Celtic went into tonight’s match with a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to seven points over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
In a first half that was heavily affected by adverse weather conditions, Duk and Kevin Nisbet had half-chances for the hosts, while the Bhoys weren’t able to muster much of note as their final ball lacked against a stubborn Aberdeen rearguard.
Expectedly, Jimmy Thelin’s side flooded the engine room and limited space for the visitors and thwarted Brendan Rodgers’ difference-makers, leading Graeme Shinnie and Sivert Nilsen into the book.
The opening 45 minutes wasn’t vintage, but Paulo Bernardo may feel unfortunate to have his goal straight from a corner ruled out after Daizen Maeda was adjudged to have fouled Ross Doohan.
Nicolas Kuhn curled not too far over early in the second half and Adam Idah was unlucky not to open the scoring.
Reo Hatate would finally achieve that feat in 78 minutes with a brilliant volley from Greg Taylor’s lofted ball through, which would prove enough to settle the scoring and open up a seveb
Without further ado, 67 Hail Hail take a look at how those involved for Celtic fared against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Kasper Schmeichel – 7
Didn’t have a whole lot to do over the course of 90 minutes. Stayed composed in possession with clean distribution and was alert when needed to step off his line.
Alistair Johnston – 7
Got himself up and down the right flank. Made several interceptions in tense moments when Aberdeen were on the offensive.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 8
Solid on the night alongside his defensive partner. Both complement each other very well, providing balance on either side. In particular, Carter-Vickers was outstanding.
Auston Trusty – 7
Another showing that proves why Celtic paid the big bucks for his services. Tidy on the ball and solid in the challenge. Nearly got caught out five minutes from time but Carter-Vickers bailed him out.
Alex Valle – 5
Picked up a harsh booking on a tricky night against Duk, who presented a threat down the right-hand side. Substituted for Greg Taylor at half-time.
Callum McGregor – 7
Composed and always offered an option for his teammates to seek out in possession. Made his presence felt in the face of physicality from the opposition.
Paulo Bernardo – 7
The Portuguese midfielder gave his best and imposed himself at times. Can count himself unlucky to have had his corner goal ruled out.
Reo Hatate – 8
Denied brilliantly by Ross Doohan on 70 minutes. Saw plenty of the ball and took his goal brilliantly after an assist from substitute Taylor.
Nicolas Kuhn – 6
It’s not his best night, but you can’t always expect him to breeze past opponents. Gave creative intuition to the game so deserves credit for that.
Daizen Maeda – 6
It was a typical hard-working display from the Japanese winger. Quality lacked at times, though he never stopped and helped out well defensively before being taken off for James Forrest.
Kyogo Furuhashi – 5
Unfortunately a quiet evening for Celtic’s talisman. Not even any fault of his own, the game just didn’t play to his unique strengths.
Greg Taylor (sub) – 7
Made an impressive second-half appearance and added strength in the inverted role. Got the assist for Hatate
Adam Idah (sub) – 6
A few nice layoffs after coming on. Directed a header goalwards that Doohan prevented well and brought a sense of physicality up tip that was lacking.
Luke McCowan (sub) – 5
Came into the game as a substitute and brought an energy to proceedings. Some tidy passes even if on the fringes at times.
James Forrest (sub) – 6
Some nice touches and an experienced showing all-round.
Arne Engels (sub) – 4
Limited time to make any sort of impact.
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