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St. Johnstone v Celtic -Player Ratings

St. Johnstone 2, Celtic 4  

 

Craig Gordon  6 

Still solid over the piece, still more likely to make a save than an arse of it, and although he wasn’t to blame for any of the goals, there is now an expectancy that sooner or later he will do something daft. Probably when he takes a goal kick. Distribution has always been his weak point, and yesterday we can only hope he was showing us how bad it is-one pass in is own box to Tierney was particularly poor- so that next week he can show us how much he has improved.

Saidy Janko 6 

He’s quick, good going forward and has the pace to get back when he needs to. Unfortunately yesterday he showed that he isn’t quite in sync with the rest of the team yet, though there is still hope for him. Needs to stop trying so hard, and make better decisions. Too often passes when he should have taken a man on, and takes a man on when he should have passed. Should get better with more game time. Then again, so would I probably.

Eoghan O’Connell 6 

Showing signs of wear and tear now, and having enjoyed a successful wee run in the team, could probably do with a rest before he does something daft. Not because he’s a poor player, or even playing badly. He’s doing fine, but is starting to show signs of mental fatigue if not physical tiredness. Though one does usually lead to the other. Has proved he can do the job, but once or twice yesterday he seemed to be below par, and maybe now a little break will do him good.

Kolo Toure 7 

Bought in to keep the ship steady at the back, he’s doing his best to do that, but is probably still a little surprised that it was going to be this difficult. Quiet and effective again yesterday, but perhaps needs to be a little more vocal. Either he or Gordon, and it should be Gordon, needs to decide who is in charge back there. But still a damn sight better than any other centre half we have.

Keiran Tierney  7

After Tuesday, it wouldn’t hurt to give him another wee break either. Just once or twice he was getting caught out as well, but overall still played well. It’s just that he has set very high standards for himself, and what he did yesterday got him a seven, but had Janko played as well as Tierney did, he’d have got a nine.

 

Nir Biton 8 

His standards have slipped of late, with question marks hanging over his attitude, which may have led to him slowing down his game. Yesterday, he picked up quite a bit, and even looked interested enough to get himself booked after intervening when there was a bit of a to do after another rash challenge on a team mate. Much , much better from him, and when he went off on the hour mark, Celtic did seem to lose a little composure.

Scott Brown 9 

Continuing to show us what he didn’t show us last season. A genuine driving foece in midfield, with his enthusiasm spilling over into attack and defence. It could also be argued that he has managed to drag Nir Biton up alongside him in terms of application, instead of Biton dragging him down into apathy, which happened too often last term. Should continue to flourish after retiring from international football, something that Scotland did a few years ago anyway.

James Forrest 9 

Whatever has caused this transformation into this James Forrest should be put into a bottle and sold on the high street. Maybe it is just simply the acquisition of other players who can share the load, but Forrest is genuinely now asserting himself as probably the best attacking player in the squad right now. Yesterday he showed, again that he can do anything that he is asked of, and when he ran all of six miles beating dozens of St. Johnstone players on the way to scoring what Chris Sutton described as probably the best goal of his career, it was clear that the lad is having the time of his life. Was replaced on the seventy minute mark , wrapped in cotton wool and placed into storage until Tuesday. Now that he has started to score goals and has built up and understanding with Scott Sinclair he’s going to get better. but only if he gets a haircut.

Tom Rogic 7 

Lasted the full game, but probably wouldn’t have if there were four subs allowed. As with O’connell, he’s not used to playing so many games in succession, and didn’t have that fire in his belly that was evident against Be’er Sheva, Having said that, he still puts himself about a bit, and still links well with the other three forwards, but the man who often works as his on field assistant, Calum MacGregor, was rested yesterday, and Tom missed him.

Scott Sinclair 8 

Another superb team performance from the newly arrived , well, midfielder ? Forward ? Winger ? Striker ? . Its easy to see why he wanted to work with Brendan Rodgers again. He’s a footballer, and footballers like to be given a little freedom to play the way they want to. Sinclair thrives on this, scoring again yesterday, and working for the team in a way which hasn’t been seen in an individual since the days of Paul Telfer, who used to just be there when someone needed a hand. Sinclair gives a hand to his colleagues, but also has a huge contribution to make himself. He showed yesterday that he has an uncanny sense of positioning, and not only that anticipates the game very well, hence being in the right place to take his goal. You’d be hard pushed to put together a video of his great moments, because sometimes it involves him moving out of everyone elses way, a bit like some of our defenders used to, but unlike when they did it , it actually benefits the team.

