Player Ratings: Celtic 3-1 St Johnstone (H)

An early own goal left the Celtic faithful frustrated at the defending once again but three goals give them a convincing win once again largely due to the quality of the opposition.

The performance wasn’t memorable or outstanding, but another three points is what Celtic came for and got convincingly in the end.

Gordon 5/10

Should have caught the ball that was turned into the Celtic net by Boyata. Had little else to do in the Celtic goal due to St Johnstone’s lack of creativity. A shot late on showed his worth to Celtic having stood virtually untested for the game.

Janko 6/10

Had plenty of space down the right flank but didn’t get down and attack the opposing full-back enough or as he has done in previous outings. Sound performance defensively but wasn’t caused too many problems in fairness.

Boyata 5/10

Nothing he could do about the own goal, as the man behind him would have scored regardless. Had little else to do all afternoon in defence.

Van Dijk 6/10

Commanding as always in centre-back for Celtic. Had little to do all day and showed exactly why he should stay at Celtic, driving forward from the back and creating space for Celtic attacks.

Izaguirre 5/10

As always getting forward for Celtic and had an early effort on goal saved by the Saints ‘keeper and sent a cross into Griffiths and the resulting effort was cleared off the line. And as always, not sound defensively as he let the winger past him too easily which led to Boyata’s own goal.

Brown 6/10

Up and down the park putting himself about, making sure Celtic reacted to the midweek performance. Won free kicks in attacking areas, broke up play and anchored the midfield alongside Bitton again. Had a very good effort that trickled inches wide of the target from about 25 yards out. Took a knock in the early part of the second-half and made way for Mulgrew.

Bitton 6/10

Almost caught in possession just outside the Celtic penalty area, which could have been costly. Pulling the strings in the middle of the park as always and never afraid to have a go from distance, but wasn’t overly influential in the game.

Commons 7/10

The instigator for Celtic in the final third again showing his worth and proving maybe that he should be starting over Johansen if he can continue to be as effective in the attacking midfield role. Almost scored Celtic’s third just after half-time but was well saved by Mannus in the St Johnstone goal.

Rogic 7/10

Scored a goal just before half-time showing great skill and strength from the Australian and fired home from a difficult angle. Showed promise once again but needs to deliver on a more consistent basis and can become a regular in the Celtic squad.

Mackay-Steven 5/10

Had a chance to score from Janko’s cross but scuffed the effort that would have given Celtic the lead midway through the first-half. Didn’t do too much in the game and probably should have came off instead of Commons.

Griffiths 7/10

Had a header cleared off the line was unfortunate not to score. Scored a minute later to get his eighth goal of the season after a bit of luck on the deflection from a shot outside the box. Had a chance from a cross from Izaguirre to get a second goal in the first-half but directed the ball onto the post and went wide.

Subs:

Mulgrew 6/10

Came on for Brown with 30 minutes to go after the captain took a knock to his knee. Took the captains armband and scored Celtic’s third from a corner kick.

Allan 3/10

Replaced Commons with just under 15 minutes to go but the life was sucked out of the game and couldn’t show what he did last time out against Dundee United. Had a chance inside the box but scuffed the shot wide and fired over from outside the box.

McGregor N/A

Played the last five minutes at Paradise after replacing Bitton. Didn’t do anything worth noting.