Celtic FC vs Aberdeen report: Celtic FC Match Report
Celtic were held by Aberdeen on Neil Lennon’s return to Parkhead as manager on Saturday.
Lennon made two changes to his Celtic side, as they looked to go 10 points clear at the top of the Premiership. Mikael Lustig and Odsonne Edouard dropped out for Jeremy Toljan and Ewan Henderson.
Aberdeen were set up for a draw and Derek McInnes got his plan absolutely spot on at Celtic Park. Celtic were slow in getting out of their blocks at the start of the game and it took until the 13th minute for the home crowd to cheer about something.
Oliver Burke was applauded for closing down a pass back to Joe Lewis with the goalkeeper getting a tad lucky with his clearance that cannoned off the Scotsman for a goal-kick. Moments later, Dedryck Boyata couldn’t pick out Scott Sinclair with his pass and the chance was gone.
Kristoffer Ajer marauded through the middle with the ball and set Sinclair, who attempted to play in James Forrest but Aberdeen spotted the danger and intercepted quickly at the expense of a corner. Ajer was arguably Celtic’s best player of the half as the Norwegian looked confident on the ball and had a shot skim the post and go out.
Henderson worked a nice one-two with Jeremy Toljan before curling over a cross to the far post but Aberdeen defender Dominic Ball was at the right place to nod it out for corner. Just before the break, Ajer had the ball in the net only for the linesman to flag for offside.
Lennon freshened up things by bringing on Mikey Johnston and Odsonne Edouard in the second-half. But Aberdeen had a chance in the 52nd minute, only for Scott Bain to successfully deal with it. Seven minutes later, Edouard danced past a few tackles before his shot was blocked by the visitors’ goalkeeper.
Substitute Timothy Weah came on for Burke as the Hoops chased for victory. The 18-year-old American had the chance to win it for the hosts in the 86th minute but missed Johnston’s low drive from the left inside the box.
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Aberdeen had a chance to win right at the death but Bain stepped up to save Lewis Ferguson’s 20-yard free-kick after Brown had fouled Sam Cosgrove.
After a frustrating 0-0 draw with Aberdeen, here’s how some Celtic fans reacted on Twitter.
Miss Callum McGregor massively, Bitton and Brown in middle does not work
— Kevin McLaughlin (@kevinmcl29) March 9, 2019
Poor result in my opinion. Could play till next week and we still probably wouldn’t score. Onto next week.
— Chris (@chris91q) March 9, 2019
Lennon better not get the job in the summer. Setting up the team like he’s still managing hibs ffs
— deano (@7onaed) March 9, 2019
No need to panic got Dundee next the league is won either way even with this draw 🍀🍀🍀✅💯
— Kelly McGeachy (@kellybaby3) March 9, 2019
Lennon out
— Yer auld Da’ (@steve2theizzO) March 9, 2019
Lennon to blame. Stop playing two holding midfielders. Stop playing Bitton. Play the strikers upfront. We’re slow, predictable and we’re going backwards. I hope we’ve made plans for the summer already.
— Conor Powers (@ConorPowers) March 9, 2019
Abject performance today. Forrest anonymous again and a serious lack of shots on goal from everyone else.
At the end of the day there’s no harm done and I hope Aberdeen replicate that performance in the cup during the week.— Pᴀᴜʟ Cᴏɴɴᴇʟʟʏ (@paulconn75) March 9, 2019
The half time subs were all a mistake, were playing well first half.
— Liam (@LiamC1967) March 9, 2019
Game less and still 8 points clear. HH 🍀🍀
— Brian Feighan 👦👧👶🐕 😍 (@brianfeig_1888) March 9, 2019
uninspired performance. Really missing McGregor, Ntcham, Rogic and Christie. Wingers needed for next season to challenge Forrest and Sinclair, they’re far too complacent.
— Henke (@King_VVD) March 9, 2019
Can’t give Lennon the job. Tactically all over the place.
— Shaun (@TheTweetofShaun) March 9, 2019