Add as preferred source on Google
Celtic have taken a crucial step in the title race despite a nervy affair against St Mirren.
In what will no doubt be a taste of things to come in terms of nerves, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s first-half strike was enough.
Despite a positive start, things quickly got much less pretty. St Mirren played some impressive football, but ultimately failed to threaten the Hoops’ goal from open play.
The three points are in the bag, and that’s what matters. Which Hoops players impressed?
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Daizen Maeda headline Celtic ratings vs St MirrenViljami Sinisalo – 5/10
Targeted on set pieces by St Mirren, and though few goalkeepers can deal with such a crowded six-yard box, Sinisalo looked untidy at times.
The life of a Celtic goalkeeper is about much more than just shot-stopping, and the Finland international still has steps to make.
Anthony Ralston – 6/10
We are all familiar with Ralston’s strengths and weaknesses at this point, and his rustiness today can be explained given how long he has waited for a start.
But at times, it felt that the visitors were targeting the right-back.
Auston Trusty – 6/10
The partnership of Mikael Mandron and Jonah Ayunga will ask questions of any defence in Scotland, and Trusty didn’t always have the answers.
Started positively on the ball, but lowered the pace along with his teammates.
Liam Scales – 6/10
A similar story to his defensive partner. Scales is in a funny moment, currently – he isn’t the assuring presence he was at points earlier this season.
Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images
READ MORE: SFA embarrassed by referee indictment that won’t surprise Celtic fans one bit
Nor was he dominant in the air against the aforementioned striker partnership.
Kieran Tierney – 7/10
Tierney was always keen to get forward onto the Saints’ defensive line, but wasn’t always picked out by his teammates.
He earns pass marks for his defensive contribution in difficult circumstances.
Callum McGregor – 6/10
McGregor was noticeably less involved than his teammates, with the Hoops often looking to go direct as early as possible, bypassing the midfield.
In an extremely rare move, he was substituted in the 72nd minute.
Benjamin Nygren – 7/10
Nygren had good intensity in his performance; it was a real surprise to see him substituted so early. He made some nice attacking contributions in the first half.
Brought on in his place was Arne Engels for a first competitive Celtic appearance in exactly two months.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 8/10
As well as scoring the crucial opening goal, the Ox also had one disallowed and ran his socks off throughout.
His best performance in a Celtic jersey so far.
Thoughts on the 1-0 win?
Is it really all just about the result?
Hyunjun Yang – 6/10
Not quite Yang’s day, despite his attempts. The manager’s decision to leave him on the park for 90 minutes was telling.
Tomas Cvancara – 5/10
It just isn’t happening for Big Tam.
Despite some positive general play, a goal continued to evade the Czech striker, despite a couple of chances falling his way on the day.
He was replaced by Iheanacho around the hour mark.
Daizen Maeda – 8/10
Even when he isn’t hitting the attacking heights that he did last season, Maeda’s contributions out of possession still make him a vital cog in this team.
His intensity in attack was also evident, but his service wasn’t rewarded.
Celtic substitute ratings vs St MirrenArne Engels – 6/10Kelechi Iheanacho – 7/10Reo Hatate – 7/10Luke McCowan – 7/10Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox