Despite winning the league already, Celtic welcomed back Kasper Schmeichel and Nicolas Kuhn from their injuries against Hibernian. The Hoops were desperate to secure all three points after last week’s draw in the Old Firm showdown, and they overcame an early scare to script a commanding 3-1 win this afternoon.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 3-1 win against Hibernian.
Kasper Schmeichel: 6.5
Could not have done much to stop Martin Boyle from finding the net. Made some routine saves against Hibs’ limited opportunities.
Anthony Ralston: 8
Set it up for Nicolas Kuhn’s equaliser late in the first half. Was a constant threat down the right with his crosses, long balls, and passes into the final third. Created the most chances in the match.
Auston Trusty: 6.5
Got the nod in place of injured compatriot Cameron Carter-Vickers, but the UMSNT centre-half’s failure to make the clearance led to Boyle’s early goal against the run of play. Showed his his passing and ball-playing traits from the heart of the backline.
Liam Scales: 7
Looked solid in deep defence as he dominated the duels, made timely recoveries and clearances. Tried to carry the ball forward from the deep to accelerate attacking transitions.
Greg Taylor: 7.5
Was effective from the left as an inverted fullback. Linked up well with Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate in and around the attacking third.
Callum McGregor: 7
Marshalled the defence and showed his expertise as a deep-lying playmaker. Was not constantly effective in the Hibs half until he played his part in the build-up of Reo Hatate’s goal around the hour mark. Was taken off for Paulo Bernardo late in the match.
Arne Engels: 7.5
Forced Jordan Smith to make a save. Had a few attempts off target. But he set it up for Hatate, who made it 3-1 and secured a commanding win at Parkhead. His directness and box-to-box runs never let the visitors conquer the midfield battle. Made way for 17-year-old Sean McArdle in the closing minutes.
Reo Hatate: 8.5
Was excellent throughout the outing as he controlled the tempo with his smart one-twos, swift movements, flair and finesse. Bent a shot into the bottom corner from just inside the box to earn his side a two-goal cushion. Was subbed off for Luke McCowan with a few minutes left.
Nicolas Kuhn: 8.5
Scripted a comeback at the backend of the first half initially by finding the equaliser and then laying it on for Adam Idah minutes later. Kept on causing menace in the Hibernian defence with his pace, prowess and precision from the right-hand flank. Was replaced by James Forrest late in the outing.
Daizen Maeda: 7
His cross was spilt over by Smith moments before Hatate’s goal. However, it has been a rare occasion when the Japanese sensation could not make it to the scoresheet or register an assist.
Adam Idah: 8
His dummy run took the defender off and opened it up for Kuhn to fire home. His great finishing trait earned them a lead before the half-time whistle. Was taken off for Johnny Kenny with 10 minutes remaining.
Celtic Subs vs Hibernian
Paulo Bernardo: 6.5
His measured and controlled passing helped the Hoops dictate the momentum during the final quarter of the match.
James Forrest: 6
Did not make any noteworthy contribution since replacing Kuhn.
Luke McCowan: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Johnny Kenny: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Sean McArdle: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
The post Hatate Gets 8.5, Trusty With 6.5 | Celtic Players Rated In Their Win Against Hibernian appeared first on The 4th Official.
