Despite losing 3-0 at Ibrox earlier this year, Celtic were firm favourites to win this afternoon against Old Firm rivals Rangers. However, the Light Blues, who fought until tie-breakers on Thursday night en route to reaching the Europa League quarter-finals, defeating Fenerbahce over two legs, showed more grit and intent in the battle for prestige and pride despite little rest.
The Gers’ midfield duo Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande earned a two-goal lead before the break, which, however, was nullified by the Japanese duo Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate. But the hard work in the second half went in vain when a sublime late strike from substitute Hamza Igamane sealed the derby silencing the Parkhead crowd.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 3-2 defeat against Rangers.
Kasper Schmeichel: 5.5
Should have come off his line to stop Raskin’s header for the opening goal. Was shaky between the sticks as his mistake could have cost the Celts minutes later. Could have done little to deny Diomande or Igamane.
Alistair Johnston: 5
Dismal down the right as the Canadian was at fault during Igamane’s winner. Failed to threaten enough with his overlapping runs, crosses and link-up play.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 5.5
Led the Celts amid Callum McGregor’s injury absence. But the USMNT ace looked uncomfortable while dealing with long balls and crosses.
Maik Nawrocki: 6.5
Handed a rare start amid the absence of both Auston Trusty and Liam Scales. Surprisingly, the forgotten Polish centre-half was the only positive in a dismal defence. Dominated the duels and made some crucial blocks and interceptions to avoid further damage.
Jeffrey Schlupp: 5
An afternoon to forget for the Crystal Palace loanee. Was a liability at the back and the Ghanaian’s only contribution was to force a late save from Jack Butland.
Arne Egnels: 6.5
Operated from the base but failed to replicate the mastery of McGregor. The midfielder did not have the desired shape required for transitions, and Engels’ lack of creative spark cost the Hoops throughout the game.
Luke McCowan: 7.5
Had a below-par first half, but he set it up for Hatate who made no mistake to make it 2-2 midway through the second half. Lost several duels and also got dispossessed on a couple of occasions.
Reo Hatate: 8
Showed his sharpness high up the pitch with a stunning finish. Was denied by Butland early into the game. Tried to offer directness with his box-to-box movements.
Nicolas Kuhn: 5
Was dreadful during the first half as he looked lethargic in the attacking third and lacked involvement in the build-ups. Was taken off for Adam Idah at half-time.
Jota: 7.5
His cross from the right led to Maeda’s goal that reduced the deficit moments after the break. Struggled to win duels against the physicality of Dujon Sterling and later Balogun before making way for Yang around the 70th-minute mark.
Daizen Maeda: 8.5
Scored his 28th goal of the season as he outjumped James Tavernier to reduce the deficit soon after the break. Worked extremely hard to bring the Celts back in the contest.
Celtic Subs vs Rangers
Adam Idah: 5.5
His arrival saw Maeda shifting down the left. But the Irishman could not make an impact while spearheading the attack.
Yang Hyun-Jun: 6
Showed his pace and flair from the flank since replacing Jota.
The post Maeda Gets 8.5, Johnston With 5 | Celtic Players Rated In Their Defeat Against Rangers appeared first on The 4th Official.
