After Rangers’ edgy win against Hibernian on Thursday night, Celtic resumed their title defence this afternoon by clashing heads with Aberdeen at Pittodrie. They had to grab a victory on the road to maintain the nine-point cushion and the deadlock was finally broken late in the match. Skipper Callum McGregor, who returned to action after months of injury absence, led the Hoops by example with a last-gasp winner in this tricky away test.
Below are the Celtic players rated in their 1-0 win against Aberdeen.
Joe Hart: 7
A comfortable outing for the veteran Englishman as he hardly had any trouble en route to clinching a clean sheet against Jim Goodwin’s men.
Anthony Ralston: 8
Effective down the right with his relentless overlapping runs and link-up play high up the pitch. Maintained his composure at the back by covering the ground behind him.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 8.5
Was solid for the USA despite a Round of 16 World Cup exit and he showed his class once again versus Aberdeen by winning duels, making timely tackles and no-nonsense clearances.
Carl Starfelt: 8
Did well to partner Carter-Vickers in the heart of the backline. Showed his aerial supremacy, and kept on making recoveries to nullify the hosts’ attacking threats.
Greg Taylor: 8.5
Looked lively all throughout with his overlapping runs. Created a number of chances high up the pitch and also performed his defensive duties.
Callum McGregor: 9
The captain made all the difference with a stellar strike in the closing minutes of the contest. Dominated possession in the centre of the pitch with his all-round ability.
Matt O’Reilly: 8
Forced Kelle Roos to make a save and he tried his best to open up space in a resilient Aberdeen defence. Played a number of passes in the final third and eventually made way for Aaron Mooy minutes before the final whistle.
Reo Hatate: 7
Tried to cause menace in the opponents’ half with dribbling attempts and box-to-box movements. Was replaced by David Turnbull midway through the second half to inject more directness into the build-up play.
Filipe Jota: 6.5
Lost the duels, got dispossessed a few times and his crosses lacked accuracy on most occasions. Was replaced by James Forrest around the 73rd-minute mark.
Daizen Maeda: 6.5
Had an excellent World Cup with Japan, but the versatile attacker was largely ineffective in the attacking third. Was taken off for Liel Abada at half-time.
Kyogo Furuhashi: 6.5
Wasted a few opportunities at finding the net. Remained isolated upfront and the gaffer Ange Postecoglou took him off for Giorgos Giakoumakis for the final quarter of the fixture.
Celtic Substitutes Vs Aberdeen
Liel Abada: 7.5
Had a couple of efforts on target. Linked up well with fellow attackers all throughout the second half.
David Turnbull: 7
Was impressive with his down-the-middle runs and ball-carrying attribute.
James Forrest: 7
Set it up for McGregor who hit it perfectly to seal the deal for the Scottish champions.
Giorgos Giakoumakis: 6
Had his chances to find the net, but his attempts were off-target.
Aaron Mooy: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
