Hamilton 1-4 Celtic: Player Ratings

By David Walton

February 2, 2020

Celtic went seven points clear at the top of the Premiership after a 4-1 win at Hamilton today.

Neil Lennon’s side took advantage of Rangers’ 0-0 draw with Aberdeen 24 hours ago. Odsonne Edouard’s brace sandwiched Christopher Jullien’s fine finish. James Forrest put the icing on the cake at the death.

But there were some concerns for Lennon after that one. It wasn’t all as rosy as the scoreline suggested. Here, we take a look at the player ratings:

Fraser Forster – 7

Celtic number one Fraser Forster (Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Did well did big Fraser. Had next to no chance with the goal and made a crucial stop from Ogboe in the first-half. Will be furious with Christopher Jullien after losing the chance of a third consecutive clean sheet

Stephen Welsh – 8

A terrific debut from Stephen Welsh. Made a vital interception at 1-0 when he raced back to deny David Moyo. Distribution from the back was on point and he didn’t look out of place. No nervy moments and overall a solid first start for the youngster.

Christopher Jullien – 6

The match-winner! In fairness, Jullien may have been the hero today, but that’s the only reason he gets a 6. Was bullied and lost far too many aerial battles against Ogboe. Jullien was also the man at fault for the Accies goal. He was the one on the Hamilton striker, who too easily brushed him off to power a header past Forster. Made up for it in the end.

Kristoffer Ajer – 5

Another to have largely struggled with the bustling Accies forward. Nearly cost us a goal in the first half with a dreadful header that forced Forster into a fine reaction stop from Ogboe. Grew into the game in the second half and looked to joining attacking forays, but not his most memorable display.

James Forrest – 5

Forrest after scoring against Cluj (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Far, far too quiet regardless of his goal. He was anonymous in the first half before taking a bit more initiative in the second. Didn’t manage to create much overall outside of a few hanging deliveries. Finished well from Edouard’s cut-back.

Olivier Ntcham – 5

We’re struggling to give Ntcham much higher than a five. A quiet game from him in a match we would’ve expected him to seize. Spread the ball around well enough, but he didn’t do anything to look any better than some of the poorer performers. Was hooked midway through the second-half for Ryan Christie.

Scott Brown – 6

Made some vital interventions to stop Hamilton from countering in the second half. This came after a ropey first in which he was poor with his passing. Had plenty of mopping up to do with Accies trying to counter, but again it wasn’t a standout performance.

Callum McGregor – 6

Ran about more than anyone and tried to stretch Hamilton. Had a chance to strike from the edge of the area from a quick corner, but the ball was nicked from him. Tried to get some joy down the left but didn’t seem to take his man on enough. A performance full of endeavour, and he was nowhere near the worst.

Greg Taylor – 4

Greg Taylor in action against Rennes (Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)

Taylor wasn’t able to follow up his fine display against St Johnstone with another against Hamilton. He saw plenty of the ball, but never looked to commit Aaron McGowan. His crossing started brightly, but it soon faded. He was hooked in the second half for Hayes.

Leigh Griffiths – 5

Not much came off for Griff, but he was crucial to us gaining out equaliser. Turned Jamie Hamilton superbly to win the free-kick that Edouard scored from. Not much else came off for him, but he gets a boost in rating thanks to that moment alone. Up until then we hadn’t looked like scoring.

Odsonne Edouard – 8

Where would we be without him? Edouard showed the class we’ve been missing with a stunning free-kick. Had some further half-chances that he took some time to get under control. However, when push came to shove, he was at it again to grab a brace when he latched onto Tom Rogic’s pass and slotted under Luke Southwood. Also set up Forrest for goal number four.

THE SUBS:

Celtic’s Jonny Hayes (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Jonny Hayes (6) – Solid runout from Hayes for the final 2-0 minutes or so. Played a key ball to Ryan Christie who then crossed for Jullien to slam home. Looked full of energy and performed reliably. Ryan Christie (7) – Fully deserves the spotlight for a pinpoint cross that Jullien buried for 2-1. Injected some energy at a period in the game when we desperately needed it. Tom Rogic (6) – Another good cameo. Slid in Edouard for goal number three to put the icing on the cake.