Leigh Griffiths 9 

Excelling in the lone role up front, with suitbale and able support from the rest of the team, Griffiths continued to show why he will go on to become a legend. Already has five or six goals this season, and with a possible four games against “rangers “to come, theres every chance he’ll hit fifty this term. Took his goal very well yesterday, a superbly struck half volley from around ten yards, and would have scored more had he not allowed himself to become distracted when he was booked for diving..

Showed considerable restraint when he booted a St. johnstone player when a head butt would have been more constructive, especially if followed up by a forearm smash to the kidney, but thats Leigh. Always a cool head when things upset him.

Was substituted by the manager , wrapped in cotton wool and held in custody for Tuesday.

Substitutes 

Liam Henderson 5 

Came on after an hour for Nir Biton. Its hard enough to come into a game and adapt to the pace of it instantly, but when you are replacing the guy who largely had been dictating the pace, you will struggle a bit. Credit to Henderson though, who must struggle to remember which strip his team mates are wearing after his recent European tour on loan, and it would be unfair to blame him if it takes a while to get used to a new set of mates and maybe its time give hima start or two. He has got what it takes, but the more he operates on the g=fringes, and the more he’s punted out on loan, he’s going to lose that. He brings energy and commitment to the side, and needs to be praised for what he does, and not condemned for what he doesn’t do. Worked for Forrest, after all.

Ryan Christie 6 

The real reason why Stefan Johansen is being sold, or at least being put out to tender, is Ryan Christie. It’s too late to change the ways of the Norwegian, but in Christie there is a younger, smarter and less volatile replacement. He got twenty minutes yesterday, taking over from James Forrest, and didn;t waste any of them. Scored the goal which made the last few minutes of the game a little less worrying, and reminded the boss, the fans and himself that he’s stilla Celtic player. and quite a good one at that.

Moussa Dembele 6 

Replaced Leigh Griffiths ten minutes into the second half, a move which probably allowed Celtic to continue the game with eleven men. Dembele did his bit wothout being spectacular, and continues to grow into the role of Celtic forward. With Griffiths off he had to play the lone striker role, which he coped with, but obviously prefers a partner. Still, the effort is there, and the goals are there. Its just that he hasn’t had his ” told you he was worth waiting for ” game yet. but he will.

Brendan Rodgers 9 

For the second game in a row, Celtic appeared to have put the game beyond doubt before half time. This tome the team lasted a bit longer before handing the opposition a couple of goals to keep the audience happy, but incredibly there was still enough resolve in the team, to go out and get another goal. Not enough time to add the customary two more, but one will do.

For the second league game ina row , Celtic faced a physical side intent on kicking their way to a draw. Two games played, both at difficult venues against two of our three main challengers, and both times that steel has been missing was evident when things looked a little shaky.

Rodgers has instilled that mentality, and during the game continues to manage it. his use of the substitutes is almost a spur of the moment thing. Yeserday, when Griffiths was starting to lose it, he was replaced. This would not have been in any pre match plan, and he dealt with a potential issue before it became a problem.

We’re only ten games into his reign, and already he’s putting down his mark on the club.

Referee Craig Thomson 2 

After refusing to book hardly anyone last week when officiating at Ibrox, Thomson set out to even up his statistics this week by booking anyone who happened to be near him when he remembered he needed to even up his statistics, or anyone who continued running or waving their arms about after scoring.

Pathetic performance for a man who clearly responded to criticism last week by invoking even more this week. BT Sports commentator Derek Rae mentioned that he was undoubtedly an excellent referee, prompting his producer to pin definitions of “undoubtedly ” and “excellent ” to the studio wall.

It might also be worth pinning a definition of the word “referee ” to Thomsons dressing room door before he takes another game this season.

TV Coverage 8 

BT covered the game for those who couldn’t make it, and its only fair to point out the good things they do as wwell as the bad things.

Good commentary, with balanced summaries from Derek Rae and Chris Sutton. Hell, they sounded like they were enjoying the game, and as a result that feeling kind of spread to the viewer, and when the new deals are negotiated for the game, its worth ditching Sky entirely and sticking with BT.

The reason ?

Simple. Their entire production, from studio to ground, from  gives the impression, from presentation to content, that they want to be there. Too often, other companies have undersold, or at worst , patronised the game in Scotland.

