Fantastic Leigh Griffiths – The Best And The Worst Rated Celtic Players vs Rangers

Full Time: Rangers 1-5 Celtic

Celtic thumped Old Firm rivals Rangers to a 5-1 defeat at the Ibrox Stadium in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

It was the Bhoys who took the early lead, when Scott Sinclair slotted home from the penalty spot in the 7th minute, after Patrick Roberts was scythed down in the box by Gers’ left-back Myles Beerman. Ten minutes later, Celtic would double their lead, thanks to a screamer from Leigh Griffiths from the edge of the area.

Seven minutes into the second period, Callum McGregor made it three with a composed finish from within the box, before defender Dedryck Boyata headed home from a set-piece to heap further misery on Pedro Caixinha’s men. Rangers did manage to get a consolation strike when veteran striker Kenny Miller managed to find the back of the Celtic net with nine minutes left to play, but right-back Mikael Lustig would go on to restore Celtic’s four-goal advantage five minutes later.

The win matched the joint biggest victory at the Ibrox for Celtic, a 4-0 win way back in 1897. Here is how their players fared on the day

Celtic Player Ratings

Craig Gordon – 6/10

Neat and tidy in goal, with the Gers hardly threatening. Will have been disappointed to concede so late in the game.

Mikael Lustig – 8/10

Was hardly tested defensively, but remained strong when needed. Capped off a solid performance with a brilliant goal late in the game.

Jozo Simunovic – 6/10

Had nothing to do for more parts of the game. Calm and composed in the backline when called upon.

Dedryck Boyata – 8/10

Made several important tackles and blocks. Got on the scoresheet as well in the second period. Booked for a late challenge on Joe Garner.

Kieran Tierney – 7.5/10

Was brilliant going forward on the left-side, always a threat with his forward forays. Exceptional consistency at such a tender age.

Scott Brown – 7/10

Another combative display from the captain in the middle of the park, helping his team control and dictate play.

Stuart Armstrong – 7/10

Sent Griffiths on his way for the second. His set-piece delivery was spot on. May not have shone as bright as in recent weeks, but effective as always.

Callum McGregor – 8/10

Was always a threat with his movement. Scored the third goal with great composure and calmness. Growing in stature with every performance.

Patrick Roberts – 8/10

Won the penalty for the opener. Grabbed the assist for McGregor’s goal. Tormented Beerman all day with his running. Another lively performance from the Manchester City loanee.

Leigh Griffiths – 9/10

Doubled the lead with a venomous shot from the edge of the area. Hit the woodwork not very long after with another spectacular effort. Chalked up an assist for Boyata’s goal with a free-kick. Having played second fiddle to Moussa Dembele all season, stood up tall when his team needed him to.

Scott Sinclair – 6/10

Scored his fourth goal in six Old Firm derbies, coolly scoring from the spot. Could have easily had a first-half hat-trick, but missed two great chances in the space of five minutes. Not much involved thereon.

Substitutes

James Forrest – 6/10

Replaced Roberts in the 72nd minute. Continued to trouble Beerman.

Tom Rogic – NA

Came on for Armstrong with just over ten minutes left to play. Not enough time to make any impact.

Kouassi Eboue – NA

Replaced Armstrong for the final few seconds.