Broadsword gives us his ratings for the 6-1 crushing of Kilmarnock
Celtic 6 Kilmarnock 1
24/9/2016 Player Ratings
Following the annihilation of Derek Johnstone, courtesy of Chris Sutton on Friday evening (if you haven’t listened to it then you should make it your priority in life) there was a pleasant fervour around Celtic Park immediately prior to the visit of Kilmarnock.
I hadn’t seen much of Kilmarnock before this match, I was aware that they had made a number of changes to their squad however I had the suspicion that they wouldn’t be up to much and I was right. Celtic on the other hand were tremendous. Lovely football throughout the game, strong interplay, varied movement and a real clinical edge which was very welcome following the ICT and Alloa games. Arguably the best performance of the season so far; here’s my humble ratings to reflect that opinion.
Dorus De Vries – 3
Aye, so that’s not really in keeping with my introduction but, again, he wasn’t good enough. He had two, maybe three things to do and didn’t do them very well at all. He was beaten for the first goal from a strike about 35-40 yards out on the left – it was a cracking hit but, having watched it again I’d have to say he could have done better i.e. save the bastarding thing. He had a nervy pass which a more alert specimen than Kris Boyd could have munched up. He then told us to calm down. I don’t think there’s much confidence in this guy and he was hooked (as in subbed) at half time.
Mikael Lustig – 8
Always willing to provide a valuable option in attack, set up the equaliser with a measured low ball into the box and looking very solid defensively. He put in a few good tackles and was a great help to James Forrest.
Erik Sviatchenko – 7
Did what he to do and did it reasonably well. Had the Kilmarnock centre forward well watched the entire game.
Jozo Simunovic – 8
Calm, composed and confident. Able to defend soundly and contribute to the attacking play. Hopefully this will be a confidence builder and we see more positive performances from the non-Torino player.
Kieran Tierney – 9
Plays with a desire, enthusiasm and energy which British cyclists would be proud of. An incredibly incessant and focussed performance. Maybe it’s because I was brought up watching Anton Rogan that I have a natural fear of left backs but this guy is proving to be the cure. Defended excellently when called for and caused the visiting defence many problems. He put a good ball in for the second and was so confident that he was ordering a pint in the Five Ways by the time Dembele had scored it.
Nir Bitton – 7
Very tidy and seems to be getting better. Kept it simple, made it hard for the other mob when they had the sheer gall to try and enjoy possession and looked as if he enjoyed himself.
Scott Brown – 8
See above however he showed strong on-field leadership to help the team after going a goal down. Another performance to suggest that he is far from done, as I had stupidly thought a few months back.
James Forrest – 8
Cracking goal and another excellent performance. Confident, tricky and troublesome for the opposition. Another who keeps improving and long may it continue.
Tom Rogic – 9
Thank f**k he’s signed a new contract. He managed the full game and was brilliant throughout. His goal was largely due to a goalkeeping error but his performance fully merited it. Always looking for the ball, keeping it, taking players on, reverse passes, confusing the absolute buggery out of the Kilmarnock team, winning the ball back and just being an all-round good egg. Fantastic.
Scott Sinclair – 7
Another goal thanks to the generosity of Griffiths at the penalty, another shitload of running and effective pressing and another fine shift. Did we seriously get him for £3.5m (ish)?
Moussa Dembele – 9
Two wonderful finishes. They are works of art; to get the precision, control and power on each was fantastic. He ran them ragged for large spells of the game – his movement at times was very good, allowing others to step in and attack. I’m going to enjoy him while he’s here which will hopefully be for a while yet.
Subs
Craig Gordon – 6
Had precious little to do but was fine. One crap pass to Tierney was the low point. Hopefully he’ll be the first pick now.
Paddy Roberts – 6
Came on, tried stuff that worked, tried other stuff that didn’t. More to come.
Leigh Griffiths – 8
Scored one, won a penalty and looked in the mood. Delighted to see him back
Brendan Rodgers – 9
It was a brave (and correct) decision to take off the goalie he had asked for at half time. Chest strain aside it shows that he is willing to address issues promptly. He had the team playing excellent, entertaining football and he deserves all the praise that is coming his way. Wednesday might be another rude awakening but it is thanks to him that we’re not playing on Thursday.
Stats
Possession
Celtic – 68% Kilmarnock – 32%
Shots
Celtic – 23 Kilmarnock – 4
Shots on target
Celtic – 9 Kilmarnock – 2
Corners
Celtic – 4 Kilmarnock – 1
Fouls
Celtic – 8 Kilmarnock – 8
Good summation Ralphy, We are on the right track,getting better and better,i ken the opposition wisny that great,but credit where due,stiffer opposition on Wednesday.COYBIG.
Caption, HE HE, Gangy mahn.Gies a puff meester.
I think you are overly generous tip Rogic.
To Rogic.
Good stuff Ralph. Our bhoys deserved your generous ratings.
Broadsword,
Thanks for providing the talking points. I more or less agree with you but would downgrade all of the scores by a point or so.
My one moderate beef is with your assessment of Bitton. I thought he was lazy and hardly involved in the game first half. His defensive abilities are poor and he does not seem to battle for the team. He is the kind of player to have in the team when you are winning.
Just read up on the Liverpool manager, Bill Shankly. He said he could spot a player. His two essential attributes were ability and courage. Bitton has the first but not the second. Another secondary attribute was hard working. For me, he falls short in this regard. We need someone with courage and the desire to work their socks off in his position. He looks like someone who would prosper in a less physical leaguelike La Liga.
Just my inoffensive tuppence worth.
Rebus