Celtic bowed out of the Champions League with a promising draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night. The result mattered little with City already assured of a second place finish in Group C behind Barcelona, while Celtic had no chance of avoiding a last-place finish.
Patrick Roberts, on loan at Celtic from Manchester City, stunned the home side within 3 minutes from the kick-off by running past Clichy and scoring the opener with a beautiful curling effort. Kelechi Iheanacho, who will be deputising for the suspended Sergio Aguero in the next 4 Premier League games, pulled things back for City in a match that ended 1-1.
Here is how each Celtic player fared on the night:
Craig Gordon – 7/10
Kept busy throughout the 90 minutes and made an excellent save in the first half from an Iheanacho flick. The Scottish custodian would be disappointed with Man City’s equaliser as it seemed that he was beaten too easily by the Nigerian striker’s shot but regardless, a fine performance overall.
Mikael Lustig – 7/10
Tough shift down the left flank against the likes of Sane, Clichy and Nolito, but Mikael Lustig came out with his head held high. Unnecessary booking for blasting the referee for missing a tackle on Patrick Roberts in the box.
Jozo Simunovic – 7/10
Caught out for pace by Kelechi Iheanacho for the equaliser, but the central defender had a fine game overall. Read the game well and won a majority of his headers and tackles.
Eric Sviatchenko – 8/10
Absolutely terrific performance from the Danish central defender for Celtic on the night. His leadership qualities were there to see as he marshalled his defence around him. Kept the ball distribution going and made some very important interceptions in the box.
Emilio Izaguirre – 7/10
Was hardly troubled by Pablo Maffeo in the first half but got caught out a couple of times when Pep introduced Spanish winger Jesus Navas for the second half.
Scott Brown – 7/10
Just another day in the office for the captain. It was another typical no-nonsense performance for the skipper who gave his side composure in midfield. Was tested against Gundogan, but he continues to revel under Brendan Rodgers this season.
Stuart Armstrong – 7/10
Complimented captain Scott Brown well in a two-man midfield partnership. His energy was instrumental to Celtic pressing the City backline in their own half.
Partick Roberts – 8/10
Couldn’t have made a better impression on return to his parent club than that! Sizzled past Clichy and scored with a beautiful curling effort within a matter of 3 minutes to silence the Etihad.
Tom Rogic – 8/10
Another fantastic performance. Initiated Celtic attacks all night by finding pockets of spaces in the City backline. Pressing was top notch, the use of possession even better. Top display from the Aussie.
James Forrest – 7/10
Another brilliant performer on the night for the Hoops. Made the left wing his own, causing City problems at every possible attacking opportunity. Limped off injured after just 49 minutes – a big worry for Brendan.
Mossa Dembele – 6/10
Moussa Dembele’s string of underwhelming performances continued on Tuesday night. Had a wonderful opportunity to make it 2-1 but tried to be too clever with a dinked effort. The French youngster worked hard, causing problems for City but his wastefulness in front of the goal was a major letdown.
Substitutes:
Gary Mackay-Steven – 6/10
Replaced the injured James Forrest on the left wing for his first appearance since April and looked assured in a fine display. Even had the chance to snatch the win late on for the Hoops, but had his shot thwarted by Willy Caballero.
Leigh Griffiths – 5/10
Had a decent attempt after he came on for Moussa Dembele upfront, but his effort flew inches wide.