Celtic made it twenty games unbeaten with a hard-fought win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie. After Ange Postecoglou’s side hit top form against Rangers and Motherwell, it was expected that they would bring that form to the North East tonight. However, the Celts weren’t at their best with a few first-team players struggling to get a foothold in the game.
Jota opened the scoring after a cross from Matt O’Riley found him at the back post. The Englishman then notched one for himself with a strike that deflected off David Bates and into the net. Celtic were dominant but didn’t create as much as they would like, perhaps due to the way that Aberdeen set up.
Aberdeen made changes at half-time and sought to get themselves back into the game, especially after they were booed from the pitch. Aberdeen’s No.9 Christian Ramirez struck after a well-worked manoeuvre from Stephen Glass’ side. The striker peeled away from the Celtic defenders before smashing the ball into the goal from close range. Shortly afterwards, Lewis Ferguson headed the Dons level. McCrorie was fouled by Jota which allowed a free-kick to be swung into Celtic’s box and Ferguson to notch his seventh goal against the club.
Just moments after the Dons struck level, Jota struck a half volley beyond Woods to send the Celtic End into wild celebrations. Postecoglou’s side were then able to see out the game confidently, despite the brief spell of Aberdeen pressure.
Jota was excellent down Celtic’s left hand side. The two goals that he scored could prove to be pivotal in the title run in as Celtic maintained their place at the top of the table. Now, attention will turn to Sunday’s game against Raith Rovers, which will give the manager the opportunity to bring in some fringe players into the starting XI.
