Celtic player ratings vs Falkirk: 9/10 Duracell Bunny inspires Hoops victory to heap pressure on title rivals
Here’s how we rated the Celtic players in action against Falkirk
In their first game following the league split, Celtic defeated Falkirk 3-1 in the Parkhead sunshine to keep pressure on both Hearts and Rangers in the Premiership title race.
Daizen Maeda had a huge part to play as his persistence led to him scoring the first and providing Kieran Tierney’s second. Falkirk substitute Kyrell Wilson caused Celtic several problems as his thunderous effort got the visitors back in the game, but Maeda shortly kiboshed any chances of a comeback with his second of the afternoon.
Martin O’Neill’s side took full advantage of their chance to put the pressure on their title rivals. For the time being, they sit a point ahead of Rangers in the standings, who host Motherwell tomorrow. Celtic are now level on points with league leaders Hearts, who subsequently face Hibs at Easter Road.
The Hoops started brightly with a high tempo and some nifty interplay, but the final pass was just letting them down. Their first real chance came from Anthony Ralston, who scored his first goal in over a year against St Mirren in last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final victory. He looked in the mood for another as he recorded Celtic’s first shot on target from long range, which Bairns stopper Nicky Hogarth was equal to. Another man who impressed last weekend was Daizen Maeda, who opened the scoring at Hampden through his persistent pressing. It appears lightning can strike twice, as he capitalised on a mistake from Keelan Adams to go through one on one. He then took his shot early to catch out Hogarth, who was out of position while trying to make a passing angle for his defender, as Celtic went a goal to the good.
On the stroke of half time, Maeda once again regained possession, this time from Ben Broggio. With options either side, the Celtic talisman opted to play the ball to the onrushing Kieran Tierney, who cannoned the ball in off the crossbar to double their advantage. As referee Ryan Lee blew the half time whistle, the scoreline perhaps flattered the hosts, as former Celt Calvin Miller and captain Brad Spencer both had chances for the visitors, however what the Hoops did show, was their ruthless streak of attacking cutting edge - something they’ve lacked this year compared to previous campaigns.
Yang Hyun-jun thought he’d killed the game off when he was played through by Benjamin Nygren. Hogarth was equal to his one-on-one however he was able to stretch his neck muscles to head the ball over the line. Fortunately for the visitors, the linesman’s flag was up for offside. Falkirk capitalised and had a few subsequent chances of their own. Substitute Kyrell Wilson changed the game when he came on as the Celtic defence struggled to cope with his pace. He was played in by fullback Leon McCann on a counter attack and thundered the ball past Sinisalo into the top corner to set up a nail-biting finish.
Shortly after the goal, Alistair Johnston entered the field of play for his first appearance since October. The Canadian international received a standing ovation. The game momentarily calmed down with 10 minutes to go before Liam Scales headed his shot goal bound from a Nygren corner. As Celtic found their groove again, minutes later, it was Maeda again who put the game to bed as he got on the end of a low cross from substitute Sebastian Tounekti. This one was more of a poachers finish, as Celtic overcame the first of five cup finals.
Viljami Sinisalo - 6/10
Smart early save from Spencer’s shot. Other than that wasn’t really troubled. Absolutely no chance for Wilson’s screamer.
Anthony Ralston - 7/10
Looks a different player. Goal at Hampden appears to have done his confidence a world of good. Substituted for Johnston shortly after he was booked in the build up to the Falkirk goal.
Auston Trusty - 6/10
Coped well with the physicality of Barney Stewart, who he kept fairly quiet. Marked down for a yellow on the hour mark.
Liam Scales - 7/10
Some important early interceptions scuppered any Falkirk hopes of a counter attack. Looked assured on his return from suspension. Nearly put the game to bed with a header.
Kieran Tierney - 7/10
Had a quiet start to the match but burst into life after his thunderous strike. Struggled to cope with the pace of Wilson when he came on as he made way for Marcelo Saracchi shortly after the goal.
Callum McGregor - 7/10
Controlled the tempo of the game nicely in a match that was at times end to end. Brought off for Oxlade-Chamberlain before the final whistle.
Arne Engels - 7/10
Dogged in midfield and worked tirelessly. More of an off-the ball effort than on it, which will perhaps be more pleasing to Martin O’Neill.
Benjamin Nygren - 6/10
A quiet afternoon for the Swede, who uncharacteristically didn’t get among the goal contributions in the 3-1 win. Not a standout performer.
James Forrest - 6/10
Changed the game last weekend but didn’t quite have the same impact from the start in this one. Crossed a few decent balls into the box but no one got on the end of them. Hooked for Tounekti on the hour mark.
Yang Hyun-jun - 5/10
Early misplaced pass almost led to a Falkirk opener. Always looked a little too frantic on the ball. Unlucky with the offside goal.
Daizen Maeda - 9/10
Scored and assisted in the first half after his endless persistence paid off, then added another in the second. Falkirk’s defence will be glad to see the back of Celtic’s Duracell bunny, who looks back to his best at an ideal stage of the season.
Sebastian Tounekti - 6/10
A clever assist for Maeda to put the game to bed as the super-sub once again looked lively.
Alistair Johnston - 5/10
Didn’t have a huge impact in his first game for seven months but could be vital in Celtic’s title run-in as a player whose been there and done it.
Kelechi Iheanacho, Marcelo Saracchi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - N/A
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly