Celtic 1 Aberdeen 0
A satisfactory (and possibly a bit more than that) afternoon for Celtic in what was a rather enjoyable game of football in front of a large crowd and with a good atmosphere.
Aberdeen also contributed to the game, but more so on the defensive side of things. I was never terrified of their fire power up front, although I would have made their best man to be Gary Mackay-Steven. I always felt that if Aberdeen were to get anything out of the game, it was going to come from the speedy and resourceful ex-Celt.
But to our team. Deservedly was Dedryck Boyata made Man of the Match with his heading power reminiscent of Billy McNeill at his best. Dedryck still has a long way to go to earn total redemption in view of his treachery in August and his folly last Wednesday, but he made a step or two in the right direction. Close behind him was the much maligned Jack Hendry who scarcely put a foot wrong all afternoon, and deserved the ripples of applause that he got. I hope that those who wrote these vile tweets about him after the Kilmarnock game are suitably apologetic. He is a young man, and is still learning!
Tom Rogic all day everyday. pic.twitter.com/4YcJD3wNX9
— Until…☘️???? (@delbhoy007) September 29, 2018
I myself owe an apology to Scott Sinclair whom I wrote off last week. His remarkable goal with the back heeler will be much remembered and talked about, as will be his celebrations in front of those who will soon learn to love him again if we get more of this. Maybe today was the one goal that he was needing to get him back on track.
You could not really say that Celtic were ill-served by anyone, although Brendan was right to withdraw Olivier Ntcham and Callum McGregor when he did, for these two had contributed all that they were likely to. We were particularly well served by Scott Brown and Kieran Tierney whose tackles towards the end of the game were simply superb and well deserving of the applause that they got from the appreciative crowd. But it was a good team performance, and the 1-0 score line did not really reflect the pattern of the play. They deserved more, but if we win every game 1-0, we’ll win everything.
And now we come to Mr Madden. Oh, dear! Someone on the radio after the game tried to say that the tackle on Odsonne Edouard (who had really hard luck with that shot which hit the woodwork, by the way) was outside the box, but why then was a free kick not given? I remain convinced that it was a penalty, and so were the rest of the crowd. In addition, he got several other decisions wrong, so much so that I have to describe him as the worst referee we have had this season (and this is from me who am frequently accused of being soft on referees. I cannot totally dismiss Madden as nothing other than an O***** B******! There must be more to him than that! Or is there?
And full marks to Celtic for playing “Grace”, even though others don’t! And equally well done to the crowd for joining in. It is a lovely song.
Well done the @CelticFC Dj currently playing @rodstewart new single Grace at Celtic Park. pic.twitter.com/dwVzqdM251
— The Celtic Star Magazine (@CelticStarMag) September 29, 2018
The Green Brigade were supportive throughout, but I heard some of our friends from up north singing that nonsense about Glasgow slums and going through the dustbins for something to eat. It would be offensive, if it were not so ludicrous!
However, three points won, and at this stage of the season, that is important. A trip to the Continent now beckons, followed by a return to McDiarmid Park. I look upon these games with renewed enthusiasm and optimism.
David Potter
