Celtic player ratings vs Falkirk as stats experts rank flops and saving graces from calamitous Bairns defeat

Celtic suffered a poor 2-0 loss against Falkirk in their latest Premiership match.

Off the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Dundee United midweek and not in Premier Sports Cup semi-final action due to their quarter-final elimination, Grangemouth was next for the champions. A chance to extend their first-place lead had presented itself with Rangers and Hearts both on Hampden duties.

Things got off to a horror start when a defensive mishap allowed Ethan Ross to put Falkirk into an early lead. Scott Tanser’s low blast doubled the Bairns lead to spark Hoops alarm bells.

A third Falkirk goal was cut off by VAR as things threatened to get out of hand, and while former goalkeeper Scott Bain was busy in the opposition net, Celtic failed to show any signs they could complete an epic comeback. Pressure now builds on manager Martin O’Neill after more dropped points domestically. Stats experts WhoScored cast their eye over this one to decide who the best and worst from the game in terms of Celtic. Here’s the ratings that were provided.

Sam Johnstone - 5.7/10

Not troubled a whole lot. Couldn’t do anything for Bairns opener or the second. Some ropey moments but not worst offender despite low marks.

Colby Donovan - 6.7/10

Falkirk cut right through his side en-route to Tanser’s goal.

Cameron Carter-Vickers - 6.3/10

Will not want to see his wayward swing that set Ross’ goal up again. Defending for Tanser’s effort not much better.

Liam Scales - 6.7/10

Defensive stuff largely fine but playing out from the back not brilliant.

Kieran Tierney - 6.5/10

Uneventful afternoon which is reflected in rating.

Callum McGregor - 6.4/10

Unable to really control the game when Falkirk looked to put the pressure on, and then eventually applied it full throttle.

Mika Baur - 6.5/10

Game passed by him in stages and didn’t do enough to create a game-changing moment. Average.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6.2/10

Perhaps a surprise starter and his case not helped by Falkirk being able to play easily through the middle of the pitch.

Hasseim Hassan - 7.8/10

Pace and attacking intent is clear but defensive work leaves a lot to be desired. Attacking product seems him ranked favourably.

Camilo Duran - 6.5/10

Looks far more comfortable down the middle and forced Scott Bain into good saves. On the eye test looked one of the better performer.

Callum Osmand - 5.9/10

Wasn’t able to fully show the pacey traits and directness he’s known for with much of play coming down Hassan’s side in an attacking sense. Unsurprisingly hooked at the break.

Substitutes used: James Forrest, Sebastien Tounekti, Kasper Hogh, Luke McCowan, Benjamin Nygren.