Scott Brown’s first visit to Parkhead stirred emotions at Paradise when Celtic hosted Aberdeen in a crucial Premiership encounter. The Hoops had to register a victory to stay relevant in the title hunt and they responded well with an edgy 2-1 win, thanks to skipper Callum McGregor’s goal around the hour mark.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their win against Aberdeen.
Joe Hart: 7
Failed to deny Lewis Ferguson from the spot, but the veteran Englishman was spot on otherwise to launch swift counter-attacks. The Dons did not do much otherwise in terms of testing the custodian.
Anthony Ralston: 7.5
Forced Joe Lewis to make a save in the final quarter of the contest. Kept on making marauding runs, looked sharp with his tackles and recoveries to help the defensive third.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 7.5
Made some no-nonsense clearances from the heart of the backline. Played it out from the back with his composed passing attribute. Also, his physical supremacy helped them contain the Aberdeen attackers.
Stephen Welsh: 7.5
Won the aerial duels, was in the right place at the right time while partnering Carter-Vickers in central defence. Made his opportunity count in the absence of Carl Starfelt.
Josip Juranovic: 7
Got dispossessed a few times, but the Croatian was swift to recover possession and advance forward. Balanced his game between attack and defence down the left-hand flank.
James McCarthy: 7.5
Operated from the base of a three-man midfield due to the injury absence of Nir Bitton. Played his part in the build-up of McGregor’s winner during the second half.
Callum McGregor: 8.5
The skipper set it up for Jota who found the net midway through the first half. Was lucky to find his name on the scoresheet though when an Aberdeen clearance smashed off him before finding the net.
David Turnbull: 7.5
Was successful with his dribbling attempts. Although the crosses could have been better at times, the Scotsman looked purposeful as he carried the ball forward to operate in and around the attacking third. Was pivotal in the build-up for Jota’s opener.
Liel Abada: 6
Conceded a spot-kick when he bought David Bates down inside the box. Made up for his mistake as he was instrumental in the Hoops’ winner around the hour mark. Made way for James Forrest straight after McGregor’s goal.
Filipe Jota: 8
Impressed once again as he made no mistake in finding the net around the 20th-minute mark. Looked sharp with his swift footwork, runs, cut insides and link-up play from the left-hand flank. Was replaced by Mikey Johnston late in the game.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6.5
Had a rare underwhelming display from the Japanese sensation who worked hard to help the midfield but offered little high up the pitch. Made way for Albian Ajeti in the closing minutes of the contest.
Celtic Substitutes Vs Aberdeen
James Forrest: 6.5
Used his experience to keep the pressure upfront soon after the Celts restored the lead with half an hour remaining.
Mikey Johnston: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Albian Ajeti: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
