A sea of green and white joy erupted at Hampden this afternoon as Celtic won the Viaplay Cup. Ange Postecoglou masterminded a deserved 2-1 win over Rangers which once more proved his side are the dominant force in Scottish football.
A brace from Kyogo was enough to seal victory for the Celts on a sunny Hampden afternoon.
Here’s how the players rated.
Joe Hart – 7/10
The Englishman commanded his area effectively, coming out to punch a number of crosses and corners into the Celtic box. Joe Hart took no chances with the ball at his feet and made it three major honours in his time in Glasgow thus far.
Alistair Johnston – 9/10
In only his second Glasgow derby, Alistair Johnston was immense at right back. The Canadian was strong as ever in the tackle, keeping the likes of Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala at bay. Johnston got forward well on a few occasion and had an all round standout performance.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 8/10
The American enjoyed an entertaining battle with Alfredo Morelos in which he dominated. Carter-Vickers won several headers in defence whilst playing out from the back amply. A continually consistent performer for the Hoops, the former Spurs man was once more that today.
Carl Starfelt – 8/10
Carl Starfelt remained calm and composed in build up play, particularly when he done a Cruyff turn inside his own six yard box in the first half. As well as showing confidence on the ball, Starfelt made numerous blocks, clearances and interceptions in a performance worthy of a cup final winner.
Greg Taylor – 6/10
Apart from an assist for Kyogo’s opener, Greg Taylor wasn’t at his best. Fashion Sakala got in behind the Scotland international on a few occasions with the 25 year old also lacking calmness as the game went on when playing out from defence. Nevertheless, Taylor completed the full 90 and contributed to a cup winning triumph in the Glasgow derby.
Callum McGregor – 7/10
Captain Callum McGregor lifted his third honour as Celtic skipper this afternoon. In the game itself, McGregor sat deep in his usual pivot role. He didn’t seem to put a foot wrong and drove forward from deep on a few occasions.
Reo Hatate – 8/10
The Japanese midfielder played to a top standard this afternoon. Reo Hatate was involved in some sublime play for Celtic and it was he who put it on a plate for Kyogo in the second half. This campaign, Hatate has truly kicked on and in a game of today’s significance, the Japanese was more than up to the mark.
Aaron Mooy – 7/10
Starting in his first Glasgow derby, Aaron Mooy done well in midfield. The experienced Aussie played some clever balls in and around the engine room and was involved in a few nice combinations.
Jota – 6/10
The Portuguese looked to disclose his characteristic trickery on the right hand side but in some instances, was rather ineffective. Jota did have some moments of brilliance, for example when he forced McGregor into a low save in the first half, however on the whole, didn’t encapsulate consistency.
Daizen Maeda – 7/10
Starting on the left hand side, Daizen Maeda put in a passable cup final performance. The winger wasn’t at his best on the ball but his defensive contributions were crucial for Celtic. He came off for Sead Haksabanovic with six to go.
Kyogo – 9/10
It was a statement performance up front from Kyogo this afternoon. The Japanese made it two braces in two cup finals with two goals of an almost identical nature. A minute before half time, the centre forward tapped into an empty net from a few yards out to put his side in front. Then just over 10 minutes into the second half, Kyogo was at it again. His fellow countryman Hatate slid across goal and the 28 year old was there to bundle home. Undoubtedly, Kyogo is the best striker in Scotland and today, his contributions were pivotal to Celtic’s success.
Substitutes
Ange Postecoglou made a double change with 25 to go as Matt O’Riley and Liel Abada replaced Aaron Mooy and Jota respectively.
O’Riley played in the advanced role of a Celtic midfield three when he came on and could’ve had himself on the scoresheet very late on as Celtic broke forward. Abada was lively but rather foolishly, got himself booked for simulation.
Oh and Iwata then came on with 15 to go, these changes being a master-stroke from Postecoglou. Iwata’s presence allowed for an alteration to a double pivot in midfield for Celtic which helped them get on top of Rangers substitutes in the engine room. Oh let the Hoops go long in the closing stages as he held up play, won fouls and shielded the ball in the corner.
The final Celtic change came on the 84th minute as Sead Haksabanovic replaced Daizen Maeda. The Montenegrin had perhaps the most opportunities of any fellow subs despite a limited amount of time on the park. He led numerous counter attacks and should’ve had a goal in the dying embers as he dragged a right footed shot wide.
Today proved why Celtic are the best team in Scotland. Against their closest challengers on all fronts domestically, the Hoops were fully deserved of victory in a greatly entertaining cup final.
For the Bhoys and Postecoglou, the target at the start of this campaign would’ve been a treble and one that front, it is one down, two to go.
