The much-awaited Glasgow Derby, between Celtic and Rangers, ended in a 1-1 draw at the Celtic Park on Saturday.
A brilliant strike in the 35th minute from Stuart Armstrong gave the lead to Brendan Rodgers’ side after they started the game off the pace. However, they were denied three points by a late leveller from veteran defender Clint Hill. There were claims for a penalty for Celtic late in the game, but the referee denied it and as a result, the Bhoys were held for a draw only second time this season in the Premiership. Here is how each Celtic player performed on the day:
Celtic Player Ratings Vs Rangers
Craig Gordon – 7/10
Made a brilliant save with his foot to keep Martyn Waghorn out in the first-half. Made another brilliant save in the second period to deny Waghorn again.
Mikael Lustig – 6/10
Very solid in defence and supported James Forrest very well down the flank in attack. Played an excellent pass to Moussa Dembele, who failed to control it.
Dedryck Boyata – 6/10
Misread a pass to Waghorn that let him through on goal, but was spared the blushes by Gordon’s save. Slowed the pace of the game when in possession.
Erik Sviatchenko – 5/10
Started the game very poorly, misplacing a horde of passes. Was given a hard time by Waghorn in the early parts, but got to grips with the game as time went on. One of his poorest displays.
Kieran Tierney – 8/10
Always positive and confident on the ball. Defended solidly and got forward with great vigour. He also sent in some threatening crosses.
Nir Bitton – 5/10
A poor start to the game, as he was forced to play the ball back on a lot of occasions. Slowed down the transition in the midfield and gave away silly fouls. Taken off at half-time due to injury.
Scott Brown – 8/10
An influential display in the middle of the park by the skipper. Was up for the battle and came up trumps. Dominated and controlled the midfield.
James Forrest – 6.5/10
Was handed a start by Rodgers after returning from injury. He was a constant threat down the flanks. Set up Armstrong for the goal with a nice cutback.
Stuart Armstrong – 8/10
Slow start to the game, but once he got into his groove, he proved to be the catalyst for Celtic. Came close with a brilliant free-kick, before finding the back of the net with an excellent left-footed strike. Two good efforts on goal were well saved in the second half.
Scott Sinclair – 6/10
Hugged the touchline and cut in from the flanks as well, but couldn’t impose himself. Not effective on the left-side.
Moussa Dembele – 6/10
Not at his sharpest. Was beaten to the ball on quite a few occasions. Never got a real clear-cut chance at the goal and as a result failed to add to his goals tally.
Substitutes
Callum McGregor – 6/10
Came on for Bitton at half-time. Some fast and busy play added impetus to Celtic attack early in the second half.
Patrick Roberts – 5/10
Replaced Forrest with just a little over 20 minutes left to play. Looked lively, but could not find a way through.
Leigh Griffiths – 5/10
Came on for Armstrong in the 73rd minute. Could have had a penalty. A late shot from was blocked as well.