Celtic did the business this evening in what was a comfortable win over Dundee United.
It wasn’t exactly the most prolific of matches for the Hoops but the points were all that mattered on a freezing cold night.
Daizen Maeda continues to show his goal threat and he added to his tally with the opening strike in the first-half.
The Japanese has emerged as the top goals contender with Nicolas Kuhn as scorer in Glasgow with 13 this season and five assists but he made it 14 and six during the 2-0 win.
- READ MORE: Celtic fans bite back at Brendan Rodgers’ Kieran Tierney chant moans with ex-player songbook
Countryman Reo Hatate doubled the lead late on but the Tangerines offered little.
67 Hail Hail takes a look at the player ratings from the 90 minutes of action which saw Celts go 16 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership…
Celtic player ratings vs Dundee United
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
The Danish stopper had next to nothing to do on an evening where Celtic completely dominated possession and attacked from the get-go. Harsh to even rate his performance, but the one save from Glen Middleton he had to make, he did.
Alistair Johnston – 6
Didn’t see an awful lot from AJ this evening as he wasn’t a major attacking option down the right. Did his duties in defence when asked but a lot of what Johnston did was recycling the ball to start attacks with other creative players.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7
Celtic TV described him as playing like he was wearing his smoking jacket with a cigar in his mouth and his slippers on. And it’s hard to argue. The centre-half was brilliant and imposing at the back and he won his duels as well as every header that presented itself.
Auston Trusty – 6
Much like CCV, his American teammate was solid in the tackle and in the air. A wee bit nervy in the second-half when VAR took a look at a challenge inside the Celtic box, but it was much ado about nothing.
Greg Taylor – 6
Saw a lot of the ball on the left-hand side and put in some half-decent deliveries but there were no takers for the most part. More good link-up play with Daizen Maeda and would’ve had an assist from the flank had his pal fixed his feet in time.
Callum McGregor – 6
One could argue McGregor is at his best when his evening goes unnoticed in the midfield. Nothing fancy, nothing flashy from the captain, but he allowed those around him to push forward and create while he marshalled the defensive midfield in the way he always does.
Luke McCowan – 7
Had an excellent game in the engine room. Helped create the opening goal and his eye for a forward pass was evident from the outset. Likes to put himself about a bit, too, in the physical battle and showed up well again. Subbed.
Arne Engels – 8
Was clearly angling for his first goal since Boxing Day and seemed keen to test the Dundee United goalkeeper. Always looking forward and was dangerous for Celtic with his quick-thinking and clever movement. Set-piece deliveries always improving. Was given a rest near the end.
Daizen Maeda – 8
Another really influential evening for the Japanese international. He’s always been important but Daizen is fast becoming one of the Hoops’ biggest goal threats and he made good on that with the opener. Always on the front-foot and kept Dundee United on their toes all night. Teed up the second goal.
Yang – 6
Was asked to come into the starting lineup after Nicolas Kuhn went out in the warm-up and he did his best. Some decent crosses into the box but more often than not they were into a general area as opposed to looking to pick anyone out in particular. Subbed.
Adam Idah – 5
Difficult evening for the Irishman. The goals have dried up a bit for Idah and he wasn’t involved too often this evening with most of the creativity and chances coming from the midfield. Replaced by Kyogo.
Kyogo (sub) – 4
Thought he had scored from an Engels corner but goalkeeper Jack Walton beat it away at his near post.
Reo Hatate (sub) – 5
Kept the game ticking and added the second goal with a fine finish.
Luis Palma (sub) – 2
Given a rare 15 minutes despite Palma having MLS transfer interest this window.
Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 5
Had two interactions for Hatate’s goal which was key to the strike. Forced Walton into a smart save.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
