Celtic survived a scare against St. Johnstone, as a late goal from Callum McGregor earned Brendan Rodgers’ side a 1-1 draw, at the Celtic Park.
Despite the Hoops’ strong start and early control of the game, it was the Saints who took the lead through Steven MacLean in the 40th minute. Celtic huffed and puffed looking for an equalizer, and it finally came with ten minutes left on the clock, through substitute McGregor. The Bhoys struck the woodwork twice in the final stages, but could not find that elusive winner.
Here’s how the Celtic players fared on the day;
Craig Gordon – 5/10
Made a decent save here and there. His poor mishit clearance was the reason for the Saints’ opener.
Anthony Ralston – 5/10
His Poor back-pass put Gordon under pressure. Did not look very comfortable against Michael O’Halloran.
Mikael Lustig – 6/10
Booked in the second-half for a foul on MacLean. Header bounced off the crossbar in stoppage time. Did not have a lot to do defensively.
Nir Bitton – 6/10
Carried the ball out of the backline well, adding to Celtic’s numbers in the midfield. Rarely troubled at the back.
Kieran Tierney – 7/10
Strong defensively, putting in some strong tackles. Got forward well, playing in a couple of key passes and crosses.
Scott Brown – 7/10
As usual strong and solid in the middle of the park, breaking up play intelligently, winning the second balls.
Olivier Ntcham – 6/10
Did not do a whole lot wrong, but was taken off at half-time in favour of Stuart Armstrong as Rodgers looked to add more bite and energy to his midfield.
James Forrest – 6/10
Not his best game. Let down by his first touch at times. Had a shot easily saved and his decision making wasn’t always spot on. Replaced at half-time with Jonny Hayes coming on.
Tom Rogic – 7.5/10
Looked the most likely to happen for the Hoops. Opened up the St. Johnstone defence on a couple of occasions and saw a shot miss by a whisker.
Scott Sinclair – 7/10
Tested Alan Mannus late in the first half, after cutting in from the left-side and getting past four men. Involved in the lead up to the equalizer, then hit the bar a little after.
Leigh Griffiths – 6/10
Hit the side netting early on. Asked a few questions of the visitors’ defence, but couldn’t find the opening.
Substitutes
Stuart Armstrong – 7/10
Replaced Ntcham at half-time. Forced a couple of fine saves from Mannus.
Jonny Hayes – 6/10
Thrown in after the break, with Forrest being withdrawn. Added pace and dynamism, but couldn’t create chances. Booked for a heavy challenge.
Callum McGregor – 7.5/10
Came on for Ralston after the hour-mark. Looked up for it since the moment he came on. Scored the equalizer in the 80th minute.