Celtic finally returned to competitive action on Saturday afternoon as they travelled North to face an Aberdeen side who have an almost impeccable home record this season.
Today, though, the Dons couldn’t prevent the Celtic side from walking away from Pittodrie with three points.
It looked as though the match was going to end in a goalless stalemate, although thanks to a clinical strike from captain Callum McGregor late on, the Hoops as they regained their nine-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Here’s how the players rated.
Joe Hart – 6/10
Joe Hart had next to nothing to do between the sticks today. It felt as though the only acts Englishman would have to carry out were when he took goal kicks and played the ball out from the back.
Anthony Ralston – 6/10
It has to be said Anthony Ralston wasn’t at his best today. The Scot was particularly poor in the first half, misplacing numerous passes and over-hitting some crosses. Ralston improved slightly in the second half, linking well with Liel Abada. It will be intriguing to see if the 24-year-old keeps his place in the coming weeks and months with the arrival of Canadian Alistair Johnston.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7/10
The American was stout in the Celtic backline this afternoon. Carter-Vickers was calm as ever on the ball and was unfazed by the presence of Aberdeen forward duo Bojan Miovski and Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes.
Carl Starfelt – 8/10
Carl Starfelt was one of Celtic’s foremost performers today. The Swede was dominant aerially, clearing countless balls that came his way. Moreover, when tracking back and reclaiming balls that went over the top of the Celtic defence, Starfelt remained composed as ever.
Greg Taylor – 7/10
The 25-year-old was consistent once more at left-back. Taylor got on the ball continually and looked to play forward. He also took a number of shots on goal, none of which were to any avail, though.
Callum McGregor – 8/10
Celtic captain Callum McGregor played for the first time since the beginning of October today and marked his long-awaited return from injury with a bang. McGregor kept the ball moving in midfield, showing an abundance of energy throughout the game. He then got his reward late on when he thoroughly struck the ball into the bottom corner to send his teammates and travelling support into ecstasy. This strike turned out to be the winner and could turn out to be a vastly crucial one in Celtic’s season.
Reo Hatate – 6/10
The Japanese midfielder’s passing was sometimes sublime but on other occasions inaccurate. Reo Hatate didn’t pose much of an attacking threat and came off on 71 minutes.
Matt O’Riley – 7/10
The Dane was moved further forward into an advanced midfield role as a result of Callum McGregor’s return. O’Riley was constantly on the ball in and around the Aberdeen penalty area, always attempting to open up play and make an intricate pass.
Daizen Maeda – 6/10
The Japanese played high on the right-hand side, although he didn’t pose much threat. Maeda’s end product wasn’t there, and he was subbed off for Liel Abada at halt time.
Jota – 6/10
Jota did have some moments of vivacity, getting on the ball on the left with his typical trickery and flamboyance; however, similar to many of his teammates, the end product wasn’t there for the Portuguese. The 23-year-old usually nets against Aberdeen, although he failed to do so today.
Kyogo – 6/10
It was Kyogo who got the nod up top for Celtic this afternoon, although the Japanese failed to capture the imagination. The striker had a few guilt-edged opportunities, particularly in the second half, yet couldn’t add to his tally of ten league goals for 2022/23 so far.
Substitutes
Ange Postecoglou utilised all five of his available substitutes this afternoon.
Liel Abada replaced Daizen Maeda at halftime, and the Israeli admittedly did make a difference. Abada brought more dynamism to the right and got in behind on a number of occasions.
Then with just under 20 to go, three changes were made by Postecoglou. Kyogo, Jota and Hatate were replaced by Giorgos Giakoumakis, James Forrest and David Turnbull respectively.
The Greek striker had a few sightings of goal yet failed to hit the target meanwhile, David Turnbull didn’t muster much in his time on the park. James Forrest was probably the most impactful sub to come on at this juncture. The veteran winger looked to get on the ball, whipping a fair few balls into the box. Then in the dying embers, Forrest disclosed his vast experience of holding the ball up and help his side get over the line.
The final Celtic change of the afternoon then saw Aaron Mooy come on for O’Riley, but this was in stoppage time.
Getting the three points today was all that mattered for Celtic in their first game back after the World Cup break. And after 87 minutes of attempting to wear down a resistant Aberdeen resistance, Callum McGregor’s goal made sure this was the case.
Going forward, the champions now have two home games against Livingston and St. Johnstone, from which they should be aiming to take six points from.
