Inconsistent Celtic Star Earns 5/10 – Celtic Player Ratings

Celtic hosted Livingston on a cold, dark, typical Winter’s night in the east end of Glasgow on Wednesday. 

It was the Hoops’ second game back after the World Cup break and in it, the champions put in a dominant performance to win 2-1 over Livi. 

An own goal combined with a front post Kyogo finish was enough for the Bhoys to regain their nine point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership. 

Here’s how the players rated. 

Joe Hart – 6/10

The Englishman once more had very little to do in the Celtic goal. Despite this, Hart was unable to keep a clean sheet due to Nicky Devlin’s strike right on half time. 

Anthony Ralston – 7/10

Anthony Ralston once more begun at right back for Celtic. The 24 year old defended amply and going forward, was a threatening force. Ralston had a number of shots from the edge of the box either be saved or flash wide and also combined superbly with Liel Abada. The defender played numerous balls inside the Livingston left back for the Israeli to run on to and cross into the box from – said phases helping Celtic to score both their goals this evening. 

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6/10

Similarly to his defensive teammates, Cameron Carter-Vickers was rarely threatened this evening. The American built up play from the back as per in another passable performance. 

Carl Starfelt – 6/10 

The Swede was clever when playing out from the back at times and when he needed to be, Carl Starfelt was dominant aerially and strong in the tackle. 

Greg Taylor – 7/10

Starting at left back, Greg Taylor was forced to play on the opposite side of the defence for the final 40 minutes or so when Anthony Ralston came off injured. Similarly to the weekend’s match, the 25 was ever-willing to get on the ball in advanced positions and set up numerous chances for his teammates going forward whether he was at left or right full back. 

Callum McGregor – 7/10

Match winner at the weekend, Celtic captain Callum McGregor played 90 minutes once more this evening. The midfielder was consistent in the engine room and very seldomly put a foot wrong. He latched on to several loose balls and was accurate in his passing as he proved his dependability once more. 

Reo Hatate – 5/10

Reo Hatate had a poor start to the match and was rather slack in the opening stages. Going on from this, the Japanese somewhat recovered, admittedly having a few moments of sparkle but on the whole, his performance was inconsistent. 

Matt O’Riley – 6/10

The Dane got in and around the opposition box from an advanced midfield role and was ever-present when Celtic received any set pieces. Moreover, O’Riley was always on the lookout for a key pass to open up the play but it is fair to say the 22 year old didn’t have any moments of brilliance. 

Liel Abada – 8/10

After being rather effective off the bench against Aberdeen on Saturday, Liel Abada started this evening versus Livingston and was once more impactful.

The 21 year old played a key role in both of Celtic’s goals in the match, firing across the face twice for firstly, Ayo Obileye to divert into his own net and secondly, Kyogo to smartly finish at the front post. Then after these two first half assists, Abada was rather unfortunate not to have a goal of his own after his clinical strike on the spin was ruled out for offside. One imagines the Israeli will start once more against St. Johnstone on Saturday. 

Jota – 6/10

The Portuguese didn’t seem to get into the game and was rather muted in his display. Jota did hurtle a few dangerous low balls across the Livingston box yet other than this, the former Benfica man failed to really capture the imagination before being subbed off on 64 minutes. 

Kyogo – 7/10

The Japanese bagged his first goal since the return of competitive action this evening, being lively as ever in the box to convert at the front post from an inviting Liel Abada cross. As well as scoring, Kyogo also contributed going back, nipping in in front of his opponents to retrieve the ball just before Livi got the chance to break. In terms of numbers, the 27 year old now has 11 league goals for the season and averages a goal contribution every 86 minutes of football he plays. 

Substitutes 

Alexandro Bernabei came on for the injured Anthony Ralston on 56th minute this evening. The Argentine filled in at left back and progressed as his time on the park went on. Initially, Bernabei was loose and slack but grew into the game, being characteristically nippy in the tackle and willing on the ball. 

Ange Postecoglou then made a double change with just over 25 to go. David Turnbull replaced Reo Hatate and Sead Haksabanovic came on for Jota. Turnbull didn’t do much wrong yet wasn’t a standout meanwhile Haksabanovic continually got on the ball on the left wing. The Montenegrin was tidy in his play and probably should’ve scored in stoppage time however from inside the box, the 23 year old blazed over the bar. 

The final two Celtic changes came with just under ten to go, Aaron Mooy and Giorgos Giakoumakis taking the places of Matt O’Riley and Kyogo respectively. Because the duo were only on for a short period of time, however, they didn’t get a sufficient opportunity to impose themselves on the game but nonetheless, still contributed to their team’s victory. 

Winning is all that matters at this time of year and that is what Celtic continue to do. Next up after Wednesday’s win is yet another home match with St. Johnstone the visitors this time around. Nothing but three points will be acceptable for Postecoglou and his players in that one prior to two arduous away ties with Hibs and Rangers.