Three winners and three losers from Celtic’s win against Aberdeen
Celtic defeated Aberdeen 2-0 on Sunday to claim their second win of the Scottish Premiership season in as many attempts.
But despite Celtic’s triumph at Pittodrie, Brendan Rodgers was taught both positive and negative lessons about his side on 10 August.
The Glaswegian side put themselves in the driving seat when Benjamin Nygren tucked Kieran Tierney’s cross home after the left-back’s strong advance down the wing.
Rodgers’ men put the result beyond any doubt when Reo Hatate struck a long-range effort that Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov had no chance of saving.
But who were Celtic’s best players at Pittodrie, and who produced a performance that left a lot to be desired?
Celtic winners v Aberdeen
Kieran Tierney
Tierney has already established himself as a key player for Celtic since returning to the Scottish Premiership giants from Arsenal.
The Scotland international demonstrated his defensive solidity as well as his attacking prowess at Pittodrie on Sunday.
Tierney could be rested when Rodgers’ men take on Falkirk in the Scottish League Cup on Friday, 15 August, but is set to play a key role in their upcoming Champions League qualifier against either Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava.
Benjamin Nygren
Nygren had an outstanding afternoon on Sunday, scoring his maiden goal for Celtic before assisting Hatate’s insurance goal.
If the midfielder can maintain his current rich vein of form, he is certain to establish himself as a fan favourite among the Bhoys faithful.
After joining Celtic from Danish side Nordsjaelland earlier this summer, Nygren has seamlessly adjusted to the Scottish Premiership.
Reo Hatate
Nygren’s presence has increased the competition for places in Rodgers’ midfield, but Hatate ensured that his place in the starting 11 is not under threat.
The 27-year-old already boasts a strong reputation at Celtic Park, and his impressive strike will have further enhanced that.
Should Hatate continue producing such moments of quality, his performances can help the Scottish Premiership champions retain their crown once again.
Celtic losers ve Aberdeen
Adam Idah
Midfield duo Hatate and Nygren proved the danger they can provide in the final third for Celtic, while wingers Daizen Maeda and James Forrest both showed glimpses of their class.
Contrastingly, striker Adam Idah was well below par and mustered just two shots in a 67-minute appearance.
The former Norwich City man must start performing better sooner rather than later to retain his starting spot.
Johnny Kenny
Amid Celtic’s summer transfer business, Johnny Kenny signed a new four-year deal, ensuring his long-term future in Glasgow.
However, the 22-year-old was made to watch on as an unused substitute despite Idah’s poor showing in the final third.
Kenny’s frustrations will have been compounded when Shin Yamada was favoured over him to replace Idah.
Arne Engels
Sunday’s win over Aberdeen marked the second Scottish Premiership match in which Arne Engels had to settle for a place on the bench.
But the impressive performances of Nygren, Hatate, and Callum McGregor ensured that Engels has a tough job on his hands to work his way back into the Celtic lineup.
The 21-year-old may have to utilise the upcoming League Cup clash with Falkirk as a way to impress Rodgers once again.