Celtic hosted Aberdeen at Parkhead for the second time in a fortnight’s time. But the resignation of Neil Lennon changed the equation a bit with John Kennedy stepped in as an interim manager for the remainder of the campaign. The Dons had the opportunity to add more misery to the Hoops’ dire run, however, the outcome proved to be identical when the hosts scored early and defended the lead to secure a 1-0 triumph.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their narrow win against Aberdeen.
Scott Bain: 7
Made a couple of early saves and helped his side recover from last week’s disappointment. Another clean sheet for the Scottish custodian against Aberdeen.
Jonjoe Kenny: 7.5
Another balanced outing from the Everton loanee who not only performed his defensive duties but also made his presence known in the attacking third with timely overlapping runs, long balls and crosses. Played an exquisite ball into the box which, however, should have been converted by Klimala.
Stephen Welsh: 6.5
Was not convincing enough against the likes of Florian Kamberi and Niall McGinn. Lost more duels than won and was not accurate enough with his distribution. Settled in with time though and the presence of Ajer helped him restore stability in the heart of the backline.
Kristoffer Ajer: 8.5
Brilliant as always, particularly around the hour mark when he denied the visitors twice within seconds. Got dispossessed a few times but made timely recoveries to avoid catastrophe.
Diego Laxalt: 7.5
Started in place of injured Greg Taylor. Was not frequent enough in terms of overlapping runs but looked purposeful while surging forward.
Scott Brown: 7
Experience is the key for the skipper who did not cover a lot of ground but was in the right place at the right time on most occasions. Recovered possession time and again, also kept the ball on his feet to instigate attacking movements from his deep-lying midfield role.
Ryan Christie: 7.5
Much better from the Scotsman who was a constant threat and kept on interchanging his position with Turnbull to confuse the Dons defence. Set it up for Edouard’s decisive goal of the game and created a few more chances with his runs and smart link-up play. Should have done better with his dribbling attempts.
Callum McGregor: 7
Came close to find the net in the closing minutes, but his effort went wide off the post. Tested Joe Lewis once and featured as their chief ball carrier with his relentless runs and high work ethics.
David Turnbull: 6.5
His goal was the difference between these two sides last time around, but the youngster failed to leave a similar impact this afternoon. Derek McInnes’ men did well to nullify his creative spark and the gaffer opted to take him off to make way for Ismaila Soro late in the match.
Patryk Klimala: 5.5
Earned a rare start, came close to finding the net on a few occasions but lacked the sharpness to lead the line. The promising Polish prodigy needs to step up his game to justify the hype. Was taken off to be replaced by Mohamed Elyounoussi midway through the second half.
Odsonne Edouard: 8
His deflected early strike ensured a win and brought the Bhoys back to winning ways. His off the ball work-rate and contribution in attacking build-ups deserve a lot of praise once again.
Celtic Substitutes Vs Aberdeen
Mohamed Elyounoussi: 5.5
Offered little since coming on and his final deliveries could have been much better.
Ismaila Soro: 6.5
Calmed things down in midfield as his inclusion allowed Celtic to defend the scoreline with more calmness and composure.
