Celtic have been praised for their flair, creativity and ruthlessness in front of goal since the winter break but in truth throughput the season those attributes have also been allied to grit, resilience and a will to win.
Last night Celtic called on all of that, as having taken a two-goal lead by half-time, were dragged back to level pegging before almost immediately regaining the lead and ensuring they weren’t breached again.
It was a determination reminiscent of the 97th minute winner at Ross County after Carl Starfelt had been sent off, the resilience exhibited at Tynecastle when the tanks were empty to cling on for three points, and the never say die attitude that saw Liel Abada take the spoils with ten men at Celtic Park against Dundee United.
Celtic may well play attractive football but there is no little fight in this team either, and Celtic exhibited both sides of their game to go to Pittodrie and come home with three points. In all four of those games a slip up could have seen the team labelled as chokers, instead it builds a reputation as winners.
Last night’s win made it 20 games unbeaten for Celtic, and Ange Postecoglou praised his team’s character and while disappointed in the manner the goals Celtic conceded is still satisfied his team is improving.
“My view on that stuff is I think we have been very good for a very long time. We have won a trophy and we are sitting at the top of the ladder. I think our season has been decent from any objective perspective.
“Whether people think that’s good enough or believe in us sustaining it, that’s a different question. But from my perspective we are improving as a team. Players are understanding the football we want to play and within that they are showing resilience. It’s not like we’ve had it easy at any stage, including today.
“We were down to ten men in one game. We’ve had to fight for it. To do what we’ve done this season means that this group of players are showing really strong characteristics of a team that can be successful.”
And the manager at his press conference after the match was keen to point out the ability to call on the strength in depth he has from the substitutes bench is helping to sustain the incredible unbeaten run his team is on, as reported by Daily Record.
“It is helping us, getting the squad we need to tackle the task ahead. The way we play is very demanding. Even here today you are coming away from home against a good team and we are the ones initiating play and provoking and working to score goals so there is no respite for the players. If you don’t have a strong squad it takes its toll.”
The manager also refused to be drawn on the frustration from the Aberdeen players, management and supporters surrounding Jota’s winning goal and the unfounded claims surrounding Liel Abada being in an offside position and interfering with play.
On both counts those frustrations are unwarranted, Abada was level with play when the ball was played and also made no move to involve himself in the play to be considered interfering in any way, however the manager was not for getting involved, leaving the decision making to the officials.
“There’s nothing more I can say, it was given a goal. I don’t have a view of it, I don’t know anyone who does apart from the linesman who made the decision.”
Postecoglou also praised his side’s determination and focus that saw them recover from the blow of losing a two goal advantage to regain the lead, praising his team’s reaction whist admitting to some disappointment at how they handled the defending of set pieces that led to both Aberdeen goals.
“So from my perspective, it was more important to see our reaction to going level.We got back out in front and scored the goal. You always know you are going to get a reaction, particularly away from home.
“We were handling it okay but it was disappointing to lose goals from set pieces. There were no real threats for us out there but they got one, got a reaction from the crowd and caused us problems with another one.
“After that, we needed to be a bit more calm to control the game better. We still had some chances but even then we were rushing things. It’s not an easy place to come and win – it was important to come here and continue our form.”
A mid-winter, midweek trip to Pittodrie is always a tough encounter and Celtic had to show both their abilities on the ball and off it to create three goals and scrap their way back into a game they appeared to momentarily lose their grip off.
On such results titles are won and should Celtic lift the Premiership trophy in May, it will be evenings like this they will look back on as sliding doors moments, where it could have slipped away but instead mental strength and a belief in themselves and the manager’s process saw them prevail.
Niall J
Watch all the unique angle highlights from Celtic TV below…
⏰ 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒆 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 ⏰
⚽️ 𝑱𝒐𝒕𝒂
⚽️ 𝑶’𝑹𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒚
⚽️ 𝑱𝒐𝒕𝒂𝑨 𝑷𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒐𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒉𝒐𝒚𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚#ABECEL pic.twitter.com/IBHMPPFDwp
— Celtic TV (@CelticTV) February 10, 2022
Here are a few video from the back row at Pittodrie…watching Glasgow Celtic, putting on a show!
Here are the teams coming out…
“We’re at the Top of the League, looking down on the Rangers…”
We Shall Not be Moved…The Post Match Celtic celebrations…
Happy Hoops heading for the exits..
