottish Cup quarter final with Rangers.

Daizen Maeda thought he had headed Martin O’Neill’s visitors ahead before VAR intervened and the Hoops had to hook a Light Blues effort off the line after half-time. Emmanuel Fernandez had a Rangers opener cut out with extra time ensuing and then penalties. Next up for Celtic is Motherwell at home in the league as the game ended with both sets of fans spilling onto the pitch in angry scenes.

After last week’s pulsating draw that did both more harm than good in the Premiership title race, this was a win or bust affair that could go a full 120 minutes. One of these sides had to lose the quest for title glory and this would perhaps be a safety net to prevent a season without silverware that would be widely panned. Captain Callum McGregor and influential Kieran Tierney were two experienced Old Firm campaigners who missed out with injury and with other fitness issues, it was perhaps little surprise that Rangers dominated early proceedings.

Chances weren’t in huge supply but the Hoops simply could not get out their own half and had to ride a penalty scare when Auston Trusty had the ball meet his arm, but his natural position escaped punishment. Slowly but surely they grew into proceedings and Maeda thought he had headed them in front.

VAR intervened to judge stand-in captain Liam Scales was offside when flicking on the assist for the forward but it provided encouragement for Celtic and their supporters who packed the Broomloan Stand. No shots on target in the first half spoke to a derby of low quality and Benjamin Arthur switching off almost allowed Rangers in but Viljami Sinisalo did well to bail out the rookie centre-back. Trusty again was there to block another home attack and Sebastian Tounekti had to dig a Rangers effort off the line as home pressure developed.

Again it plateaued and the game became a bludgeoning battle of tackles and last ditch blocks. Extra time beckoned and Fernandez had a goal disallowed for a clear handball with penalties seeming inevitable, as Celtic failed to register a single shot on target over 120 minutes. All they had to was hit more into the net than Rangers in a shootout after a hard-fought slog, and James Tavernier missed the home side’s first effort. Auston Trusty and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put Celtic ahead with Djeidi Gassama blazing high and over the bar, Tomas Cvancara firing low to send Celtic to Hampden. Fans on both sides then were on the pitch as tensions flared on a day where a capacity away crowd returned to the fixture. Here’s how we rated the Hoops players at Ibrox as they

Viljami Sinisalo - 7/10

Tried to play out from goal kicks but they didn’t really go anywhere. Great covering when Arthur made an error and good clearances too. Making a play for number one.

Julian Araujo - 7/10

Looked to be loving the hostile environment. Really aggressive approach suited this fixture and limited the left-hand-side for the most part.

Auston Trusty - 9/10

A few really good blocks and mentored Benjamin Arthur through the game well. Major stop at beginning of second half and composed throughout. Celtic’s best player and scored a penalty too.

Benjamin Arthur - 5/10

Made a bad decision to play in his box that almost ended in tears. A big occasion so early in his senior career but handled it reasonably well with Trusty beside him.

Liam Scales - 7/10

Moved to left-back and booked with Sterling having running power on him. Used experience to nullify threat where possible and lead by example in absence of other. Dogged.

Luke McCowan - 5/10

No enviable task taking on McGregor’s role but his lack of command was part of the reason Rangers overrun Celtic for part of the first half. Subbed before the hour hit. Two injury absences were obvious and the Hoops need both McGregor and Tierney back ASAP.

Reo Hatate - 8/10

Probably the best of the midfield albeit. Nice passes at times and did a bit of the digging, something that developed in extra time. Getting back to his best and netted a penalty.

Benjamin Nygren - 6/10

A goal threat but again battling qualities were called upon, and outside a couple clearances, didn’t really get involved but got more stuck in as bodies tired. Plenty of hard graft but is a middle three suited to him or can they get him playing as a 10?

Sebastian Tounekti - 5/10

Not involved in the first half and any impact he had in an attacking sense was shut down. Does brilliantly to prevent a certain Rangers goal before subbed prior to the hour mark.

Daizen Maeda - 5/10

Put through the middle and almost scored a brilliant header. Forced to do a lot of running and pressing with little in way of clear chances.

Yang - 4/10

Similar to Tounekti who didn’t impact the game in an attacking sense. One or two decent defensive challenges but has to carry more of an attacking fight in this fixture.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 4/10

Brought on to bring class and experience to a team that lacked those elements in the first half. Made some nice passes but influence faded as he was forced to play an hour. Netted a penalty.

Tomas Cvancara - 5/10

Looked to bring a physical approach to the forward line but got knocked about. Needs to do more as striker clearly a problem area that could cost Celtic dear. Scored the key penalty.

Dane Murray - 6/10

Replaced Arthur. Some impressive blocks and last-ditch defensive moves. Growing in stature.

Joel Mvuka - 4/10

Just his second appearance since winter arrival. Quite lively but switched off at times going back the way.

James Forrest - 3/10

Bringing experience and know-how to the final third. Wasn’t involved all that much.