Joe Hart - The veteran had nothing to do in the first half apart from kicking the ball out of his own net following Cyriel Dessers’ immediate header after going 2-0 down. A quiet afternoon for the goalkeeper, who had more work to do celebrating than he did during the match! Another title looks to be coming to his glittering trophy cabinet very soon, which is befitting of the career the legendary goalkeeper has enjoyed. 7
Alistair Johnston - A busy afternoon for the right-back, who motored down both planks to attack and defend. It was an intriguing battle between himself and Fabio Silva, who was Rangers’ most dangerous player in the first half. Rode the reckless challenge from John Lundstram, who was given his marching orders orders following a VAR review. A great game from the Canadian, who was taken off in place of Tony Ralston after 73 minutes. 8
Cameron Carter-Vickers - Just copy and paste everything I say about the defender in virtually all of his performances since he joined the club. Colossal as usual from the SPFL’s premier defender. Interceptions, passing and solidity galore, he put his body on the line for the cause, and was rewarded for his efforts. Massive but expected. An utterly irreplaceable cog of the Celtic machine. 9
Liam Scales - A very mixed showing from the Irishman, who carried the ball well in parts but was so careless in other instances. Never had any dangerous moments to deal with, but looked shaky with his passing and overall play. Celtic need better in the summer, but he got the team over the line with some big headers at the end to seal the win. 6
Greg Taylor - like his left-sided teammate Scales, Taylor had a shaky showing in large parts. Running into areas with lots of blue bodies, the left-back had some nice moments, but all too often he almost sold the jersey with sloppy bits of play. Like Scales, a better replacement will be required in the summer market if Celtic are to kick on under Rodgers. This team will fly with a better left-back in post. 5
Callum McGregor - Captain. Leader. Legend. If there were any doubts about number 42’s place in Celtic folklore, then today cemented his place as a bona fide great of the club. A driving force in the midfield, he was everything good about Celtic’s performance today, as he dominated the middle of the park. Rodgers’ easing of McGregor was a masterstroke on reflection, as he saved his best for today in a massive victory for the side. A legendary performance from a legend of this football club. 9
Reo Hatate - Perhaps the weakest of the midfielders on the day, Hatate was still very involved, though not as much as McGregor and O’Riley in proceedings. He had the beating of Mohamed Diomande early on, turning the Rangers midfielder on more than one occasion as he began to find joy in the Celtic Park engine room. Though he was even brighter in the second half, Rodgers elected to bring him off whilst he was on a booking for Tomoki Iwata, to shore up things. A solid showing. 7
Matt O’Riley - This could - and should - have been another 10 performance from the Great Dane if he had brought his shooting boots to the game, even if he scored the opener. What an opener it was, too, as he smashed home a shot from distance into Jack Butland’s near post. He should have scored before and after this chance, as he caused the Rangers defence and midfield nightmares on the day. A very poor penalty in the second half took the shine off slightly on what was a scintillating performance, but he won’t care one jot. Tremendous from Celtic’s in-form player, but could have been historic looking back. 9
James Forrest - Forrest would make you a believer in the existence of time travel, as the winger looked 10 years younger at parts today. Totally beating Borna Barasic for pace and power, he had the freedom of Celtic Park’s right-wing to cause mayhem. Safe on the ball and dangerous, he would be a thorn in the side for Rangers until coming off to a rapturous applause in place of Nicolas Kuhn. His legend status is secures at the club, yet performances like these make the argument even more one-sided in favour of the veteran winger. Brilliant. 8
Kyogo Furuhashi - a quiet afternoon for the striker, whose only real opportunity was well-saved by Butland at point-blank range. Still, his link-up play was good and allowed Celtic to hold up the ball and get the wingers into the game. Had a better showing than his replacement, that is certain. Hopefully, he's saving his Rangers goals for Hampden... 7
Daizen Maeda - Arguably the most unique player to ever pull on the green and white jersey of Celtic, Maeda continues to be the embodiment of the Boogeyman for James Tavernier and Rangers. Tireless running off the ball mixed with a decent delivery on the day, his ball into the box left John Lundstram scrambling, forcing an own goal in favour of the host to make it 2-0. A team player, every single Celtic player, manager and supporter can’t all be wrong about ‘Duracell Daizen’. A true force of nature in the Celtic frontline. Brilliant. 8
Subs:
Adam Idah - Replacing Kyogo, it was an infuriating watch from the Irishman, who squandered brilliant opportunities on more than one occasion. For his heroics at Celtic Park, he really could have cost his on-loan side with his decision making. Should have had at least a double or an assist with the positions he got in, but was wasteful. A poor showing from the striker, who should have put this game out of sight for the hosts on more than one occasion. 3
Nicolas Kuhn - A bright cameo from the German, who had Ridvan Yilmaz on skates as soon as he entered the field of play. Tried his best to get others involved and looked promising when dribbling. A pre-season under Rodgers will be the making of Kuhn, of that I am certain. Bright. 5
Tony Ralston - Replacing the bright Johnston, Ralston understood the assignment that he was given by the manager, and executed it to perfection on the day. Some massive headers at the end, as Celtic hung on for a priceless win, thanks to his exploits. Massive contribution from a man that has been out of the team for a long time due to Johnston’s form. Big impact. 6
Tomoki Iwata - Came on in place of the tiring Hatate, Iwata kept it simple and tried to calm the game down in possession. He can be trusted to close out a game. Quietly effective. 3
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here