Two wins from two. Six points out of a possible six. Pittodrie on our second of those games after Flag Day? I think we’d all have taken a 3-1 win given the circumstances, if we’re all being honest with ourselves. It was certainly not a vintage Hoops display once again, but we maintained our unbeaten run in the new season and with a new addition to the backline and others needing more game time for sure.
Liel Abada of Celtic scores to give Celtic a 0-1 lead. The goal was disallowed for offside but awarded by referee Kevin Clancy after a VAR check. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, , Pittodrie – 13 Aug 2023 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
The main highlight was the set-up and assist from Yang Hyun-jun who I think is going to be our Jota replacement in the future. His clever footwork and vision to pick out Matt O’Riley at the back post to put the game beyond a dogged and determined Aberdeen side was straight out of the top-drawer and was very reminiscent of our now departed Portuguese winger.
Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic celebrates with team mate Matt O Riley after scoring to give Celtic a 1-2 lead. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Football, Pittodrie – 13 Aug 2023. Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
We looked a real threat going forward, with Kyogo Furuhashi a total menace to Barry Robson’s side, and with him being more involved in Brendan Rodgers’ style of play, it’s obvious his movement creates havoc for opposition defenders and midfielders alike. Chris Sutton was quick to point out his world-class movement and positional play in the gantry and his view must have been excellent.
There’s no denying we looked laboured in the midfield area once again and seem to be lacking that crisp passing that we have become so accustomed to in recent times under our previous regime. I still feel we miss pace and power in the engine room and it will be readily apparent when we kick-off our European campaign in mid-Septemeber. Holm looked good when he came on but again isn’t in the classic bulldog-type I feel we badly miss.
Likewise, most would have been particularly concerned with the ease with which the Dons were able to play those balls in behind either side of the central defender and full-back; Greg Taylor looked in no-mans-land at times during the entirety of that one. It’s obvious that he is much better suited to that inverted role and would make sense that Brendan is looking to procure another left-back. Hopefully a more athletic and pacey one to match Ally Johnston on the right.
Aberdeen v Celtic – Maik Nawrocki during the Scottish Premiership match at Pittodrie on 13 August 2023. Photo Stephen Dobsonx PSI
Maik Nawrocki was a bit shaky during the first-half but really showed his quality in the second forty-five. He’s so comfortable on the ball and doesn’t really give much away in terms of misplaced passes and such. A shout-out must go to Stephen Welsh too, who came into the fold and performed admirably in the absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers whom we all hope makes a speedy recovery. Joe Hart also did what he needed to without being spectacular and on days like today, sometimes that’s all that’s needed to put you at ease and get you over that line.
Aberdeen v Celtic – Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in the sideline during the Premiership match at Pittodrie Sunday August 13, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh
So, all in all, it’s another win on the road in a new Scottish Premiership campaign at a very tricky away venue. Barry Robson and his side gave their all, but Celtic proved too strong with options on the bench being the deciding factor in who got the three points. Adjustments are still being made and hopefully more arrivals are due to really catapult us onto a different level again.
Job done today.
Paul Gillespie
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