Jimmy Thelin on what ‘would’ve been fair’ from Aberdeen’s loss to Celtic

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Celtic did what they had to do last night in what was a hard-fought victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Reo Hatate’s strike with just over 10 minutes to go was enough to see his side through on a blustery evening in the Granite City.

Celts found it difficult, at times, to break down their opponents and on another night it might have been a goalless draw.

But just as Brendan Rodgers‘ side so often do, they made it happen to ensure they went seven points clear of the Dons at the top of the Scottish Premiership while also maintaining their 11 point lead over Rangers.

• READ MORE: ‘Enormous’ – Chris Sutton reacts after Celtic lay down marker with superb Aberdeen triumph

Home side boss Jimmy Thelin was left gutted at full-time after watching his squad put in a shift as they hassled and troubled their visitors all evening.

The Swede could hardly have faulted his players who worked extremely hard. It was just that they came up against the Hoops juggernaut who were looking for that statement, marquee domestic victory to stamp their authority on the “race” as early as this.

Still, the stats don’t lie and while the Lion’s share of possession went to Celtic, the number of opportunities created were not exactly widely different.

That is what Thelin alluded to in his post-match interview on BBC Sportsound.

The coach explained how he could not be angry or even disappointed with his squad’s performance as they gave their all.

Jimmy Thelin felt a draw would have been a fairer reflection on the game

And he felt a point-a-piece might have been a fairer reflection of the 90 minutes or so.

“Maybe a draw tonight would’ve been a fair result,” Thelin said. “It was two different styles today, we know Celtic have quality with the ball and how they play but our team were disciplined and worked hard together as a unit.

“In form of chances I think it was quite a tight, equal game. They had some, the goal they score is top quality. The chances we had in the end, I can’t remember who blocked the shot from Ester (Sokler) but it was so close.

“That’s nice to see that even with the weather tonight the fans stick with us, push us, and we get those chances in the end because of the identity and spirit of the fans.

What Thelin said about Reo Hatate’s winning goal for Celtic

“Sometimes it can be tough when you don’t get the point from these games but we did everything and I’m proud of the players.

“It’s quality (Hatate’s goal) but I think that’s football sometimes. I don’t think either team today created so many big chances but they were there. They put theirs in the goal and they blocked our chance.

“It was a tight game and we tried, so I feel more proud of the players. We wanted one point at least from a tight game and we think that would have been a fair result, but the players gave everything.

“We can’t do more! We tried, and we tried and tried.”