Things were better for Celtic in tonight’s Europa League clash compared with recent showing from the Scottish champions.
There were goals. Two, in fact, as Tom Rogic and Odsonne Edouard put the visitors into a quick 2-0 lead away to the Serie A leaders. They were also competitive with their much-fancied hosts for the majority of the 90 minutes.
However, familiar failings were there for everyone to see. Goalkeeping and defending remains a major problem for manager Neil Lennon, who still clings to his job despite severe pressure from the club’s support.
Milan were quickly able to haul themselves level through Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Samu Castillejo. It was then Jens Petter Hauge shortly after the break who put the Italian side ahead for good, while Brahim Diaz added a fourth late on.
Player ratings scale - 10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.
. Celtic's Odsonne Edouard (fourth left) celebrates with his team-mates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group H match at The San Siro Stadium, Milan. PA Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 3, 2020. See PA story SOCCER Milan. Photo credit should read: Fabrizio Carabelli/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Odsonne Edouard celebrates with his team-mates after putting Celtic 2-0 up. Picture: Fabrizio Carabelli/PA Wire. Photo: Fabrizio Carabelli
. GK - Vasilis Barkas - 4
Made an early by gambling at the free-kick for Milan's first and then almost gifted them another with a dreadful clearance. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. DR - Hatem Abd Elhamed - 4
Another who started the game well, getting forward to support, but defensively he was very poor. The fourth goal summed his night up. Photo: Nikola Krstic - SNS Group
. DC - Nir Bitton - 6
Continues to fall below expectations of a top class centre-back at this level, but far from the worst offender defensively on the night. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
9. ML - Ryan Christie - 6
Terrific reverse pass for Edouard's goal and played with his usual urgency, energy and confidence. Some poor decision-making and set-pieces in the final third, though. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
10. AM - Tom Rogic - 6
Opened the scoring with a confident finish and was excellent in the early going. Wasn't so effective once Milan got back into it and looked knackered the moment he walked back out for the second half. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
11. FC - Odsonne Edouard - 7
Scored with a nice finish and showed good movement off the ball. He can be pleased with his evening's work. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
12. Sub - Olivier Ntcham - 5
Didn't show much, if anything, after coming off the bench. Photo: Sanita Sparane - SNS Group