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Celtic have lost a domestic match for the first time under Martin O’Neill this season.
In a game that was mostly more even than O’Neill would like, a soft red card for Auston Trusty completely tipped the game in the opposition’s favour.
Without pretending that Celtic created enough to win the game, the manner of the defeat is immensely frustrating.
Here are our player ratings from a hugely significant blow in the title-race….
Rate Celtic’s performance against Hibernian out of ten…
What would be your message to the Celtic players?
Celtic player ratings vs HibernianKasper Schmeichel – 5/10
O’Neill made a huge call in keeping Schmeichel in the team, despite widespread calls for the keeper to be dropped after his nightmare night against Stuttgart.
It was a steady performance from the Dane on this occasion – not a great deal he could do about either of the goals, decent enough on the ball and no major mistakes.
Julian Araujo – 7/10
Still no major complaints on Araujo, who looks to be one of Celtic’s more astute pieces of January business.
We’ve come to expect more attacking contributions from the Mexican, but he brings some energy, pace and composure to the Hoops’ backline.
Auston Trusty – 3/10
A red card is a red card, soft or not. Trusty let his teammates down by giving the referee an opportunity to send him off.
Hibs took an aggressive approach, asking a decent bit of Celtic’s defenders – they dealt with it well for the most part.
Regardless, most of Trusty’s afternoon was spent keeping possession in safe areas, until the incident which changed the game.
Liam Scales – 6/10
Purposefully or not, Hibs asked noticeably more of Scales than they did of Trusty. He dealt well with the threat of countrymen Owen Elding and Jamie McGrath.
If not for a few frustrating moments in possession, he would be getting a higher rating… we’ve been here before.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesKieran Tierney – 7/10
The return of Marcelo Saracchi from injury has coincided with Tierney hitting his best run of form since his Parkhead return. This probably isn’t a coincidence.
His relationship with Sebastian Tounekti isn’t yet in full flow, but when used as an attacking outlet on the left flank, Tierney’s threat is clear.
Callum McGregor – 6/10
The heartbeat of the team once again, this was yet another steady performance from the captain.
The midfield around him is often changing, and with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain introduced today, McGregor was vital help for his new teammate.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5/10
Speak of the devil… the Englishman was noticeably off the case upon starting his first game of the season. This is, of course, completely understandable.
His quality was clear in a few moments, so far from any reason to panic. Starting is the only way he can get up to speed.
Sinisalo makes the bench as Kasper Schmeichel keeps his place?
Is this the right call? Let us know in the comments.
Benjamin Nygren – 8/10
An 18th goal of the season polished a very accomplished performance from the midfielder, who is proving one of Celtic’s most important players.
Not everything came off for the Swede, but the intensity was there, as well as the crucial opening goal.
Yang Hyun-Jun – 6/10
Could be better, could be worse. The Korean impressed off the bench on Thursday, but didn’t see as much of the ball as Tounekti on the opposite side.
It would’ve been nice to see Yang get more opportunities to run at Nicky Cadden, who he burned for pace at one point in the second half. Not many can do that.
Sebastian Tounekti – 6/10
With more of the ball, Tounekti was able to contribute more to Celtic’s attack… but not to a lot of avail.
Much like his fellow Celtic attackers, the Tunisian is yet to work any truly fruitful relationships with his new teammates. This leads to frustrating hesitance in his play.
Tomas Cvancara – 5/10
It simply wasn’t the big man’s day. In a battle of physical strength with Rocky Bushiri, Cvancara came second best too often.
He also missed a few chances to shoot where he ended up making the wrong decision. We have seen very promising things from the Czechia international, but he needs to add some conviction, and fast.
Celtic substitute ratings vs LivingstonReo Hatate – 7/10Marcelo Saracchi – 7/10James Forrest – 6/10Daizen Maeda – 7/10Benjamin Arthur – 6/10Join Our Newsletter
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