Celtic Player Ratings In SPFL Opener

Celtic started their new league campaign in the worst possible way, suffering a 2-1 defeat at Tynecastle, leaving Postecoglou in search of his first competitive win as Celtic manager.  

The team lined up with some notable changes from the team that started in Denmark; 

-Carl Starfelt made his debut in green and white. 

-Nir Bitton was recalled at the expense of Welsh. 

-Barkas remained on the bench with Bain keeping his place. 

-Both Forrest and Abada started. 

-Edouard remained in the Starting XI despite failing to impress midweek. 

Player ratings;

Bain – 4

Apart from a slack pass that put the defence under pressure, Bain had nothing to do in the first half. With just under 15 minutes left, he made a good diving save to his bottom right. For Hearts second goal, Bain was hesitant as to whether to come and collect the ball or not. He came off his line before attempting to shuffle back after reassessing the situation. 

Taylor – 5

Taylor struggled with the Hearts tactic of balls being played over the top. This is what caused the majority of Celtic’s problems throughout the match. Taylor had his share of poor passing.  

Bitton – 4

How does he get a game for Celtic? Although Souttar was left unmarked, it did look like Bitton should be marking him. Souttar headed the ball into the net in the final stages of the game. 

Starfelt – 4

For the opening goal, Carl was unconvincing. After getting beat effortlessly, he attempted to recover but his challenge on Boyce wasn’t strong enough and the ball was left in no man’s land, after Boyce’s shot is deflected off Bitton, McKay-Steven slots it into an empty net. However, the Swede did grow into the game looking solid. He showed great use of his pace and physicality, once he settles into the team with a consistent back four he has the potential to be a great buy.

Ralston – 6

As usual, Ralston failed to impress, giving the ball away through poor passing many times throughout the 90 minutes. However, after collecting the ball from outside the 18-yard box, he darted through the Hearts defence and rocketed the ball into the net to record his first goal in 3 years. 

Soro – 6

He was the only man in the middle to show up. He was energetic and tried to make things happen but poor performances around him did not enable him to do so. 

McGregor – 4

In the first half the captain of his usual self, taking on a couple of shots but failing to work Gordon. McGregor never had a good game. 

Abada – 5

The new winger was arguably Celtic’s biggest spark, he tried cutting inside after no Celtic player was able to get on the end of his dangerous crosses. This wared of in the second half. 

Turnbull – 3

After hitting a shot wide of the target he went quiet until he hit another over the bar. He too had his share of poor passing. 

Forrest – 2

Forrest was quiet on the left-hand side and did not create many chances. 

Edouard – 3

Edouard was also quiet, he headed the ball towards goal but the former Celtic keeper saved comfortably. Edouard got the assist for Ralston’s goal. 

SUBS

Christie – 4

Replaced Turnbull. His first touch of the ball forced a good diving save out of Craig Gordon, he tried giving his shot into the far left corner. Coming on at the same time as Kyogo, he brought some fresh energy to the game. 

Kyogo – 2

Replaced Abada – Forrest moved over to the right-wing, Kyogo on the left. The change was too late to be well judged but made little impact on the game. 

Rogic – N/A 

Overall a poor performance let Celtic down in the capital. It is clear numerous signings are still needed at Celtic and needed swiftly.