Brilliant Boyata – The Best And The Worst Rated Celtic Players In Their 1-0 Win Over Aberdeen

The Hoops went 25 points clear on top of the Scottish Premiership with a slim 1 – nil win over a tough Aberdeen side that had proved too resolute to break down for the majority of the game on Wednesday.

Missing the likes of Moussa Dembele, Rogic, Stuart Armstrong and Leigh Griffiths to injuries, Brendan Rodgers’ side couldn’t provide the type of finishing that had seen them go 27 league games unbeaten, and it took an unlikely source to provide the opening and winning goal.

After a stalemated first half, Belgian centre-half Dedryck Boyata, rose highest to a great Sinclair freekick to head in his 2nd goal in 3 games in the 57th minute, ensuring the Bhoys’ winning streak continued.

Rodgers tweaked his formation in the absence of some of his best players, as he stuck with a 3-4-3 formation. Lustig, Simunovic and Boyata were slotted into defence, while Forrest and Kieran Tierney took the wing-back berths. Brown and Bitton took charge of midfield, while Sinclair and McGregor mounted the wings with Roberts in their middle.

All of Celtic’s possession and total dominance almost yielded nothing, with their attacking leaving not much to be desired. However, they kept it solid at the back, preventing the Dons from scoring having found the back of the net on 7 of their last 8 visits to Parkhead.

The Bhoys emerged victorious in the end and here is how they are rated:

Gordon

Was hardly troubled all game as Aberdeen didn’t give him any ball that forced him to a save.

Rating: 6/10

Šimunović

He didn’t have much defensive work to do but always looked likely to put his defence under pressure with some of his wayward passes.

Rating: 6/10

Lustig

The Swede returned to the lineup ahead of Gamboa, and he held the right of the defence tight as the visitors didn’t give him any much work to do.

Rating: 6/10

Tierney

Looked comfortable in the left wingback role, as he was confident and brilliant going forward all game.

Could be deployed as a winger in latter games once the league victory is wrapped up.

Rating: 8/10

Boyata

Retained his place to make his 5th appearance of the season, and his full concentration and dedication was required to seal a win for the hosts.

Rating: 8/10

Forrest

Not the most impressive of outings from him, with his numerous runs not yielding much in the final third.

Rating: 5/10

Brown

Another powerful display in the middle of the park from the skipper, as he was quick to mop up any stray passes from his teammates and challenge the Dons anytime they threatened to attack.

Rating: 7/10

Biton

An average but commendable performance from the midfielder.

However, how he is able to retain his berth with the trio of Armstrong, Henderson, and Eboue soon available for selection remains unknown.

Rating: 6/10

McGregor

He brought in a tireless performance and was a great influence in the middle of the park as he tried to link up with the forwards and protect the defence.

Rating: 6/10

Roberts

Was deployed to lead the attack, and the unfamiliarity with the role was evident.

Yet he pulled it off well enough.

Rating: 7/10

Sinclair

Harried for an opener, as he was all over Aberdeen’s defence all the time.

Despite not scoring no matter how hard he tried, his assist was perfectly executed from the dead ball.

Rating: 8/10

SUBSTITUTES

Mackay-Steven

Came on for Forrest and did well on the right flank.

Rating: 6/10

Henderson

Late Sub.

Rating: Not Available

Sviatchenko

Late Sub.

Rating: Not Available