Celtic player ratings vs Rangers: Parkhead pressure dial rises amid concerning displays in dismal derby repeat

Celtic pressure has escalated after a poor performance and 1-0 Old Firm loss against Rangers in their latest Premiership match.

Ryan Naderi opened the scoring for Derek McInnes’ visitors after a timid first half for the Hoops where Djeidi Gassama also hit the post. Naderi’s goal proved enough as they passed up chances to make the scoreline far worse for the out of sorts hosts. A three-week international break now ensues before the Hoops return to league business at Motherwell on October 11.

Despite their 100% start to league business, some are unconvinced by Celtic under manager Martin O’Neill this term, following their epic Champions League collapse against LASK. A pasting last weekend against Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup followed by an equally-abject Europa League loss to Ferencvaros sparked further questions over his team.

Changing to a back three focused on pragmatism rather than their 4-3-3 of recent times displays how keen the boss was to restore solidity. Zero shots on target to their opponents’ six in the first half spoke to the champions lack of firepower but they had hit the bar with a Kieran Tierney blast. Auston Trusty had a goal chopped off for a clear Liam Scales offside but Rangers were lurking dangerously.

One of their long-range efforts was palmed back into play by goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo and Naderi reacted quickest to beat the Finnish stopper. Gassama was then in behind the Celtic defence and his chipped effort hit the post with booing coming down from fans at half-time. Cameron Carter-Vickers needed a last ditch block from Kevin Kelsy’s follow up to deny a certain goal and better was needed from the home team in a key second 45.

O’Neill changed to a 4-4-2 and again Sinisalo caused havoc with a parry into danger from a James Penrice shot. Colby Donovan had forced Ivor Pandur into a good save with a header up the other end but it was far from good enough overall in an attacking sense. That was all they had to offer going forward and Rangers eventually coasted over the finishing line to ramp up pressure around O’Neill and co. Here’s how we rated the Celtic players.

Viljami Sinisalo - 4/10

Restored to domestic duties between the sticks. Really poor for opener and perhaps could have prevented Gassama scare. Palming out rather than to the side was an issue.

Colby Donovan - 6/10

Operated in new wing-back role. Limited Gassama initially but soon was beat for pace. Forced a good save from Pandur and put in some good tackles. One of the better performers.

Cameron Carter-Vickers - 7/10

Right-sided defender in the three. Outstanding block from Kelsy and best of the defensive unit. Had to take a key leading role and progressed play from the back.

Auston Trusty - 4/10

Was the central man of this back three. Poor reactions for the goal and beat by Gassama when Rangers ought to have made it two. Left exposed at time when those around him where engaged in other battles.

Liam Scales - 5/10

Looked to progress play out from the left but struggled with that at times. A few tough battles but relatively ok in defensive duels.

Kieran Tierney - 5/10

Wing-back role for the Scotland international. Cracked the bar but added attacking duties left him exposed at back.

Callum McGregor - 5/10

Anchored the midfield but again looked overrun. Midfield two did him no favours.

Mika Baur - 5/10

One of the sitting midfielders alongside the skipper. Needs to hold possession better and physically couldn’t put himself about but was at least showing for the ball at every chance. Created one or two openings.

Luke McCowan - 4/10

More of an advanced 10 playing off a striker but also required to do more midfield work. Needed more in a creative sense, low passing completion percentage in the first half, and almost lost the ball in costly fashion at Gassama chance. Subbed at the break.

Benjamin Nygren - 4/10

A similar role to that of McCowan but anonymous. Very few chances to make an impact in attack and too far up the pitch to get involved in battles. Pushed wide right and that didn’t seem to suit him at all before subbed.

Camilo Duran - 6/10

A sole striker in a team with limited attack-minded options from the off. Had a couple of runs in behind that gave Rangers some trouble and clearly Celtic’s main threat.

Kasper Hogh - 4/10

Subbed on at the break. Played cheerleader in trying to get the crowd going but that was about it.

James Forrest - 3/10

Moved out right but little impact in forward areas.

Hasseim Hassan - 3/10

A more direct ball carrier.

Booked. Seems to be going through a particularly difficult run of form.

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