Jonny Hayes scored his first goal for Celtic against his former club Aberdeen as the six-in-a-row champions moved eight points clear before Christmas.
Chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes for both sides but Brendan Rodgers’ side showed their class and overpowered their closest rivals in the second-half.
On 27 minutes Greg Stewart had the Dons’ first attempt on goal for the away side that was palmed away comfortably by Craig Gordon.
Mikael Lustig gave Celtic the lead on 39 minutes after a huge deflection saw the ball cannon off Dominic Ball leaving Joe Lewis stranded as the ball trickled into the net.
Hayes scored his first goal for Celtic on 67 minutes to double their lead after diverting Sinclair’s cross into the net after the Dons defence failed to clear their lines.
With just over 15 minutes remaining Olivier Ntcham snatched onto a underhit back pass and rounded the ‘keeper before cooly dispatching the ball into the net.
Here are the player ratings from today’s game.
Craig Gordon 6/10
Tidy save at his near post to keep out Stewart. Had little else to do in the game. Distribution still questionable at times.
Mikael Lustig 6.5/10
Good pass through to Hayes down the right flank. Scored after a big deflection off Ball. Not troubled that often defensively.
Dedryck Boyata 5.5/10
Lackadaisical on the ball and lost possession too easily to Mackay-Steven in a dangerous area. Rarely troubled otherwise.
Kristoffer Ajer 7/10
Good defensive block to stop Shinne’s cross from getting into the box. Made two further clearances and looked composed at the back.
Kieran Tierney 7/10
Clever run behind the defence onto Sinclair’s pass. Rarely troubled defensively. Almost capped off a good move but his shot was straight at the ‘keeper. Good run and cross to Dembele who failed to score.
Scott Brown 7/10
Dominated in midfield dispossessing the Dons and forcing them to chase the game. Coasted through the game looking very comfortable in his role.
Olivier Ntcham 8.5/10
Decent start to the game making forward runs into space. Solid in the defensive phase winning possession and using his strength. Had another good game and was involved in a lot of Celtic’s good play going forward.
Stuart Armstrong 7/10
Couple of set pieces failed to trouble the defence or the ‘keeper. Brilliant work rate and made darting runs to the by-line all afternoon.
Jonny Hayes 7.5/10
Well timed run in behind the defence but couldn’t find Dembele inside the box. Fizzed a ball across the face of goal but no one could get a decisive touch. Most lively player in the first half. Scored his first goal for Celtic against his former club lifting a huge weight off his shoulders.
Scott Sinclair 6.5/10
Slid a pass in behind to Tierney. Static on the ball to start the game but became livelier as the game went on. Denied by Lewis from close range. Good chance to make it two nil but hesitated instead of pulling the trigger with his left foot. Linked up well with Ntcham and Tierney. Dangerous ball across goal which led to Hayes goal.
Moussa Dembele 7/10
Great bursting forward run covering half the length of the pitch before being hacked down. First shot on goal a minute into the second half was deflected just wide of the post. Good play to get past two players and got his shot away but was easily saved. Brilliant touch from Ntcham’s pass but couldn’t keep his resultant shot down. Should have scored from Tierney’s cross but couldn’t direct his header either side of the ‘keeper. Had a very good game in all phases but just couldn’t get his goal.
James Forrest 6/10
Came on for Sinclair with 21 minutes left in the game. Worked well down the left flank when he came on getting at a tired Dons defence.
Callum McGregor N/A
Replaced Hayes with 15 minutes to go.
Odsonne Edouard N/A
Came on for Dembele with just under 10 minutes to go.