Celtic player ratings v St Mirren as Liel Abada lights…

Celtic player ratings v St Mirren as Liel Abada lights up 5-1 thumping of Paisley men

Celtic have emphatically regained their nine-point lead in the Premiership.

They suffered a shock start when Saints took the lead with an Alex O'Hara penalty after a Greg Taylor handball that was confirmed by VAR - and it was a frustrating first half. However, when Charles Dunne was sent off just before half-time for pulling back Kyogo Furuhashi their task was made easier.

The introduction of Liel Abada at half-time was the catayst as he set up Jota for the leveller and the scored the third after Alistair Johnston had headed home the second. Matt O'Riley and Oh Hyeon-gyu, with a penalty, highlighted their superiority.

How they rated

Joe Hart- 6

Caught some good crosses but little to do all day. Made a decent attempt on O'Hara's penalty

Alistair Johnston - 8

A moment to savour with a committed challenge at he back post to put Celtic ahead. Some great inter-play with Jota coming forward but found Small quite tricky when the Saints full back got forward.

Cameron Carter-Vickers -7

Handled Curtis Main very well but he was a virtual spectator as Celtic had so much of the ball. Decent shot saved by Carson

Carl Starfelt -7

Another strong performance but like his defensive mate he was hardly challenged especially when Saints went down to 10 men just before half-time.

Greg Taylor - 6

So unlucky when the ball hit his arm early to give Saints a penalty but it looked like the right call. Not as impactful as he has been

Aaron Mooy - 7

Loads of possession and did his best to unlock the Saints defence. It was his free kick that set up the second goal in a blistering second half.

Callum McGregor - 7

Moved the ball well enough but was not getting the movement he needed in the first half. Strolled it after the break.

Reo Hatate- 6

A surprisingly quiet performance for February's Premiership player of the month. Replaced early in the second half.

Jota - 6

Quit day but it was his goal that drew Celtic level. Forced a good save out Trevor Carson midway through the first half and unlucky with a deflected effort

Kyogo Furuhashi - 6

No real service in the first half despite Celtic's dominance of possession. No real chances either and replaced by Oh.

Daizen Maeda -5

Another struggle for the Japanese attacker who didn't get much change out of Marcus Fraser or Thierry Small

Subs:

Liel Abada - 8

Replaced Maeda at half-time made the difference. His directness was key. Set up the leveller and scored the third to ensure Celtic got the win they wanted