Celtic took full advantage of the opportunity to extend their lead over Aberdeen at Pittodrie last night by securing a narrow 1-0 victory.
Despite a lack of clearcut openings during large portions of proceedings, the Bhoys always held an element of control in possession and made Jimmy Thelin’s men pay after showing persistence.
Brendan Rodgers was forced into changes on a blustery evening, but his decision to keep Reo Hatate on the pitch helped Celtic see off Aberdeen.
Latching on to a brilliant through ball from Greg Taylor, the Japan international made no mistake as he caressed it into his path before brilliantly converting past Ross Doohan.
Recording a statement triumph that could go a long way, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions now turn their attention towards seeing off Hibernian on Saturday.
Before that, Cillian Sheridan has afforded credit to the man he thinks helped change the game for Celtic at Pittodrie.
Greg Taylor the game-changer in Celtic’s win at Aberdeen
Speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, Sheridan agreed that Taylor ‘changed the game’ for Celtic with his substitute appearance against Aberdeen on Wednesday evening.
He said: “I think all the subs made an impact coming in. Obviously, Greg Taylor sets up the goal, Luke McCowan comes in and does well as well, he kind of continued his form, and even Adam Idah up front, it looked like a horrible game to play as a lone centre-forward.
“The wind is blowing it all over the place, but yeah, you probably could say he (Taylor) changed the game, considering he came in, sets the goal up, it’s a great pass. Great assist and he deserved it as well.
“He’s maybe been a bit unlucky to drop out of the team, so I think that’s the other thing that shows at Celtic, the players that are coming in, they’ve all got up to speed and got into their roles of coming in and being impact players.”
Taylor has surely earned back his starting spot for Hibernian
Time after time, Rodgers has promised to rotate his Celtic side to combat the fixture schedule, so expect further changes ahead of their clash against Hibernian on Saturday.
Alex Valle has started against both Ross County and Aberdeen and has shown himself across the campaign, but Taylor should be assured of a place this weekend after his heroics at Pittodrie.
Domestically, he offers Celtic a vertical of control and an extra option in possession that can open up space for others, as seen last night when Hatate broke free to finish. Hopefully, the Scotland international can provide similar in a few days time.
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