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Celts Double Does Dons. Celtic 2-1 Aberdeen

Discussion in 'TalkCeltic News' started by packybhoy, Nov 29, 2021.

By packybhoy on Nov 29, 2021 at 12:41 AM
  1. packybhoy Administrator Administrator Gold Member

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    28th November 2021. K.O. 3pm

    Celtic Park. Glasgow

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    CELTIC 2-1 ABERDEEN
    Scorers: Celtic: Jota (20) McGregor (60)
    Aberdeen: L.Ferguson (Pen 33)

    A tough task lay ahead for the Bhoys after an energy sapping Europa game in Germany against Leverkusen. Aberdeen were today’s opponents at Celtic Park and their form has been indifferent, taking points from Hibs, Rangers and Hearts but losing their last two to Dundee United and Motherwell.

    It was also the first time that Celtic Legend Scott Brown returned home to play in front of the fans who adored him. Callum McGregor and Brown laid wreaths for their respective clubs in the Centre of a large banner tribute to another Legend, Bertie Auld, who sadly passed away last week. A minutes applause was also carried out.

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    The game was only three minutes old when proceedings were called to a halt for around five minutes. Aberdeen’s American striker, Christian Ramírez barged Celts keeper Joe Hart who landed heavily on his shoulder. Thankfully he was able to play on. In the early stages the Dons looked very determined and were pressing Celtic back in their own half but the Bhoys began to settle into their shape.

    On the quarter hour mark Jota conjured up his first bit of magic when he made it to the bye-line closely marked by a Dons defender. He managed to raise his foot and flick the ball around his marker and into space for Turnbull who saw his strike deflected over the crossbar. A minute later Juranović sent an inviting ball across goal only to see Hayes clear. Aberdeen were starting to defend deep as Celtic turned the screw and most of the best play came through Jota on the left.

    His persistence paid off when he grabbed the opening goal on 20 minutes. A brilliant chip over by Turnbull was controlled by McGregor on his chest. He was on the left of the box when he rolled the ball to Jota and the little Portuguese gem stabbed home through a raft of players for a beautiful team goal. That made it five goals in five games for Jota. 1-0 Celtic and game on.

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    Aberdeen were probing away looking for an equaliser and nearly had it on 31 minutes when Joe Hart had to be at full stretch to put a Watkins effort wide. Two minutes later and ref Kevin Clancy pointed to the spot for an Aberdeen penalty. He wrongly judged that Abada had tripped David Bates in the box but he really should have been showing a yellow to the Aberdeen man for diving. Lewis Ferguson made no mistake to make it 1-1.

    As the first half drew to a close Celtic had a few chances that went begging. A pinpoint Turnbull cross from the right saw Welsh head wide and then McGregor had a shot on goal that was charged down by Bates. Celtic were the dominant team and the 1-1 scoreline totally flattered the Aberdonians.

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    Celtic came out in the second half with intent and were pressing high up with Kyogo making a constant menace of himself by pulling the Dons defence from pillar to post. Jota was just his usual brilliance and it was from that wing that Celtic’s best play was materialising backed up by a hard working Juranović. 56 minutes and a McGregor pass to Kyogo was fed to Jota but his shot was deflected over. A minute later Juranović saw his strike deflected wide and Referee Clancy called for a goal kick.

    The second goal arrived on the hour mark and it was a freak goal to say the least. Great vision by James McCarthy saw him play a ball through to Abada who was through 1 on 1 with the goalie and he made a great save. The ball broke loose but Johnny Hayes cleared only to see the ball cannon off a jumping Callum McGregor’s * and into the back of the net. 2-1 Celtic and bizarre.

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    James Forrest was brought on for Abada (62) and a few minutes later Scott Brown pulled up with a hamstring problem and he had to be replaced. The perfect opportunity for the Celtic fans to show him appreciation and they did to a man. Marley Watkins was also replaced by Jenks. Just ten minutes on the pitch and Jamesy Forrest was absolutely torturing his opponents. Celtic nearly pulled further ahead from a corner when the excellent Anthony Ralston rose highest to head for goal but Joe Lewis got his fingertips to turn it over.

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    With seven minutes of normal time left Jota hit the post after being played in by McGregor and it was his last action of the day as he was replaced by Mikey Johnston to a standing ovation. Aberdeen nearly had an equaliser in the dying moments. From an incoming corner a header flew straight for goal only to see Juranović head it off the line and out of danger.

    Another baffling decision by the referee was to call back a foul in the middle of the park as Mikey Johnston was about to race away toward goal. He should have allowed the advantage but there were so many wrong calls by the man in the middle. He actually gave a yellow card to Johnston for protesting.

    A minute later Johnston put a brilliant ball on a plate for Kyogo who took a deft glancing touch but the keeper got down well to save. Kyogo was replaced in 90+4 by Ajeti for a cameo appearance. It was a big performance from many Hoops players. McGregor’s movement and pace was fantastic, Ralston, Juranović and Kyogo also in top form but the Man Of The Match again was Jota. How can this guy not get into the Benfica team? Wee Bertie would be chuffed with that hard fought result.

    This win puts us back into second place in the league and 4 points behind Rangers. Up next is another tricky tie at home to Hearts on Thursday evening 7.45pm.

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    A Big shout out to the Green Brigade who continue their protest against the appointment to Security officer of Bernard Higgins. He is the former Police Scotland Commander who was instrumental in founding the Offensive Behaviour at Football act. An act that overstepped the mark by herding and kettling fans of all clubs. Filmed them continuously for singing and turning up at their homes and workplace and even awaiting fans returning home from family holidays. I think I represent most fans on TalkCeltic by declaring our full backing for the protest. We don’t want this guy at our club. Listen to the fans Celtic.


    MOTM: Jota. I’m running out of descriptions for this wee guy. A wing wizard who can’t be shackled. Well done Jota.


    LINEUPS


    CELTIC: Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Welsh, Juranović, Turnbulll, McCarthy, McGregor, Abada, Kyogo, Jota. SUBS: Scales, Ajeti, Soro, Johnston, Bain, Forrest, Montgomery. (4-3-3)


    ABERDEEN: Lewis, Gurr, McCrorie, Bates, Hayes, Ferguson, Brown, McGeough, Hedges, Ramirez, Watkins. SUBS: McGinn, Emmanuel-Thomas, Jenks, Samuels, Campbell, Ritchie, Longstaff.(4-3-3)


    POSSESSION: Celtic 68% Aberdeen 32%


    SHOTS: Celtic 20 - 4 Aberdeen


    SHOTS ON TARGET: Celtic 5 - 2 Aberdeen


    PASSES: Celtic 602 - 379 Aberdeen


    COMPLETION: Celtic 88% Aberdeen 76%


    By Packybhoy
     
    Last edited: Nov 29, 2021
    The Prof, KRS-1888, Taz and 1 other person like this.