Celtic travelled to Perth on Saturday afternoon as Ange Postecoglou’s side dramatically got back to winning ways.
It was a hard-fought win for the Hoops, with Giorgos Giakoumakis winning it in the 95th minute after Alex Mitchell cancelled out Andy Considine’s own goal just seconds prior.
There was heavy rotation for the Bhoys today, but as every, we’ll be rating the full starting eleven.
Joe Hart – 7/10
After a horrendous blunder midweek, Joe Hart made a few critical saves today. The Englishman magnificently denied Stevie May with a fingertip with 20 to play and was commanding in his box, claiming a number of crosses and high balls.
Anthony Ralston – 6/10
The Scotland international came in for Josip Juranovic at right back and got up and down the right hand side well. Ralston was tough in the tackle as he put in a passable performance.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6/10
Upon his return from injury, Cameron Carter-Vickers captained Celtic this afternoon. The centre half didn’t have any moments of brilliance in defence although his presence itself definitely brought a bit more stability to the Hoops’ backline in spite of St. Johnstone’s late equaliser.
Stephen Welsh – 6/10
Of Celtic’s centre back pairing, Stephen Welsh acted somewhat as a sweeper, covering in behind whilst Carter-Vickers challenged for aerial balls. The 22 year old played adroitly in this role although he could’ve been stronger in the air when Ali Crawford hoisted in for the hosts’ late leveller.
Alexandro Bernabei – 8/10
Alexandro Bernabei made his maiden league start for Celtic in Perth and it is fair to say the Argentine was a vivacious performer. From full back, Bernabei marauded up and down the left with ease and although he had a few tentative instances going back, the positives of his performance outweighed these moments. His pace and enthusiasm stood out and it was the 22 year old who whipped a wonderfully accurate cross into the box for Giorgos Giakoumakis’ late winner.
Matt O’Riley – 6/10
The Danish midfielder has looked quiet in the past couple of games and failed to really get himself involved today. O’Riley was slightly guilty of overplay at times although did close with a few free kicks.
Reo Hatate – 8/10
Reo Hatate stood out in Celtic’s midfield today. The 24 year old made a number of passes which showed great ingenuity and opened up the play superbly to allow Sead Haksabanovic in behind for the Hoops’ only goal of the game.
Sead Haksabanovic – 7/10
Making his first league start for Celtic, Sead Haksabanovic was a lively customer going forward. The Montenegrin constantly roamed between the lines and manufactured his side’s opener, flashing a dangerous ball across the goal which was turned in by Andy Considine. Haksabanovic certainly passed the eye test today and it will be intriguing to see if he gets the nod for the visit of RB Leipzig on Tuesday evening.
Liel Abada – 6/10
Liel Abada should’ve had his name on the scoresheet eight minutes in although from Jota’s cross, the Israeli blazed off target. Abada also had a few chances in the second half, none of which he was able to take and other than registering efforts on goal, the winger didn’t contribute too much.
Jota – 6/10
The Portuguese was hooked at half time despite having a few flashes of brilliance in the first 45. Jota got in behind the St. Johnstone defence a few times, linking well with Alexandro Bernabei and putting it on a plate for Liel Abada early doors.
Giorgos Giakoumakis – 7/10
The hero of the hour for Celtic, Giorgos Giakoumakis bagged what was an invaluable winner for Celtic this afternoon was. The Greek was starved of any sufficient service throughout, yet when Alexandro Bernabei crossed on 95 minutes, Giakoumakis was alive to sweep home with his left foot, sending the Celtic fans into sheer ecstasy.
Celtic Substitutes
Daizen Maeda came on at half-time however the Japanese didn’t offer much in the second 45.
Then with 22 to go, James Forrest, Oliver Abildgaard and Aaron Mooy replaced Liel Abada, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley.
Forrest looked sharp and drove the ball forward well on some occasions with Abildgaard winning a few headers in midfield. Mooy was probably the most involved of the trio with the Australian being not afraid to get on the ball in the engine room.
Ange Postecoglou’s final change of the afternoon saw James McCarthy replace Sead Haksabanovic. The Irishman was brought on to see out the game yet he ended up playing a vital role in his team’s winner, keeping the attack alive to play in Alexandro Bernabei who, in turn, set up Giorgos Giakoumakis.
A number of Celtic hearts would’ve skipped a beat this afternoon, although in the end, three vital points were taken home to Glasgow.
Up next for the Bhoys is a crucial Champions League tie with RB Leipzig at Parkhead on Tuesday evening, with the manner of today’s victory undoubtedly giving Ange Postecoglou’s players a colossal boost ahead of the match up with the Germans.
