Celtic secured a vital three points this afternoon after overcoming Motherwell 3-0 at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership.
Strikes from James Forrest, Albian Ajeti, and Christopher Jullien were enough to down Stephen Robinson’s men in an eventually comfortable encounter at Celtic Park.
The build-up was overshadowed by Neil Lennon’s controversial decision pre-match to once again not start any recognised strikers. However, unlike last Wednesday’s Champions League exit vs Ferencvaros, the Hoops managed to get the job done today, with both strikers making an impression.
Here, we have a stab at the individual player ratings:
Vasilis Barkas – 6
Can be pleased with the small amount of work he had to do this afternoon. Made a fine stop from Tony Watt as he quickly shut down the angle for the Motherwell striker. Once again looked composed with the ball at his feet too. Will be pleased with the clean sheet.
Hatem Elhamed – 7
Always an outlet down that right flank. Bombed forward and was always looking to take on some responsibility. Bounced back extremely well from his howler vs Ferencvaros to produced a controlled performance.
Kristoffer Ajer – 7
Not a lot for the big Norwegian to do this afternoon. Made a couple of decent runs forward to try and break up the Motherwell resistance. Defensively, however, he was rarely troubled. Too good for Motherwell’s Chris Long. Set up goal number two with a fine through ball to Ajeti.
Christopher Jullien – 7
Same as Ajer except managed a goal. Dealt with Watt’s physicality well and didn’t shirk from the strength battle this afternoon. By and large, however, he was barely troubled. Slotted home a fine finish with his left peg late on to put the gloss on the performance.
Greg Taylor – 6
Linked up well with Mo Elyounoussi and Callum McGregor in the first half without really being overly dangerous. Still seeing too many crosses smack the first man. Set up a big chance for Klimala before being hooked on the hour for Jeremie Frimpong.
Scott Brown – 5
Slowing up too much is the captain. Too slow to react in certain situations in the midfield and just not looking as tidy on the ball. Booked after getting done by Motherwell centre-back Bevis Mugabi. Needs to improve his performance levels.
Callum McGregor – 7
Full of energy this afternoon. Much better than his displays against Kilmarnock, Dundee United, and Ferencvaros respectively. Added to Celtic going forward whilst always tracking back to help sniff out danger. Made a fine assist for the opening goal through his pace and precision with the final ball.
Olivier Ntcham – 6
Decent and comfortable on the ball as always without really standing out. Tried to use his feet and hold-up play to release space for others and it worked to an extent. Combined decently with James Forrest. No real errors from the Frenchman today, but nothing spectacular either.
James Forrest – 8
Brilliant today. Scored with a fine finish to help set up the win, and was always looking to receive and take on Liam Grimshaw. Rattled the bar late on as grew more and more into the game. Could’ve had a hat-trick as he found plenty of space when the game started to open up. Looked more lively when he switched to the left.
Mohamed Elyounoussi – 4
Needs to do better. At the minute, Moi is just too predictable. Always looking to cut inside and he was consistently crowded out because of it. Hooked at half-time for Patryk Klimala due to being too ineffective.
Ryan Christie – 6
Gets a standard 6 for his work work, albeit not a lot came off for him today. Constantly buzzing about the final third and looking to use his feet to create space, he was crowded out for large spells. Looked more comfortable in his 10 role, but he would’ve looked for a slightly more productive afternoon.
The Subs
Patryk Klimala: 5 – Given the second half and provided the Hoops with something to hit. Team looked more fluid after his introduction, but missed two glorious chances first from Taylor’s fizzing cross and then a one-v-one. Will be kicking himself at not scoring, but did show he can cause defences bother.
Jeremie Frimpong: 6 – Lively just like he looked when he came on on Wednesday. Made several fine runs down the right and, with some better deliveries, would’ve had a couple more assists. Did manage to set up Jullien late on with a fine run and ball through. Will hope for more minutes after the international break.
Albian Ajeti: 6 – Buried a fine strike beautifully beyond Trevor Carson after collecting a Kris Ajer pass. Played a key role in goal number three too. Makes yet another impression.
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