It was a frustrating afternoon for Celtic after they struggled to break down Aberdeen in a 0-0 stalemate.
The visitors stuck to their task well as Neil Lennon’s side couldn’t get their passing game working.
An unlikely source, Kristoffer Ajer created Celtic’s best opening of the first half as he drove forward before unleashing a low shot that needed tipped past the post by Joe Lewis.
The Norwegian defender thought he had put his team in front minutes later as he headed home Ewan Henderson’s free kick but the linesman’s flag cut short any celebrations.
Derek McInnes and his players continued to make life difficult for the hosts after half time with Odsonne Edouard having their only real chance of the second period as he shifted the ball onto his right foot in the box but Lewis in goal was once again equal to the Frenchman’s close range effort.
The Dons very nearly nicked all three points at the death when Sam Cosgrove set up Stevie May just yards out but the striker’s header flew way over.
Scott Bain: 6
Had little to do in the game.
Jeremy Toljan: 5
Got forward well showing his pace but again seemed to struggle defensively.
Needs to be more aware of attackers running in behind him as he has been caught out on numerous occasions recently.
Dedryck Boyata: 6
Managed to get in his usual slack pass at the back which nearly allowed Cosgrove in but the Belgian recovered to defend strongly.
Kristoffer Ajer: 7
Was solid at the back whilst he was confident to push forward into space when in possession and after winning back possession for his side.
Tested the Aberdeen ‘keeper with a low drive before netting with a header from an offside position.
Kieran Tierney: 6
Beat his man regularly in the first-half to get some decent crosses in but didn’t see much of the ball in the second period.
Scott Brown:6
Seemingly unusually slack in some simple passing early on but did well later in the game to stop some Aberdeen attacks.
Nir Bitton: 5
The Israeli’s passing was poor throughout and he lost the ball too many times whilst somehow escaping a booking for at least three cynical fouls.
Ewan Henderson: 5
Did his best to be creative in the final third but was ultimately hooked at half-time.
James Forrest: 5
Moved off the right and into the middle for the second half but couldn’t really breakthrough the Dons rearguard.
Scott Sinclair: 5
Like Henderson, the winger was subbed at half-time after a pretty ineffective first 45 minutes.
Oliver Burke: 6
Looked dangerous as always with his pace in behind but sometimes his speed was too much as he saw the ball run away from him too many times.
Came deep for the ball well before the break and thereafter he moved out to the right hand side.
(SUB) Odsonne Edouard: 6
Went up top in a half-time switch and had Celtic’s best chance of the second 45 minutes as Lewis was forced to deny him in the box.
(SUB) Mikey Johnston: 6
Replaced Sinclair on the left wing at the interval and showed real confidence despite not finding the key ti unlock a packed Dons defence.
Some great skill led to a low ball across the face that was begging to be tapped home but nobody in green and white could reach it.
(SUB) Timothy Weah: 6
Was unleashed with 20 minutes to go and did his best to provide some magic.