Brendan Rodgers proved his management skills again in Celtic’s dramatic 4-3 win at Aberdeen.
His management of record signing Odsonne Edouard was key to Celtic returning home with all three points.
With no other striker available, it looked certain the returning Edouard would be pitched straight in.
However, Rodgers opted to bring in Ryan Christie to play up top for Celtic. The decision to drop Mikey Johnstone, fresh from his three goals in two games, was also questioned.
Although that decision appeared harsh, no one will be questioning it now.
Lost in the mayhem that occurred in 90 minutes at Pittodrie, was Rodgers’ tactics coming up trumps for Celtic.
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Both Christie and Edouard played identical parts in Celtic’s first and second goals against Aberdeen.
The striker, dropping deep, plays a terrific ball out wide. A cross comes into the box and Scott Sinclair fires home.
Edouard will get more credit than Christie, because his pass to Forrest was exquisite. However, Rodgers’ tactics of having his striker drop deep to link up play worked a treat on two occasions.
It would have been easy to throw Edouard back in from the start when he returned to the squad.
However, with Ibrox looming at the weekend, Rodgers wanted to give his record signing every chance to stay fit ahead of the derby.
His management skills are undeniable. Rodgers is a world class manager.
At 1-1, it looked like Celtic would have to settle for a draw against Aberdeen. Rodgers sent for Edouard and replaced Callum McGregor with his record signing.
Vindication for Rodgers, his use of Edouard was the catalyst for the Celtic victory. Edouard’s stunning finish, giving Celtic a 3-2 lead, was a significant moment for the team.
Overcoming adversity
When Willie Collum inexplicably gave Aberdeen a second penalty, it would have been easy for Celtic to lick their wounds and go home with a 2-2 draw.
However, with an inspired Edouard released into the game, they were able to overcome the setback.
Edouard then set up Sinclair for his hat-trick, and could easily have been given man of the match for a 20 minute cameo.
It appears that Rodgers will throw Edouard in from the start on Saturday. If his appearance at Aberdeen is anything to go by, the Rangers’ defence will be worried.