Final Score: Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
Celtic went 8 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, when they defeated second-placed Aberdeen 3-0 at the Celtic Park, on Saturday.
Mikael Lustig gave Brendan Rodgers’ men the lead in the 40th minute, via a deflection off Dominic Ball, before former Dons star Jonny Hayes scored his first goal for the Hoops, against his former side in the 69th minute before Olivier Ntcham found the back of the net with fifteen minutes left on the clock to make it 3-0.
Having lost to Hearts the previous weekend, normal service seems to have resumed around the Parkhead, with two strong victories against Partick Thistle and Aberdeen setting Celtic firmly at the top. And here’s how the Bhoys stars fared on the day.
Celtic Player Ratings
Craig Gordon – 6/10
Made a strong save to deny Greg Stewart. Had very little to do throughout the game apart from that one stop.
Mikael Lustig – 7/10
Opened the scoring with a heavily deflected effort and combined well on occasions with Hayes down the right. Not troubled a whole lot defensively.
Dedryck Boyata – 5/10
Dodgy in possession at times, with a particular moment when he lost the ball to Gary Mackay-Steven, inviting pressure.
Kristoffer Ajer – 7/10
Much more composed than his senior partner at the back. Made a number of crucial blocks and clearances to keep the visitors at bay.
Kieran Tierney – 7.5/10
A potent presence down the left-hand side as he ran forward and provided width on regular occasions. Had a shot saved. Little to do defensively.
Scott Brown – 7/10
Comfortable outing for the club captain as he dominated the midfield battles against the Dons, making sure his team stayed on the front foot.
Olivier Ntcham – 8/10
Another very impressive display from the French midfielder. Showed good strength and awareness while performing his defensive duties and was involved in everything positive Celtic managed to produce. Coolly rounded off the keeper to score the third.
Jonny Hayes – 7.5/10
Was a constant threat in a first-half that was pretty dour in general. Made it 2-0 with his first goal for his new club against his former employers.
Stuart Armstrong – 6.5/10
Nothing special from the Scottish international, but worked really hard and was always looking to make piercing runs through the defence.
Scott Sinclair – 6.5/10
Started off a bit slow but grew into the game with time. Had an effort saved, and was involved in the lead up to the third goal.
Moussa Dembele – 7/10
Was a nuisance all game long for the Aberdeen defence with his running and sharp movement. Had a couple of decent opportunities but couldn’t find the net.
Substitutes
James Forrest – 6/10
On for Sinclair with close to 20 minutes left. Worked well on the left-hand side.
Callum McGregor – N/A
On for Hayes with the result sealed.
Odsonne Edouard – N/A
Replaced Dembele with less than 10 minutes left.