Celtic destroyed Aberdeen 5-1 at Parkhead as Brendan Rodgers’ side got back to winning ways.
Brendan Rodgers named a strong Celtic starting XI as the Hoops manager looked to get back to winning ways against Jimmy Thelin’s side.
Celtic were sloppy in the opening fifteen minutes of the game as Aberdeen fashioned a few chances as Kasper Schmeichel was called upon early to keep the scores level with a fine early save.
However, Celtic took control in the 25th minute as Daizen Maeda opened the scoring after latching onto a rebound to put the Hoops in the lead.
Jota added Celtic’s second as his mishit shot nestled nicely into the Dons’ bottom right-hand corner of the net as captain Callum McGregor added a third just before the break.
Hyunjun Yang tucked home Celtic’s fourth, and as Jimmy Thelin’s men scored a consolation goal with just minutes to go, Maeda restored Celtic’s four-goal advantage just before the full-time whistle blew in Celtic Park.
So with that in mind, here are 67 Hail Hail’s player ratings as Celtic destroyed Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
The big Dane was solid enough as he kept another clean sheet and produced a fine save when the scores were at 0-0 early in the first half. Schmeichel’s poor distribution almost proved costly as Cameron Carter-Vickers made a last-ditch goal-line clearance. Beat at his near post for Aberdeen’s consolation goal.
Jeffrey Schlupp – 7
Schlupp was given his second Scottish Premiership start since his January move and was solid in defence. Made an important first-half header to break up an Aberdeen counterattack where Celtic could have been left two-on-one.
Auston Trusty – 6
The US defender was solid enough and didn’t really put a foot wrong as Trusty continues to build a good partnership with Carter-Vickers in the heart of the Celtic defence.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7
The big American was solid as usual as he kept the Aberdeen attack at bay for 92 minutes. Carter-Vickers made a crucial goalline clearance in the first half when the scores where tied at 0-0.
Alistair Johnston – 6
The Canadian joined Nicolas Kuhn on Celtic’s right flank and was his usual dependable self. Johnston made a few interceptions to keep the Aberdeen attack at bay.
Callum McGregor (c) – 8
The captain controlled much of the game and kept a calm head as Aberdeen threatened early in the first half. McGregor skied an early first-half shot before notching his eighth goal of the season just before halft time.
Reo Hatate – 7
The Japanese midfielder look up for it early as Hatate looked busy in the heart of the Celtic midfielder. Passing was crisp and created three chances before being taken off in the 59th minute.
Arne Engels – 9
The Belgian was in fine form against Aberdeen as Engels created two goals for Jota and Callum McGregor’s goals. Engels also fashioned six chances as the Hoops ran riot against the Dons.
Nicolas Kuhn – 6
The German had a quieter game as most of Celtic’s play focused on the left channel. Kuhn swapped positions with Jota in the first half to try and get involved more in the game. Was subbed off in the 59th minute.
Jota – 8
The Portuguese winger was at his creative best as Jota looked in the mood early doors against Aberdeen. with his direct running and pace, the 25-year-old winger was rewarded with a goal after a fine mazy run.
Daizen Maeda – 9
The Japanese winger’s new position continues to be fruitful as Maeda notched a double to record his 24th and 25th goals of the season. Was a constant threat to the Dons’ defence as Maeda’s relentless press caused a few errors.
Luke McCowan (sub) – 7
Dropped to the bench, McCowan made an almost immediate impact in Celtic’s fourth goal as he helped fashion Hyunjun Yang’s chance. Proves once again to be an effective option from the bench.
Hyunjun Yang (sub) – 7
The South Korean came off the bench to nab his second goal of the season. Yang looked tricky and also created a chance as he made another impact from the Celtic bench.
Adam Idah (sub) – 6
Brought on to replace Nicolas Kuhn in the 59th minute, Idah got half an hour to make an impact after his poor performance against Hibs at Easter Road. Managed just one shot in goal.
Jude Bonnar (sub) – 6
The young Celtic midfielder replaced Arne Engels in the 80th minute to make his senior debut but didn’t really have much of a chance to impact the game. One to watch for the future.
Liam Scales (sub) – 5
Replaced Jeffrey Schlupp with ten minutes to play and should have done better at the Aberdeen goal.
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