Celtic and Aberdeen – the champions and runners-up of successive Premiership seasons locked horns this afternoon at Celtic Park in a crucial league encounter. Both the teams, struggling in mid-table, had an opportunity to get their campaign back on track. The Dons had a narrow victory over Motherwell last weekend but failed to grab a result this afternoon as the hosts grabbed three big points banking on a stupendous Scott Sinclair goal midway in the second half.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their edgy 1-0 win against Aberdeen.
Craig Gordon: 7.5
Produced a majestic stop with his legs to deny ex-Hoops winger Gary Mackay-Steven late in the first half. Made a few other decent stops and was kept busy by the Dons despite a clean sheet.
Mikael Lustig: 6.5
Combined well with James Forrest at times but lacked enough creativity while making runs from the right. Struggled defensively at times against Mackay-Steven and James Wilson.
Dedryck Boyata: 7.5
Had another steady performance in the heart of the Celtic backline. He was spot on with his positioning, blocks and interceptions barring a few occasions and guided the Hoops to securing a clean sheet avoiding another late heartbreak.
Jack Hendry: 7
Was poor against Killie but delivered a better show alongside Boyata in deep defence. The youngster, however, should work on his headers while attacking from set-pieces.
Kieran Tierney: 8.5
Posed a constant threat down the left with persistent overlap runs, crosses and link-up football. Created many chances and caused enough trouble to the Aberdeen backline throughout the game. Made a couple of sensational sliding tackles in closing seconds.
Scott Brown: 7
The skipper did well in a negative role while breaking down Dons’ moves to regain possession. Did not offer much high up the pitch but marshalled the fragile backline with great composure.
Olivier Ntcham: 6
The Frenchman is not having his best run in the middle of the park as he looked off-colour yet again. His game was confined mostly in midfield and lacked enough creativity around the box. Was replaced by Tom Rogic around the hour mark.
James Forrest: 6.5
Had an early opportunity as he made a positive start to the game. Made a few cut insides and layoffs but faded off since the break and was eventually replaced by young Lewis Morgan late in the game.
Callum McGregor: 7.5
The versatile Scotsman threatened the visitors a few times and also kept Joe Lewis busy in Aberdeen goal. Orchestrated moves since being switched to a more central role which allowed Celtic to have a grip on the game.
Odsonne Edouard: 6.5
Saw his effort hit the woodwork and was also denied a spot-kick which looked a bit controversial. An injury, however, forced him to leave the pitch late in the first half and Scott Sinclair, his replacement, sealed all three points with a stunning finish.
Leigh Griffiths: 7
Threatened from set-pieces and played his part in Sinclair’s solitary goal of the game. Forced Lewis into making saves and looked purposeful whenever he had touches inside the box.
Substitutes
Scott Sinclair: 8
His stunning backheel secured a much-needed win for the Bhoys as the ex-Swansea, and Manchester City attacker showed his sparks after quite a while.
Tom Rogic: 7
The Aussie international had more impact than Ntcham and constructed a few ambitious moves from an attacking midfield slot.
Lewis Morgan: 6
The youngster did not have enough touches but made his contribution while defending the lead in dying minutes.
