Celtic 1-2 Molde: How Celtic’s players rated

Nir Bitton in action for Celtic. Picture: John Devlin

Craig Fowler gives his take on the performance of each member in the home side’s ranks.

Craig Gordon - 5

Could do very little to stop either goal. Had to be bailed out by his defenders after hesitating at a couple of cross balls.

Mikael Lustig - 5

The captain did not replicate the leadership qualities of Scott Brown when the hosts needed someone of that ilk. Positioning suspect; was unlucky not to score with a header.

Dedryck Boyata - 5

At fault for the opening goal when he opted to stay rather than close down the attacker. Did redeem himself somewhat as he was asked to bail out his centre back teammate on numerous occasions.

Jozo Simunovic - 1

Fast becoming the green and white Daniel Prodan. Injured within five minutes.

Kieran Tierney - 8

Celtic’s best player by an absolute mile. Never afraid to run at opponents, while his early crosses into the penalty area, especially in the first half, routinely caused havoc. Defensively he was solid as well.

Nir Bitton - 3

Needed to step up and impose himself on proceedings without his usual partner in crime, but instead retreated into his shell. Clumsy challenge on Camara brought a deserved red card. Gets a point for shot that was turned home by Commons for Celtic’s goal.

Stefan Johansen - 6

The Norwegian’s passing was much improved on what we’ve seen of him through most of this season. However, defensively Celtic were weaker through the middle for having him there instead of Brown.

Kris Commons - 6

Once more he looked Celtic’s biggest attacking threat on the European stage. Things might not have been so dire for the hosts in the second half had he not been forced from proceedings through injury.

Tom Rogic - 4

The Australian has enjoyed a strong season but this step up proved to be too much, too soon. Looked lively early but his touch deserted him after half-time and never looked like producing anything to bring the hosts back into the game.

Stuart Armstrong - 4

Aside from a terrific cross for Lustig’s chance he contributed little to the attack. Another who lost possession far too easily in the opposing third.

Leigh Griffiths - 4

Had one of his quietest games this season, though a lack of decent support could possibly be blamed for that. Rightly flagged offside when he thought he’d opened the scoring; missed a glorious chance at 1-2.

SUBSTITUTES

Tyler Blackett - 2

Oh dear. Didn’t do enough at Molde’s second goal. Showed a lack of anticipation, positioning and determination, three traits any centre back worth his weight must have. The sub was deservedly subbed himself.

James Forrest - 4

Another who’s had a good season but did not enjoy a productive night. Came on at half-time but barely got involved, which is uncharacteristic of the usually hyperactive winger.

Nadir Ciftci - 3

Another who didn’t get involved. Strikers coming on as sub are supposed to instil hope in supporters. Ciftci does the opposite.