Celtic have dropped 19 points behind rivals Rangers in the title race as the dream of ten-in-a-row looks like it’s already gone two days into the new year.
Callum McGregor’s own goal was enough to separate the sides but the result did not tell the full story. The visitors were dominant in the first half and still appeared in control of proceedings when the game turned on Nir Bitton’s red card. The Israeli was too easily turned by Alfredo Morelos and compounded his error by hauling down the Colombian, who would have been charging in on goal otherwise.
Despite the defeat, due to the performance there are a few players on the losing side who’ve ranked highly here.
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.
1. GK - Vasilis Barkas - 6
Could have been replaced by a cardboard cut-out in the first half. Flapped at one second half cross and couldn't do anything about the goal. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
2. DR - Jeremie Frimpong - 8
Defended terrifically against the threat of Rangers out wide and got forward regularly to support the attack. Final ball was sometimes lacking, however. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
3. CB - Kristoffer Ajer - 9
An imperious performance from the Norwegian who seemed to win every single one of his battles. Definitely didn't deserve to be on the losing side. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
4. CB - Nir Bitton - 5
Was putting in a very impressive shift alongside Ajer until he blotted his copybook, and likely cost his team the game, with an ill-judged professional foul on Morelos. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group