Celtic 4 Aberdeen 1: Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys win third straight Scottish Premiership match
Two goals in the last three minutes made this Celtic win look more comfortable than it was
TWO goals in the last three minutes made this Celtic win look more comfortable than it was.
But there was no doubt Brendan Rodgers’ side deserved it.
Aberdeen were 2-1 down until 87 minutes and pushing men forward in search of a late Parkhead equaliser.
But a Scott Sinclair penalty and then a Tom Rogic free-kick sealed the victory.
Leigh Griffiths fired Celtic ahead early on before Adam Rooney levelled. James Forrest restored the Hoops’ lead before half-time in an end-to-end clash.
There were some nervy moments from the home side in the second half but Celtic supporters went home happy.
Their team took the lead after 13 minutes and they were worth it too.
Rogic had already smashed the crossbar with a ferocious shot from 25 yards in what was a lucky escape for the Dons.
It was a cracking attempt from the on-form Australian who had another tremendous game in the middle of the park.
Leigh Griffiths also hit the woodwork with his shot.
But instead of coming back out, the ball rattled the frame of the goal on its way in.
It was a sensational strike from the Scotland striker –who initially nut-megged Kenny McLean to set himself up.
Griffiths then ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate his goal and pay his own tribute to a young Celtic supporter who tragically died last week.
Young Kieran McDade sadly passed away after collapsing while he was playing football with his mates. He was just 13.
It was a touching moment from Griffiths as he lifted a white t-shirt with the message 'RIP Kieran.'
Celtic looked like they were going to go on and win the game pretty comfortably at that point.
Aberdeen were being pegged back with Hoops keeper Dorus de Vries – in the team for the first time, ahead of Craig Gordon – hardly had a save to make.
Dons boss made a tactical change when he moved Anthony O’Connor from defence into midfield and that helped the visitors get a better grip of the game.
Celtic’s standards dropped too.
Scott Brown was careless in possession more than once midway through the first half with Aberdeen regrouping.
They then made it 1-1 in 31 minutes.
Kolo Toure cut out a cross from the right and clearly expected Brown to clear the danger but the Hoops skipper didn’t.
Adam Rooney quickly pounced to turn and swivel in one movement before blasting his shot past de Vries.
There was then a nervy five minute spell for the home side who looked like they needed to get into the dressing room.
Apparently de Vries is in the team because of his distribution when he has the ball at his feet.
But the big Dutchman almost gifted the Dons a goal with a slack pass out from the back which McLean could easily have scored from.
McInnes would have been more than happy with the way his side were playing at this point in the game.
But in 42 minutes James Forrest scored their second goal of the game to fire Celtic back in front.
The Aberdeen players and management weren’t happy with referee Bobby Madden in the build-up.
But Rogic didn’t wait to find out why, latching onto the ball and then sliding it to Forrest bursting forward on his right.
Forrest still had plenty to do to beat Dons keeper Joe Lewis.
But the winger was calm under pressure and scored with the loveliest of shots with the outside of his right foot.
It was yet another example of the belief and confidence the Scotland man has these days.
Aberdeen had a good start to the second half but it was the home side that had the first real chance after the break to score again.
Rogic fed the ball out to the left for Kieran Tierney to sprint onto.
His cross was perfect for Scott Sinclair who took a great first touch to set himself up. The former Manchester City man made a good connection with his shot too but Ash Taylor did brilliantly to made a block.
From then on it was a frustrating game for Celtic supporters to watch.
Rodgers took off scorers Griffiths and Forrest just before the hour mark with Patrick Roberts and Moussa Dembele given a chance.
But the changes didn’t make Celtic better.
Aberdeen were always in the game and there were some nervy moments in front of the de Vries goal.
Niall McGinn had a great chance to make it 2-2 when the ball was crossed in from the right and he was in acres of space.
But the Northern Ireland attacker had a hopeless attempt at goal with his header looping well over the top.
Celtic then sealed the win with a penalty spot with four minutes left to play.
Sinclair used his pace to burst through on goal with Mark Reynolds unable to stop him without bringing him down.
Referee Bobby Madden pointed immediately to the spot with Reynolds – booked moments earlier – showed a second yellow card and ordered off the pitch.
Dembele tried to grab the ball as the designated penalty taker but Sinclair wouldn’t let him take it.
The winger then coolly slotted his kick into the bottom corner with his team-mates rushing to celebrate with him.
All apart from Dembele who was clearly unhappy that he wasn’t allowed to take the spot kick.
It was tough on Aberdeen but they soon conceded a fourth.
Rogic sealed a superb display with a superb free-kick from 20 yards out.