Celtic were determined to overcome the dreadful run this afternoon when they travelled to Pittodrie to lock horns with Aberdeen. The pressure was mounting on Ange Postecoglou following an array of underwhelming outcomes, however, the Hoops stood up to the challenge this time around and clinched a late win when Filipe Jota made it 2-1 with 6 minutes remaining.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their edgy win against Aberdeen.
Joe Hart: 6.5
Made some routine saves, but the veteran Three Lions star should have done better with his outing and anticipation when Lewis Ferguson headed home from a corner. Denied ex-Hoops winger Jonny Hayes moments before Jota’s winner.
Anthony Ralston: 7
Looked purposeful from the right-hand flank with his runs, crosses and cut inside. Linked up well with Abada early into the game. Performed his defensive duties with timely recoveries and tackles.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Resolute defending from the American who made some no-nonsense clearances, exhibited both physical as well as aerial supremacy, also tried to play it out from the back with his passing and dribbling attempts.
Carl Starfelt: 7
The Swedish centre-half looked nervy at times against Ferguson and Christian Ramirez. Tried to be in the right place at the right time, but he must do better in terms of forwarding balls to accelerate attacking transitions.
Adam Montgomery: 6.5
Was at fault defensively when Ferguson equalized early into the second half. The youngster reacted sharply though with marauding runs, crosses and link-up football before compensating with an assist for Jota’s winner.
Nir Bitton: 6.5
Could not stop Ferguson from heading home, but his presence in the middle of the park allowed McGregor and Turnbull to concentrate more on attacking build-ups. Was taken off midway through the second half to make way for Tom Rogic.
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Callum McGregor: 7.5
Operated from a slightly advanced role due to Bitton’s presence deep down the midfield. Mixed the short passes and long balls, kept on switching flanks with his distributing traits, whereas his combative aspect helped the Bhoys to dominate possession at the centre of the pitch.
David Turnbull: 8
Did exceptionally well to set it up for Furuhashi for the opener. His one-twos, down the middle runs and the flexibility from behind the frontline opened up space for the attackers. Was not always successful with his dribbling attempts, but the Scotsman relished the afternoon at Pittodrie.
Liel Abada: 6.5
Played his part in the build-up to Furuhashi’s goal. Linked up well at times down the right-hand flank, however, the youngster lost a few duels and got dispossessed under close marking of Jack Mackenzie. Got replaced by Albian Ajeti around the 72nd-minute mark.
Filipe Jota: 8.5
Outstanding once again as he kept on causing menace with his swift footwork, cutbacks, dribbles and stepovers. Hit the woodwork at the backend of the first half but made no mistake to find the net to seal all three points late in the match.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 7.5
Showed his lethal scoring attribute yet again when he chested the ball into the back of the net following Turnbull’s cross. Shifted on the left following Ajeti’s introduction during the final quarter of the contest.
Celtic Subs Vs Bayer Leverkusen
Tom Rogic: 7
His exquisite pass created the goal-scoring opportunity which led to Jota’s winner.
Albian Ajeti: 6
Did not have many touches while spearheading the attack.
