Celtic Player Ratings: Aberdeen (A)
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Celtic grounded out a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Aberdeen on Sunday in treacherous conditions.
Callum McGregor fired the Hoops into the lead just before the 10-minute mark, his third goal in as many games.
Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard linked up well in the build up as the ball was fed through to James Forrest, whose shot was well blocked by Joe Lewis, and McGregor was there for the rebound.
Neil Lennon was forced into an early substitution when after 24 minutes, Greg Taylor was unable to continue and made way for Jonny Hayes.
Aberdeen equalised in the following passage of play, in a mixture of poor defending and a good finish.
Central defender Ash Taylor found himself in acres of space as a ball was hooked in, and from six yards, he took it down on his chest well before slamming it home.
The Hoops found it hard to break down the Dons, who were extremely impressive throughout, in addition to the weather causing problems for both sides.
A stalemate looked certain as Celtic just couldn’t get active in the final third, before a touch of magic from Edouard released McGregor, then into Forrest on the left, who danced his way into space on the edge of the box before teeing up the incoming Kristoffer Ajer.
The defender lifted the ball above the disheartened Joe Lewis to seal the three points for the Bhoys.
Here’s how we rated the Celtic players…
Fraser Forster: 7
Could do little about the goal.
Pulled off a few strong saves from Ojo despite the blinding sun.
Distribution a bit wayward but not helped by the high winds.
Nir Bitton: 6
Solid return to the side from Bitton.
Dealt with things well and went quietly about his business.
Christopher Jullien: 6
Still didn’t look the strongest or most comfortable against the powerful Curtis Main.
Won every aerial battle but looked shaky in physical duels.
Lost Ash Taylor for the goal, in no mans land.
Kristoffer Ajer: 8
Really versatile and clinical performance from the Norweigen.
Started on the left side of a three man defence, yet put in a tremendous shift at right back when Celtic switched to a back four.
Cool finish to seal the all important win.
James Forrest: 6
Another hot and cold performance from Forrest.
Was a passenger for the first hour, but when forced out over to the left, he was so effective, linking up with Hayes.
Tremendous feet to set up Ajer’s winner.
Olivier Ntcham: 6
Not the conditions for the Frenchamn, who couldn’t pull off his favoured long, cross balls.
Kept possession well nonetheless.
Scott Brown: 6
Kept things ticking over in midfield but was rather quiet.
Was involved in a few tussles with Bryson and Ferguson.
Callum McGregor: 8
Man of the Match performance yet again from McGregor.
His contribution to goals in this formation has been frightening and he never looks like stopping.
So important to this side.
Greg Taylor: 5
Subbed off after 24 minutes after pulling up injured.
Started the game brightly.
Leigh Griffiths: 6
Great work for the opening goal and looked lively to begin with.
Struggled to see a lot of the ball as Celtic failed to get it up the park into his feet.
Slightly at fault for Taylor’s goal, didn’t communicate with Jullien.
Subbed just before the hour mark.
Odsonne Edouard: 7
Quiet afternoon by the Frenchman’s standards.
Influential in both goals but failed to have his own impact.
Should’ve sealed the deal late on with virtually an open goal but shot straight into Joe Lewis.
Sub: Jonny Hayes: 5
Not the return to Pittodrie Hayes would’ve wanted.
Couldn’t control any of his crosses into the box but was solid at the back.
Had a golden opportunity to set up Ntcham but selfishly struck straight at Lewis.
Sub: Ryan Christie: 6
Offered something different when he came on and injected a bit of pace into Celtic’s movements.
Sub: Tom Rogic: 6
Controlled play well when he came on and saw out the game expertly.
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