Final Score: Celtic 5-0 Brechin City
Celtic began the defence of their Scottish Cup trophy in style, thrashing Championship outfit Brechin City 5-0 at the Celtic Park on Saturday.
The Hoops were up and running early, with James Forrest handing them the lead in the second minute before Scott Sinclair doubled their advantage just nine minutes later.
Olivier Ntcham made it 3-0 after just four minutes into the second period before defender Dedryck Boyata added the fourth in the 56th minute. On-loan striker Odsonne Edouard then scored the fifth and final goal for Brendan Rodgers’ side with five minutes left on the clock, to heap further misery on the visiting side.
Here’s how the Celtic stars fared on the day:
Celtic Player Ratings
Craig Gordon – 6/10
Had very little to do between the sticks, with Brechin City hardly offering any threat going forward.
Mikael Lustig – 6/10
Started off a little poorly, losing possession and conceding silly fouls. However, he improved with time, got forward well and assisted Ntcham’s goal.
Dedryck Boyata – 7/10
Did not have a whole lot to do in the defensive sense. Headed home from Callum McGregor’s corner to make it 4-0.
Kristoffer Ajer – 6.5/10
Had one nervy moment when he was easily beaten in a dangerous position by a Brechin City player. Apart from that, he was solid and confident in carrying the ball.
Kieran Tierney – 6.5/10
Was afforded the time and space to get forward down the left-hand side as the visitors sat back for most of the game. However, he couldn’t have the desired effect.
Scott Brown – 6.5/10
Was never really troubled throughout the game as he controlled the proceedings in the midfield, acting as the chain between the defence and attack.
Olivier Ntcham – 7.5/10
Another solid display from the former the Manchester City starlet. Good in possession, always looking to drive forward. Headed home the third goal, in the second half.
Callum McGregor – 7/10
Worked hard to win the ball in the midfield and it was his pressing that led to Celtic’s second goal. Produced a good delivery from the corner for Boyata’s goal.
James Forrest – 7/10
Put the Scottish champions ahead within two minutes after kick-off. Was a constant source of trouble for the Brechin defence with his movement.
Odsonne Edouard – 7/10
Worked extremely hard at the top. His movement and link-up play were sharp all along. Got the goal his performance richly deserved.
Scott Sinclair – 7/10
Good run on the left-hand side before cutting the ball back for Forrest to open the scoring. Added the second with an easy strike soon after.
Substitutes
Nir Bitton – 5/10
Replaced Boyata for the final half hour. Had a very iffy moment that almost let Brechin pull one back.
Eboue Kouassi – 6/10
On for captain Brown just after the hour mark. Did most things right.
Michael Johnston – N/A
Replaced Sinclair for the final twenty minutes or so. Didn’t get involved much.
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