Ross County vs Celtic Player Ratings; Two Celtic Standouts

Celtic made it back-to-back wins in the Scottish Premiership as they defeated Ross County by three goals to one in the Highlands.

It looked as though the game may not have been going the Hoops’ way at one point although late goals from Moritz Jenz and Liel Abada made sure of the points for Ange Postecoglou’s side. Here’s how the players rated. 

Joe Hart – 7/10

It is hard to recall any significant saves Joe Hart had to make in today’s match however the Englishman was always willing to build up play from the back. Hart would’ve had a second consecutive league clean sheet had it not been for Alex Iacovitti’s equaliser just before the hour mark. 

Josip Juranovic – 7/10

The Croatian right back got up and down the right hand side and always offered himself as an option for a pass. Another adequate performance from Josip Juranovic. 

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 8/10

We’ve come to expect consistency from Cameron Carter-Vickers at the back and that’s what we got today. The American was good on the ball although potentially outshone by debutant Moritz Jenz, who we’ll now get on to.

Moritz Jenz – 9/10

It is fair to say Moritz Jenz was outstanding on his Celtic debut. An assured presence at the back, the German swept up any threats posed by Ross County attackers. Moreover, the 23 year old was an attacking menace, wonderfully glancing home from a Jota corner to put Celtic in front with six to play. It was a crucial debut goal from Jenz and hopefully this is only the beginning for the centre back who really caught the eye today. 

Greg Taylor – 7/10

Greg Taylor didn’t standout nor look noticeably poor today although he and Giorgos Giakoumakis summed up Ange Postecoglou’s style of play when they swarmed Jordan Tillson to help Celtic to their third of the afternoon. One would believe the 24 year old remains ahead of Alexandro Bernabei in the left back pecking order. 

Callum McGregor – 7/10

The Celtic captain was omnipresent in the midfield today, constantly moving the ball from left to right to keep things going for his side. McGregor was also willing to make a few forward runs in this afternoon’s match into the opposition box and what he brings to the Celtic side is noticeably missed when he’s not there. 

David Turnbull – 7/10

Coming in due to a knock Reo Hatate picked up against Aberdeen, David Turnbull played until the 73rd minute when he was subbed off for Giorgos Giakoumakis. In his time on the pitch, the midfielder was constantly looking to play the ball forward but didn’t have any real moments of genius. 

Matt O’Riley – 8/10

Matt O’Riley was presented with quite a few chances this afternoon and probably should’ve etched his name on the scoresheet. A first half rebound from a Kyogo shot could’ve easily rippled the net as could his second half header. In spite of these missed opportunities, O’Riley was still lively and seems to filling the boots of Tom Rogic amply. 

Jota – 9/10

Celtic’s ‘superstar from Portugal’ lived up to his billing today, notching a hat-trick of assists. For Kyogo’s opener, Jota made a clever cut back and his wonderful cross met the head of Moritz Jenz for the Bhoys’ second of the game. Before Abada curled in for the third, the Portuguese neatly played in his wing counterpart after some sufficient pressing. In just two league appearances, Jota has already registered four goal contributions and securing his services permanently appears to be another eminent piece of business from Celtic. 

Kyogo Furuhashi – 8/10

Kyogo got his 2022/23 account up and running today, finishing deftly from inside the box to break the deadlock just after half time. The Japanese didn’t have many opportunities other than this however still got his name on the scoresheet, something he will be aiming to do a lot more as the season progressing. 

Daizen Maeda – 6/10

The 24 year old was relatively quiet before being subbed off at half time, the reason for which remains unclear although he did appear to pick up a knock in the first half. The most notable involvement Maeda had was when he attempted an overhead kick moments from the end of the first 45. 

Substitutes

Three changes were made by Ange Postecoglou in today’s match, the first coming at half time as Liel Abada replaced Daizen Maeda. 

This alteration allowed Jota to move over to his natural left hand side which assuredly benefited the Portuguese although Abada did add some vivacity on the right, constantly running at his man. The Israeli’s impact was made clear when he netted in stoppage time to secure the points for Celtic, sublimely finishing into the far corner from the edge of the box. 

The Hoops’ second sub saw Giorgos Giakoumakis replace David Turnbull just under 20 minutes from time with the Greek striker partnering Kyogo for a certain period of time up top. 

And it was the Japanese striker who made way for Aaron Mooy with five to go, the Australian making a short cameo in the closing stages. 

Celtic getting all three points today was vital. Despite the game being level with ten to go, the Hoops stayed calm and showed exactly why they’re champions as they netted two goals of optimum quality. 

The 3-1 score line was one the visitors probably warranted also. Ross County had only two shots on target with the Bhoys playing some entrancing football going forward, laying onslaught to the Staggies’ goal with 23 shots, seven of which were on target. 

Up next is what could be yet another arduous away trip, though, as Ange Postecoglou takes his team to Rugby Park on an artificial pitch next Sunday at noon.