Olivier Ntcham claimed his first goal for the club despite a deflection off Scott Brown at Firhill as Celtic went three points clear at the top of the table.
James Forrest had the first chance of the game after just eight minutes as Scott Sinclair got in behind the defence and played in the winger who turned his man well only to be denied by the hands of Tomas Cerny.
Nir Bitton came close to opening the scoring with a dangerous free kick on 24 minutes which he curled over the wall but was met once again by the hands of Cerny.
From the resulting corner by Scott Sinclair, Partick Thistle failed to clear the ball and summer signing Olivier Ntcham smashed a first time volley after 25 minutes from 22-yards and was awarded the goal despite the deflection off the skipper.
Tom Rogic could have made it two immediately after coming off the bench along with Leigh Griffiths who supplied the ball into the box but was denied by a good defensive block.
Here are the player ratings for tonight’s game.
Craig Gordon 6/10
Sharp to come off his line to collect the ball when he needed to from corners and crosses. Wasn’t troubled in the opening 50 minutes. Big let off as Doolan went unmarked in the box but headed over the bar. Clumsy in stoppage time to not collect the ball with confidence and miscommunication with Bitton nearly cost Celtic dearly.
Mikael Lustig 6/10
Poor passing into the feet of the front men. Solid defensively and swept up any danger that came his way. The only man who could see Doolan peel off Bitton and neither picked him up or called Bitton back to pick him up. Couldn’t direct his header from Sinclair’s corner on goal.
Nir Bitton 5/10
Good in the air to win the ball and deny a chance. Free kick from distance forced the ‘keeper to make a good save. Doolan peeled off the back of him and had a free header on goal, needs to be more aware in defence. Good defensive play to win the ball from Storey out wide and got Celtic on the attack.
Jozo Simunovic 7/10
Fantastic tackle to deny a dangerous through ball at the edge of the box. Composed as ever in defence and comfortable taking the ball out from defence playing some sharp passes into midfield. Header from Griffiths’ corner was headed off the line.
Kieran Tierney 7/10
Good play down the left flank and got two crosses into the box early on. Brilliant ball over the top to Sinclair. Won possession and almost scored a terrific goal after a brilliant run down the wing.
Scott Brown 7/10
Looks to have found a trusting partner in Ntcham alongside him in midfield as he made bursting runs from midfield which we saw a lot at the beginning of last season. Good header that went just wide of the goal.
Olivier Ntcham 8/10
Good pressing and was alert to win possession and play in Forrest who should’ve done better in front of goal. Wild effort on goal from distance. Played the ball well and looks to have found his role as a deep lying playmaker with terrific pace and strength when needed bursting forward. Brilliant positioning as well to break up play when Thistle won possession and looked to counter attack. Superb first-time strike on the volley from 22-yards to open the scoring.
Callum McGregor 6.5/10
Sharp passing, movement and footwork but lacked a centre forward to makes runs that complemented his understanding of the game in the final third at times.
Jonny Hayes 5/10
Did as many good things as he did poorly in the opening 45 minutes. Took on his man at times but other times turned inside and slowed down play. Seemed half a yard off the pace in the second half mistiming runs and losing possession too easily and was taken off on hour mark.
Scott Sinclair 6/10
Brilliant run in behind the defence down the left wing and played in Forrest. Looked much going forward than in recent games taking on defenders and beating them with his pace. Quieter in the second half and looked a bit wayward at times with his passing and decision making.
James Forrest 6/10
Good turn and effort on goal well saved by the ‘keeper. Really poor effort on goal from Ntcham’s through ball. Made good runs to create space but clearly isn’t an out and out centre forward.
Leigh Griffiths 6/10
Replaced McGregor with 30 minutes remaining in the game. Almost assisted Rogic instantly after coming off the bench and playing a good ball into the box. Few shots on goal but couldn’t test the ‘keeper as Thistle defended well.
Tom Rogic 6/10
Came on for Hayes with 29 minutes left in the game. Almost linked up with Griffiths immediately for a goal but was denied by good defensive play. Smashed the ball into the side netting at the near post and should’ve gone across the ‘keeper.
Stuart Armstrong N/A
Came on for Ntcham with 12 minutes in the game to play. Poor in midfield when he came on and his head looks elsewhere.