Celtic player ratings vs Rangers as stunning 10/10 and 8/10 trio light fire under title defence bid
Here’s how we rated the Celtic players in their latest clash with Rangers.
Celtic won 3-1 against Rangers in a key game amid the Premiership title race.
The Hoops entered battle against their local rivals knowing a win was needed to cut Hearts’ lead at the top of the league to one point, after they drew 1-1 with Motherwell on Saturday. Mikey Moore’s opener was a setback to this pursuit before Yang levelled up the score before half-time.
Daizen Maeda had missed another chance earlier in the half for Celtic in a back and forth affair but got the next goal with a nice finish after the restart. His next was the stuff of legend as he acrobatically bicycle kicked home the winner. Next up for Celtic is Motherwell at Fir Park, and should they win that and the final game of the season against Hearts, they’ll retain their title. Here’s how we rated the Celtic players ahead of Fir Park.
Viljami Sinisalo - 6/10
Left in no man’s land by a deflection on way to Moore’s opener. Nothing doing outside that.
Alistair Johnston - 5/10
On comeback trail from injury match minutes wise and showed a little as Rangers got some joy down his side. Also vacated space for Rangers to attack for Moore’s strike. Possibly lucky to stay on the pitch after tackle on Moore.
Auston Trusty - 5/10
Struggled with Youssef Chermiti and barrelled off the ball at opener. Things got easier as Celtic took control.
Liam Scales - 8/10
A few decent blocks and not someone Rangers were looking to go up against. Excellent at the back and great clipped ball in for Maeda’s effort.
Kieran Tierney - 8/10
Kept having two put up against him but dealt with challenges well. Brilliant assist for Maeda and great disguised play to create space for Maeda’s stunner.
Callum McGregor - 6/10
Not able to get a challenge in at opener and fans showed frustrations at the skipper not moving forward quickly, opting for a patient approach instead.
Arne Engels - 7/10
Great run at leveller and an energetic presence in midfield.
Benjamin Nygren - 6/10
His goal-getting keeps him in the team but again a bit below par in terms of overall display. Improved after half-time after getting stuck in a bit more.
Luke McCowan - 5/10
Loses ball as Moore scored but outstanding pass set Celtic on way to restored parity. Subbed at break as right-hand-side was unbalance.
Daizen Maeda - 10/10
Missed a big chance in first half but runs did cause issues for Rangers. No more so than his well-taken strike in what could be his final derby if he is to move in the summer. That third goal, oof. Enough to take top marks, spell-binding, on the biggest of occasions.
Yang - 8/10
Livewire. Great goal, created chances and did some defensive work too.
Sebastian Tounekti - 7/10
Given a chance from the bench at half-time. Turned Tavernier inside-out for Maeda’s moment of wonder.
Reo Hatate - 3/10
Late introduction to calm the game down. Booked.
Anthony Ralston - N/A
Cameo display for right-back.
Kelechi Iheanacho - N/A
Same applies for striker.
Marcelo Saracchi - N/A
Uruguayan left-back another given a cameo.
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