Nicolas Kuhn stuns, Reo Hatate missing – Celtic ratings as title won at Dundee Utd
Nicolas Kuhn put in a stunning performance as Celtic cruised to a fourth Premiership title in a row with a 5-0 win over Dundee United.
With little to talk about in the opening 20 minutes, Hoops fans used the tepid on-pitch action as an excuse to launch hundreds of tangerines onto the field of play.
Their protest against ticket prices charged by the home team seemed to spark Celtic into life and a flurry of goals before half-time allowed Brendan Rodgers‘ side to go into the break leading 3-0.
Keen to guarantee the title, Arsenal linked Adam Idah was brought on to replace the injured Jota, and the Irish striker found the back of the net twice to give his side a 5-0 lead after the break.
With little for either side to play for, the action slowed down to a snail’s pace as Celtic cruised to their 55th SPFL title.
Brendan Rodgers guides Celtic to fourth consecutive Premiership title
Viljami Sinisalo – 6
With Kasper Schmeichel watching on from the side-lines, the Finnish goalkeeper had a quiet afternoon with little to do.
Alistair Johnston – 8
Indomitable. With his side lacking impetus, the Canadian’s tireless running helped give his side the oomph they needed to find their feet against United.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 8
Too easy. Carter-Vickers barely looked like he needed to break a sweat against the Tangerines, marshalling the back-line with ease.
Cameron Carter-Vickers in cruise control for Celtic
Liam Scales – 7
Next to Carter-Vickers, the Irishman had little to deal with and spent most of the match practicing his passing technique.
Greg Taylor – 7
Fitting send off. Taylor is out of contract this summer and with Kieran Tierney joining from Arsenal, this may have been one of his last games in a Hoops kit.
Arne Engels (off for Bernardo 63′) – 8
Engels could be heading to the Premier League soon, and the Belgian midfielder was a cut above against United.
Callum McGregor – 8
History maker. The glue that binds Rodgers’ side together, McGregor now has 24 trophies with the Hoops and is chasing his teammate Forrest for the record.
Reo Hatate (off for McCowan 74′) – 4
Absent. Aside from teammate Jota who limped off in the 35th minute, no player had less of an impact than Hatate.
Nicolas Kuhn (off for Forrest 64′) – 9 – Player of the Match
Stunning performance. When his side needed a difference maker, Newcastle transfer target Kuhn was the man to take control.
Daizen Maeda shows class for Celtic
Daizen Maeda – 8
Two assists from the Japanese forward underlined his wonderful link-up play. Maeda somehow finds another level each time he steps onto the pitch.
Jota (off for Idah 35′) – 6
The Portuguese winger forced Ryan Strain to turn the ball into his own net to give Celtic the lead, before limping off with an injury just past the half-hour mark.
Substitutes
Adam Idah (on for Jota 35′) – 8
Super sub. The Irish striker has been forced to play second fiddle to Maeda for large stretches this season, but the former Norwich man reminded everyone of his quality by scoring twice from the bench.
Paulo Bernardo (on for Engels 63′) – 6
Neat with his passing and not forced into too much defensive work.
James Forrest (on for Kuhn 64′) – 5
26 titles as a Hoop, the most of all time, fitting for a truly underappreciated player and a Hoops legend.
Luke McCowan (on for Hatate 74′) – 7
The game was won by the time of his introduction but McCowan still impressed during his time on the pitch.
Jeffrey Schlupp (on for Taylor 74′) – 6
With his contract at Crystal Palace expiring at the end of the season, Schlupp would be a shrewd signing for Rodgers’ side.