Craig Gordon – 5/10
Failed to produce the outstanding display needed to strengthen his position as the club’s number one goalkeeper. A terrific penalty stop was negated by a woeful error leading to the second goal – leaving the door ajar for Doris DeVris.
Kieran Tierney – 6/10
The youngster continues to impress; tidy in possession, physical when the situation demanded and always ready to cut out crosses. Solid if unspectacular.
Kolo Toure – 8/10
Celtic’s man of the match by a country mile. The Ivorian was a colossus at the back, holding together a nervous side that looked in imminent danger of tearing itself apart. A real leader.
Mikael Lustig – 6/10
The Swede applied himself well, always willing to put his body on the line to ensure safe progression. His usual steady, reliable self.
Saidy Janko – 2.5/10
The Swiss youngster was not roasted last night, it was a far more visceral experience, akin to a ninety minute, footballing, nuclear blast. Poor in possession, seldom found in the correct position, culpable for the second goal (in Gordon’s opinion) and to compound his woes he gave away the penalty. The spirit of Efe lives on.
Scott Brown – 5/10
Covered the ground well but lacked the intensity needed for a difficult away tie. The viciousness and controlled brutality that have characterised the skipper’s finest displays were noticeable by their absence. Stroked a couple of decent passes.
Nir Bitton – 4/10
The Israeli was overawed by his return to his homeland. His composure replaced by a lethargic weariness that hampered all those around him.
Calum MacGregor – 4/10
Almost non-existent and was surely the man needing replaced at half time. Requires a vast improvement if he is to be a permanent fixture in the Rodgers Revolution.
Scott Sinclair – 6/10
The Hoops only real means of relieving pressure. Made a few decent dribbles and ran himself into the ground chasing down lost causes. Was rewarded with a couple of decent chances, neither of which he took.
James Forrest – 4/10
Needed to run at the opposing full back far more regularly than he did to ease the mounting pressure on the creaking defence, instead he opted to turn inside and play passes into an already congested midfield. Hooked at halftime.
Leigh Griffiths – 5/10.
The lack of support left the hitman looking more like Tom Hanks in Castaway than the ruthless striker we have grown accustomed to. One tame snapshot was the best that Griffiths could muster.
Subs.
Tom Rogic – 4/10
Applied himself well but was unsuited to the more workman-like role that was asked of him. Struggle without the empty space he has exploited so regularly.
Erik Sviatchenko – 5/10
A welcome return for the big Dane. Helped solidify the side just as the Beer Sheva pressure was being ratcheted up. A desperately needed injection of tranquillity.
Moussa Dembele – 5/10
The starlet was brought on in an attempt to better hold up the play in a worrisome second half, and to some extent this was achieved. A terrific, curling effort was unlucky not to nestle into the top corner.
Brendan Rodgers 6/10
It was a strange night for the gaffer; his initial selection contained few contentious decisions, however as the game progressed it was clear that changes were required. His reticence to deploy similar tactics to those that were so successful last week caused a few head-scratches, as did the usage of the 4-4-2 diamond. However, the mistakes were rectified with the switch to the back five.
As the old saying goes, the ends justify the means. Any lingering complaints at this point feel a little churlish. All that can be done at this point, both on the pitch and in the dugout, is learn from the mistakes made in the Israeli Desert and go into the Champions League with a positive mindset.
BEN DELANEY
Currently 15% OFF OUR NEW EURO SHIRT OR ANY OTHER SHIRT
