Detailed Celtic player ratings against West Ham as defensive disorganisation rears head again

Anthony Ralston: There’s nothing wrong with being a player whose game is defined by effort and, after a passable display against FC Midjtylland on Tuesday, Ralston may have been justified in feeling pretty confident going into this one. He didn’t look it, however. There was plenty of running from the 22-year-old but very little to feel positive about when he got on the ball. His limitations going forward were exposed in an almost cruel manner when his dawdling after getting into a decent position led to West Ham’s counter-attack and, ultimately, Antonio’s second. 5

Dane Murray: A sobering afternoon for the teenager but one which, with the right coaching, he will hopefully be able to learn a lot from. Antonio gave him a torrid time in general – but he has done that to more than a few experienced defenders in his time. Murray’s forced, slack pass when it wasn’t on led to the equaliser and that will be of particular concern, however. 4

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou: I won’t be telling the Celtic fans anything, it’s down to Leigh Griffiths to win them over

Stephen Welsh: While the centre-back is already looking slightly more comfortable on the ball than last term, his relative inexperience was on display against Antonio on this occasion. The Hammers forward’s movement led Welsh to make some questionable positional decisions and you would have to hope that, like Murray, it is a day he will take in his stride and learn from. 5

Greg Taylor: Another conflicting afternoon for the left-back as decent early link-up play with Ryan Christie was almost undone when he switched off for Bowen’s ninth-minute chance. He was bailed out by Barkas on that occasion and, though he struggled to contain the marauding runs of Ryan Fredericks, Taylor did provide a constant outlet going forward. 6

Ismaila Soro: Patrolled deep midfield for much of the opening stages as he continues to adjust to the role of the disrupter in Ange Postecoglou’s side. Soro did burst forward occasionally as the first half progressed and showed, as he did against Midtjylland, that he will try his best to look for the forward pass when it’s on. He did, however, get caught wrong side of Antonio and gave away the penalty. 6

Callum McGregor was on target

Callum McGregor: Poise, composure, quality. You know what you’re getting with Callum McGregor and it was all on display for his opening goal. The captain showed wonderful awareness to, first, win the ball from Manuel Lanzini just 25 yards from the West Ham goal from a Hammers throw-in before showing his eye for goal with a sweet, stroked finish past Lukasz Fabianski. 7

David Turnbull: As always Turbull was happy to get on the ball but his creativity in the final third came in flashes. 6

Liel Abada: Another positive display as the Israeli’s direct play gave Premier League standout Aaron Cresswell all kinds of trouble. Abada was a constant threat, notched an assist for Celtic’s second and is already shaping up to have been a shrewd signing. 7

Ryan Christie: Picked up where he left off on Tuesday. Started lively with a quality through ball for Taylor and didn’t stop from there. Whether he was harrying the West Ham players to regain possession, looking to play in Osdonne Edouard or linking up with the central midfielders, Christie was once again setting the tone for the Hoops. Topped off his display with a goal early in the second half which owed as much to his persistence as the finish itself. Sorting out his contract would be a boon going into the league season. 7

Odsonne Edouard: In amongst the Frenchman’s usual supply of flicks was some smashing link-up play with Christie, in particular, but he did miss another very good chance with his head in the 22nd minute. 6

Substitutes - Scott Bain: After coming on at half-time, Bain was sent for the papers by Said Benrahma’s chop in much the same manner as Barkas was by Antonio’s earlier in the afternoon. He did collect well at Antonio’s feet shortly after and there wasn’t much he could do about Bowen’s well-taken goal to make it 5-2. 6

Osaze Urhoghide: The youngster made an impression after coming on at right-back. A couple of positional issues aside, he was committed in his tackling and showed a willingness to get forward which could pose Postecoglou a question ahead of Wednesday. 6

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Nir Bitton: Beaten to the ball as Bowen scored the fifth but it was a good, controlled finish and little he could have done to stop it. 6

Leo Hjelde: Montgomery’s foray in-field left Hjelde to deal with Bradley Johnson and Fredericks on his lonesome in the build-up to West Ham’s fifth. He was, then, not culpable on that occasion but his decision to dive into a tackle shortly after led to a chance that Benrahma really should’ve finished. 6

Adam Montgomery: Struggled to replicate Taylor’s intensity but that was always going to be difficult after the amount of changes made. 6

Liam Shaw: Certainly a presence in the middle but his apparent lack of effort to track back after losing the ball almost led to a goal in the 75th minute. 6

Scott Robertson & Ewan Henderson: Couple of decent touches from both but not much else to note. 6

James Forrest: A welcome sight for the Parkhead faithful as the winger took the armband after coming on and played in Leigh Griffiths with a good pass before being denied by Darren Randolph late on. 6

Tom Rogic: Made himself available when others seemed content to wile away the minutes while going close with a 57th-minute half-volley and saw a tame effort saved in the 78th. 6

Leigh Griffiths: Jeered and then cheered by a crowd clearly polarised by his presence on the pitch. Forced Randolph into a save in the 79th minute. 6