Celtic player ratings vs Hibernian: Laxalt and Christie the stand-outs as Celtic rescue a point

By John Reid

November 21, 2020

Celtic came from two goals behind to rescue a point against Hibernian in a 2-2 draw. The Hoops fell a goal behind in the second-half. Scott Bain saved Kevin Nisbet’s penalty but the rebound was fired home by Jamie Murphy. Nisbet made it 2-0, before Osdonne Edouard pulled a goal back from the spot. Diego Laxalt fired home the equaliser in injury time.

The most notable aspect about the team selected by Neil Lennon was that it was the exact same line-up that started against Motherwell in Celtic’s last game before the international break.

That mean Albian Ajeti started with Odsonne Edouard on the bench, and the Scottish international heroes Ryan Christie and Callum McGregor both started.

Here are how those Celtic players who featured at Easter Road rated:

Scott Bain – 6

Had very little to do for much of the game as both teams found it difficult to create chances. Extremely unlucky as he saved Nisbet’s penalty but the rebound was forced in. Played well enough on the fay.

Jeremie Frimpong – 6

Started off well, winning an early free-kick. Had plenty of the ball as the Hoops looked to get him involved as an attacking threat. Final ball wasn’t always the best, but one of Celtic’s better performers on the day.

Kristoffer Ajer – 5

Did very well to snuff out a Hibs chance with a sliding challenge. Could have done better with Hibernian’s second goal. Can play better for Celtic, and he will be well aware of that. Not his best performance for Celtic, looked better when the Hoops moved to a three at the back.

Nir Bitton – 5

Similar to Ajer, didn’t have much to do for a lot of the game, but at times he didn’t manage to do it all that well. Could have done better with Hibernian’s second goal, and just like Ajer he will be disappointed in his performance.

Diego Laxalt – 7

As ever was involved in much of the play. Almost scored his first Celtic goal but was denied by the goalkeeper. Struggled a bit on the defensive side of the game, misjudged a high ball a few times. However, he was excellent as usual in an attacking sense, as was shown with his equalsing goal.

Scott Brown – 5

Did very well to stop a Joe Newell chance when the Hibs man had a clear sight on goal. Was always available for the ball in the middle of the park. Conceded a penalty with a shoulder charge and the decision looked to be harsh. However, he was taken off in the second-half and that wasn’t really much of a surprise as Neil Lennon had to make changes to try and rescue the game.

Callum McGregor – 5

Looked to get forward a bit more than he did in previous weeks. Looked to link up with the likes of Rogic and Elyounoussi in the middle of the park as the Hoops tried to create chances. However, he was stifled for much of the game. Performed much better in the second-half, but it wasn’t until the Hoops went 2-0 down, which is unfortunate.

Ryan Christie – 8

Caused chaos with an early free-kick which almost led to the opening goal. Had the Hoops’ first shot on goal which was easily saved. Teamed-up well with Jeremie Frimpong on occasion. Was Celtic’s best attacking option for much of the game, and wasn’t afraid to have a shot on goal.

Tom Rogic – 5

Found it hard to get into the game, as he couldn’t find the space to drop into in a congested midfield. Was often crowded out by Hibs players who obviously recognised what a danger that Rogic can be. Should have scored a late equaliser in the second-half, but was denied by the goalkeeper.

Mohamed Elyounoussi – 5

Mo Elyounoussi in action for Celtic (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Was on the fringes for much of the game. Had some nice touches but found it difficult to get into the game. Missed a great chance from six yards out but his header went wide of goal. Got more into the game as Celtic took control in the first-half, but was taken off in the second-half as Neil Lennon looked to rescue the game.

Albian Ajeti – 4

Did excellently to create an early chance for himself, but his finish was poor. Found himself on the fringes of the game aside from that. Not one of his best games for Celtic, and no surprise that he was replaced in the second-half by Odsonne Edouard.

The Subs –

Odsonne Edouard – 6

Played very well as expected when he came on, caused Hibs all kinds of trouble and scored for the Hoops to bring the team right back into the game.

Leigh Griffiths – 5

Caused Hibs problems in the second-half as soon as he came on. Probably should have been introduced earlier as the Hoops looked to rescue the game.

Shane Duffy – 4

Came on as Celtic moved to a back three, didn’t do much.

Olivier Ntcham – 4

A late sub, didn’t get the chance to contribute much.

In other news, the financial rewards are too great for Celtic to down tools in Europe.