Having had a few days to think about it, here are my three takeaways from Celtic’s compelling 2-2 draw with Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen on Saturday afternoon…
1. Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen are the real deal!
Heading into Saturday’s encounter, the Dons had won seven out of seven league matches. Celtic were undoubtedly the toughest test Jimmy Thelin’s team will face this season. Retrieving a two goal deficit at the home of the champions, should make people sit up and take notice of the Swede’s revolutionary impact at Pittodrie.
The 46 year-olds tactical capabilities were on show at Celtic Park on Saturday and should be admired. At half-time he brought on Ester Sokler and Duk. Both made game-changing impacts on the game. When Duk looked like he had completed an iconic turnaround for the Dons, VAR came to Celtic’s rescue.
There is no question, this Aberdeen side who its worth remembering do not have to worry about European football, can finish 2nd above theRangers. Aberdeen can pile on the pressure and remarkably go top of the table with a win over Dundee United next Saturday evening before the Hoops head to Firpark on Sunday. Fair play to Thelin, it is refreshing to have a motoring Aberdeen in the top-flight following recent years of turmoil and mismanagement.
2. Slight dip in Celtic’s form?
Our humiliating defeat in Dortmund seems to have taken the wind out of our sails. Confidence has been slightly knocked since the pounding in Germany. Visible at Dingwall where we struggled to break Ross County down for large spells, and then collapsing within a 10 minute period against Aberdeen are concerning signs. With the Europa League title holders up next, games do not come much tougher. Celtic must remain resilient on Wednesday night.
3. Cannot put on a similar defensive display in Bergamo
Defend like we did yesterday, and we will get punished against Atalanta. We are playing another elite side and should Brendan Rodgers’ team give up the chances gifted to Aberdeen on Saturday afternoon, Celtic will be in trouble. Scales and Trusty have partnered one another in the last four games. 10 goals conceded. It does not make for pretty reading.
Carter-Vickers returning to the starting XI in Italy would provide us with greater stability. The American centre-back has only featured in seven of 14 Champions League matches for Celtic, so I would not hold out much hope in him starting the game. Gian Piero Gasperini’s team will cause the Hoops major problems, and defensively Celtic will need to be stronger than they have been in recent outings.
The last thing we need is another Dortmund.
Conor Spence
