Celtic player ratings vs Falkirk as stats experts recognise double hero in resilient Premiership victory

Celtic continued their flawless start to the domestic season with a 2-1 Premiership win at home to Falkirk.

Forward Camilo Duran was deployed through the middle for the first time since pre-season and flourished in his preferred position, with two strikers finishes to secure a first half brace. An own goal from defender Colby Donovan setup a nervy finish, however, the Hoops were able to hold out for a much-needed victory after Tuesday night’s Champions League disaster against LASK Linz.

Notable omissions from the starting XI included midfielder Callum McGregor - who is battling a stomach bug - as well as injured striker Kasper Hogh. Defender Auston Trusty was dropped to the bench as replacements Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Haissem Hassan and Liam Scales started.

Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain didn’t cover himself in glory against his former club for the opener. With just four minutes on the clock, he dropped a speculative long ball with Duran breathing down his neck. While scrambling to catch it before it left the area, he once again parried it, this time into the path of the striker for an easy open goal finish. Initially, Duran was adjudged by the linesman to be offside but after a VAR review, the goal was given.

After opening his Premiership account, the Colombian doubled the Hoops lead 25 minutes later. Left back Kieran Tierney made his trademark forward run and was found by winger Yang Hyun-jun. As he played a low cross into the box, Duran wanted the ball more than Falkirk defender Liam Henderson and was able to tap the ball home.

The second half was more pedestrian from the hosts - who were punished in the 72nd minute when the ball ricocheted off Donovan into his own net. Despite this, there was very little goalmouth action in the Celtic box before referee Chris Graham blew the full time whistle.

The victory means Celtic continue their 100% domestic record this season and return to the top of the SPFL Premiership table. Stats experts FOTMOB have used their metrics to rate the Celtic players and here’s how they came in.

Viljami Sinisalo - 7.1/10

Very little to do for the number one after being bombarded in midweek.

Colby Donovan - 6.9/10

Marked down for a needless booking in the first half. Scored an O.G. in the second in a forgettable afternoon.

Cameron Carter-Vickers - 6.9/10

American mainstay strolled it against the Bairns and showed no signs of injury after midweek scare.

Liam Scales - 8.0/10

First league start since suspension and eased himself back in nicely.

Kieran Tierney - 8.0/10

A trademark assist for Duran’s second. Strong performance all round.

Mika Baur - 7.8/10

A tidy performance from the German who wasn’t afraid to burst forward.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 8.0/10

Drafted in for the captain and kept things ticking over in the midfield.

Benjamin Nygren - 7.4/10

Uncharacteristically missed a few chances. First time domestically he’s not been on the scoresheet.

Haissem Hassan - 7.2/10

A constant threat who Falkirk left back Leon McCann struggled to handle all afternoon.

Yang Hyun-jun - 7.7/10

Quiet afternoon for the South Korean winger.

Camilo Duran - 8.9/10

Another double for the Colombian who has made a strong case to be deployed through the middle in the future.

Subs used: Forrest, Trusty, Osmand, McCowan and Tounekti.

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