BT sells the game better, and has a team that offers a far more balanced view on the football than its its rivals at Sky. The other night, the UCL game had Gordon Strachan, John Hartson and Chris Sutton offering their opinions.

Sky would have had Neil McCann , Andy Walker and anyone else they could find with a dirty great space between their ears.

I rest my case.

 

 

 

 

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Delbhoy
7 years ago

Im predicting henderson will make the midfield position beside brown his own as time goes on , certainly has what it takes and can only improve

connolly's chair
7 years ago

Morning Ralph,agree with most of that.
Except that you gave the ref 2 pts!!
Excellent win against a tough team and would take that any day.
Confidence and trust in each other,and Brendan,seems to be accumulating with every outing.
Apart from a touch of complacency in our defence Brendans biggest problem is fitting Paddy Roberts into this forward line.
What a problem though!

deadhead67
7 years ago

he also got he venue of last weeks sevco game wrong it was at dens park,ratings bit strange ,

John McCloy in tasmania
7 years ago

It could have been a lot more if they had kept attacking but in the second half they resorted to the old tippy tappy back and sideways passing.i lost count of the number of times the full backs received the ball over the halfway line with space in front of them but turned around and gave it back with it ending up at Gordon,s feet when he was under pressure.my heart was in my mouth several times.a good first half but the second almost a disaster.a better opposition could have made us pay big time.onwards and upwards.HH

deadhead67
7 years ago

im thought ronnie had sneaked back into the dressing room at half time reminded me of the last 2 seasons in the second half

Iljas Baker
7 years ago

Agree with most of the ratings. Thought Gordon again slow in getting down to save the second goal and this is another weakness in his game. Come the group stages he is likely to find himself on the bench if the new goalie is ready. Rogic was immense as was Brown. Biton getting back to his best. Reading between the lines of what Rogers was saying recently Brown will be Kolo Toure’s replacement at centre half and will continue with Celtic for another 4 years. What impressed me most was the team’s desire for the ball and the off-the-ball movement. Pass completion rate also seemed high. I remember games when the passing was so bad I wondered why they were being paid. Griffith’s touch for Forrest’s goal was sublime and he still has a lot to offer in terms of technical development. Rogers actually shares a lot with Deila but trumps him in terms of flexibility and credibility – both probably making him a much better man manager. But he is a Celt too is he not. BTW I grew up watching Jimmy Johnstone at Parkhead and clearly everything he tried didn’t work but still the supporters’ all-time favourite so please cut James Forrest some slack – he could still become great if he stay’s fit.

deadhead67
7 years ago
Reply to  Iljas Baker

Brown at centre half oh shit we really will be in trouble ,too small wins little in the air and continually fouls,your mad

Iljas Baker
7 years ago
Reply to  deadhead67

Then you must think BR is mad.

The Holy Poet
7 years ago

Excellent post once again Ralph and I agree with almost every word and was just waiting on the reference to wee Jamesie’s hair. Brendan has given them the belief, not only as a team but as individuals and I can see Christie stepping up many more times this season and killing off games for us whilst Henderson is making massive strides to earn himself many starts. Broony was again Captain Fantastic and long may that continue with Jamesie not only playing some excellent stuff but scoring great goals too. Griffiths and Sinclair, wonderful. I still have my doubts about Biton. HH

Delbhoy
7 years ago

Holy i agree about biton , probably play him on tue because we will be looking to slow it down , but for me he is to slow , something about players who play at jogging pace i dont like and when you consider brown isnt renouned for pace and neither is rogic we need someone like mcgregor to buzz about and be able to keep the ball moving while helping rogic in attack at times

Monti
7 years ago

Morning Ralph,
Watched the game on my phone and the signal kept stuttering more than a Charlie Saiz apology.
As for the magic potion that James Forrest is taking being ” bottled and sold on the high street “? You have obviously spent some time in Dundee.
As for Tuesday night v Hapoel i’m still a bit concerned about the defence, i woukd play Sviatchenko before O’Connell if Eric is nearing full fitness.
As for the Israeli Police warning our support avout flying Palestinian flags on Tuesday, they can fuck off!

connolly's chair
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Afternoon Monti,
On Tuesday Hapoel will come off the blocks looking for a quick goal,they have to.If we can stifle the midfield and keep the ball moving with good passing I expect they will tire chasing it and their heads will drop.We are more than capable of scoring,and one before half-time will see us through.
I’ve been to Israel a couple of times.Be’er Sheva is a shithole in the middle of nowhere (a bit like Larkhall!).Many soldiers based there and the majority of male Israelies carry handguns,so it’s not the place for bravado.
Let’s enjoy the game,qualify and hope all our fans are safe.

