Celtic maintained their comfortable 11 point lead at the top of the Scottish premiership table intact with a narrow 1-0 win against Hamilton Academical at Celtic Park on Tuesday night. Celtic, having a further 2 games in hand over their bitter rivals Rangers in second place, are well on course for another title triumph as they chase a historic unbeaten domestic treble.
Brendan Rodgers sprung up a surprise prior to kick-off reverting back to a 3-5-2 formation that he used quite prominently during his days at Liverpool. Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths were given a rare start together up front. While both are excellent strikers in their own right, it became quite apparent as to why Brendan hasn’t used them together more often.
Here is an assessment of how each individual fared on the night:
Craig Gordon – 7/10
Solid with distribution and handling of the ball. Did not have to save much but whatever came his way was dealt with well.
Mikael Lustig – 7/10
Playing on the right of a three-man defence, Mikael Lustig worked diligently as an auxillary right-back covering the ground on both sides of the pitch.
Jozo Simunovic – 7/10
Comfortable in stepping out from the back and as usual a comforting figure in the defence. Strong and dominant in the air.
Erik Sviatchenko – 7/10
The Danish defender was also a comfortable figure stepping out from the back. Got away with some slack tackling in the closing stages.
Callum McGregor – 6/10
Camped high up the pitch on the left-hand side throughout the game. Was involved in plenty of attacks but the end product was lacking.
Scott Brown – 7/10
A disciplined performance from the skipper as usual, just what we’ve come to expect from him. Disciplined in midfield and controlled the game for the Hoops.
Stuart Armstrong – 7/10
Another energetic display from Armstrong, covering both sides of the pitch. His style of play seems to be complimenting that of Scott Brown well.
Tom Rogic – 8/10
The Aussie was his usual self. Passed the ball well and threaded the spaces in the opposition defence. Missed a great chance to open the scoring, but didn’t let that miss affect his confidence by setting up a defence-splitting through ball for Griffith’s eventual winner.
Patrick Roberts – 7/10
After a rather disappointing performance at Thistle, this was more like it from the Manchester City loanee. Had an intriguing duel on the right flank with Accies winger Dougie Imrie all night.
Leigh Griffiths – 7.5/10
Followed up his goal against Thistle with another one here. Could’ve had a couple more but for some below par finishing.
Moussa Dembele – 6/10
A subdued display which was sprinkled with a few moments of intent and determination. Got the assist for Griffiths’ goal and could’ve had one himself. His partnership with Griffiths upfront still very much a work-in-progress.
Substitutes:
Gary Mackay-Steven – 6/10
Showed plenty of flair after coming on and did not let the attacking intent drop despite the lead.
Nir Bitton – Not available
Came on for Moussa Dembele with 6 minutes left on the clock.