Celtic's 2-1 victory over Aberdeen was a pivotal moment in their title race, propelling them above Rangers into second place. The match was a showcase of Celtic's resilience and tactical prowess, with key moments and player performances that shaped the outcome. Here's a detailed analysis of the game and the player ratings from the 67 Hail Hail platform, with a focus on the controversial decisions and the man of the match.
The Game's Turning Point
The match's turning point came in the 5th minute when Celtic took the lead. Kieran Tierney's quick reaction to Liam Scales' flick from Luke McCowan's corner was crucial, as he prodded the ball home with his right foot. However, the controversial moment came when Aberdeen were awarded a penalty for a foul inside the box by Scales on Toyosi Olusanya. Kevin Nisbet converted the penalty, sending Viljami Sinisalo the wrong way.
Player Ratings
- Viljami Sinisalo - 6
Sinisalo made an outstanding save early into the second half, denying Nisbet a second goal. His performance was crucial in keeping Celtic in the lead, and he has to be considered the number one choice for the remainder of the season, even if Kasper Schmeichel returns to fitness.
- Julian Araujo - 6
Araujo's relentless running and energy were instrumental in a potentially season-defining moment. His contributions were significant, even if he didn't score or assist.
- Benjamin Arthur - 7
Arthur's first start came late, but he played well. He had one wobble but was generally dominant in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet. His performance was a testament to his growing confidence and skill.
- Liam Scales - 6
Scales' challenge inside the box for the penalty was soft, and he also missed a great chance from a corner after the break. However, he regained his composure and performed better in the second half.
- Kieran Tierney - 7
Tierney, who scored his fifth goal of the season, has been turning into a bagsman (a player who scores goals) in recent games. His defensive prowess and threat in attack were on full display.
- Callum McGregor (C) - 6
McGregor didn't have his best game but put his body on the line until the end. His commitment was commendable, even if his performance wasn't his best.
- Reo Hatate - 6
Hatate initially looked like he had reverted to the player we've seen for most of the season. However, he delivered a beautiful pass to Araujo in the build-up to the second goal, breathing new life into his performance.
- Luke McCowan - 5
McCowan's corner played a part in Celtic's opener, but his set piece delivery was disappointing for the rest of the evening. He had some moments on the ball but wasn't inspiring overall.
- Hyunjun Yang - 5
Yang's 100th appearance in green and white wasn't a memorable one by his standards. He needs to improve in the goals and assists department, as running down the wing only gets so much credit.
- Sebastian Tounekti - 5
Tounekti's performance proved that he is better when used as an impact substitute. His impact was evident, even if he didn't start.
- Tomas Cvancara - 4
Cvancara's performance was forgettable up top. He was brought in to score goals but hasn't shown enough to secure a permanent contract yet.
Substitutes
- Benjamin Nygren - 8
Nygren was the man of the match. He always finds himself in the right place at the right time and timed his run to perfection, flicking the ball past the Aberdeen keeper to restore Celtic's lead. His performance outperformed his expected goals (xG), and Celtic is indeed better when he plays.
- Daizen Maeda - 5
Maeda's aimless shot and slip over on the counter-attack summed up his season. His performance didn't justify his starting spot.
- Marcelo Saracchi - 6
Saracchi got forward plenty of times to join the attack as Celtic restored their grip on the game with fresh legs.
- James Forrest - 7
Forrest, despite his age, remains effective from the bench. He found space out wide and delivered a brilliant low ball into the box for Nygren.
- Colby Donovan - 6
Donovan was brought on to see out the game and give Araujo a rest before the Rangers game.
Controversy and Thought-Provoking Questions
The penalty awarded to Aberdeen for a foul inside the box by Liam Scales was a controversial decision. It sparked debate among fans and experts, with some questioning the referee's judgment. Additionally, the performance of Tomas Cvancara and Daizen Maeda, who didn't start and were substituted, respectively, raised questions about their roles in the team. Should Martin O'Neill focus more on developing Nygren's goal-scoring abilities, and what does this mean for the team's strategy moving forward?
Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments section. Who was your Celtic man of the match from that huge win against Aberdeen?