Monti
7 years ago

Of course………..

Monti
7 years ago

Good to see big Victor Wanyama scoring the winner for Tottenham yesterday!

Macca
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Yes and Joe Ledley was on the same pitch. Imagine we still had them at Celtic Park…

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Macca

Would love to see vic in our DM role m8

john young
7 years ago

Don,t see the necessary improvement when Henderson plays he is pretty much 1 dimensional and if we are going to move forward in Europe we will need a lot better than him,I can,t think of any homebased players that have the technical ability.

Iljas Baker
7 years ago
Reply to  john young

Henderson was hardly on the field before he was off with an injury. Give the lad a break. He probably has potential that can be realized under BR’s guidance. But I don’t think he’s ready for CL football yet and that probably isn’t on BR’s mind.

Cartvale88
7 years ago

Ralph
Agree with your breakdown of player points, hopefully Eric back for the Beers.
You can’t blame the team for trying to play the game out as Tuesday’s game must have been on their mind.
St Johnstone are a well organised team with a good manager, first defeat of the new term, the team did well as did the manager with his timely substitutions.
As for Thomson enuff said, seven yellow cards?

mary grainger
7 years ago

forrest was amazin ,but we nd stop losin daft goals,oconnell is a gd young player but i think hes looking bit jaded ,be nice to bring another defender in b4 T,W closes,if we sort out our defence wele be breathtaking to watch ,exciting times ahead ,i feel it in my bones ,in brendan we trust, hail hail.

andybhoy
7 years ago

I see the club are slumming it on their journey to Israel today…

http://gainjet.com/vip-boeing-b757-200/

mike
7 years ago

The Saints have been playing well and are a very hard team to beat at home,as The sheep and others have found out.
There is no doubt in my mind that we took on orders the foot of the peddle second half,but what an attacking force we are,once again and at not much cash being spent,more wisely in my mind.
Henderson and Christie add that youthfull vigour and desire to play well and eventually given game time will improve the side.
Not a fan of Janko,but Lustigs injury def. holds him back,new one in January please,unless young Ralston who i like can pick up the mantle. The defence still has some way to go and once everyone is back and fit,playing regularily then great.
I hear that Brendan is still keen yo bring in another attacking mid.so watch this space.

mike
7 years ago
Reply to  mike

And yes there was contact,knee to knee,Griff. is NO cheat,he felt it and went down,but typical pish refereeing.
2 is doing him to good.

rebus67
7 years ago

One for the future?

A 19 year old striker scored a hattrick today for Twente in the Netherland League. He is Turkish and is on loan from Man City with whom we have good connections. He has been loaned out a few times but is surely reaching the stick or twist stage of his career. Currently, valued at 2.5 million quid. His loan at Twente is until 2017.

I agree…not a priority position at present but one to keep in the memory banks.

Sherlock Holmes

rebus67
7 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

Excellent post, Sherlock! Do I know you? One thing who is this prospect?

Is it Enes Unal?

Yep, I think it is.

Rebus

mike
7 years ago
Reply to  rebus67

Good spot Rebus,I hope that you and Mrs Rebus are coping,in what must be in very difficult times,send her our best please.

basqueceltic
7 years ago

Knob of the week for next week and every fuckin week…….craig thompson.

Rebus67
7 years ago
Reply to  basqueceltic

Basque,

Wait until you have seen McLean.
Thompson could have competition. And there is Madden.

The award is going to be tightly contested.
Love your name.

Rebus

John McCloy in tasmania
7 years ago

Monti you are encouraging fans to flaunt Palestinian flags at a game in Israel?you won’t be there to bail them out when they get lifted will you.you come out with some irresponsible claptrap at times.put your brain in gear before posting please.HH

Monti
7 years ago

Fuck off ya clown.

Bob
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

2.23am mmmm drink kicking in me thinks

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Bob

Bob, you still up at that time, wife not in yet?

Cortes
7 years ago

Midfield lack of bite/ Kiss me, I’m a CFC midfielder on LGBT weekend in Glasgae – any chance of signing somebody who can, in fact, tackle?

You know: like James McCarthy…

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Cortes

James Forrest?

Bob
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Back to bed

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Bob

Wifes in now then, good good!

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