Benjamin Nygren stuns, 4/10 has shocker – Celtic player ratings v Aberdeen
Celtic defeated Aberdeen 2-0 on Sunday to secure their second win of the Scottish Premiership season in two attempts.
The Glaswegian giants took the lead on 27 minutes when Benjamin Nygren steered home Kieran Tierney’s dangerous cross.
Brendan Rodgers’ men headed to Pittodrie on 10 August for their first away trip of the Scottish Premiership season with momentum behind them, thanks to their 1-0 win over St Mirren at Celtic Park on Sunday, 3 August.
Reo Hatate’s stunning second-half strike ensured that Rodgers’ side moved to the top of the table ahead of Livingston.
Celtic player ratings v Aberdeen
Kasper Schmeichel – 7
The former Leicester City goalkeeper showed his class when he denied Aberdeen summer signing Adil Aouchiche‘s early effort before playing an impressive long-range pass to James Forrest in the second half.
Alistair Johnston – 7
Tierney outshone Alistair Johnston’s attacking output, but the right-back displayed defensive solidity, especially when he completed a sliding tackle to thwart Topi Keskinen’s dangerous-looking dribble in the opening 45 minutes.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6
Cameron Carter-Vickers was positionally sound, but his defensive contributions were not as notable as those of centre-back partner Liam Scales.
Liam Scales – 7
Scales was the key man for Celtic when Aberdeen enjoyed a brief period of dominance in the first half.
Kieran Tierney – 8
An outstanding display from the left-back, whose excellent wing play produced an impressive assist for Nygren.
Benjamin Nygren – 9 (Player of the match)
Nygren put any Celtic nerves to bed with a smart finish after latching onto Tierney’s cross, before setting up Hatate’s goal.
Callum McGregor – 7
Callum McGregor once again proved why he is such a popular figure in Rodgers’ side, maintaining composure in midfield throughout.
Reo Hatate – 8
Hatate produced the kind of strike that any goalkeeper in the world would have struggled to save to ensure that Celtic claimed all three points.
James Forrest – 6
James Forrest’s attacking intent on the right wing cannot be criticised, but he lacked the cutting edge he has so often displayed over the years.
Adam Idah – 4
A largely anonymous performance from the former Norwich City man, who was vastly outshone by all of his Celtic colleagues.
Daizen Maeda – 5
Similarly to Forrest, Daizen Maeda consistently got himself into strong positions, but was unable to deliver real class when it mattered. The 27-year-old slipped when he could have had an unopposed shot on goal.
Substitutes
Shin Yamada (for Idah, 67) – 5
Shin Yamada was handed an opportunity to produce a significantly stronger showing up front than Idah, but failed to impress.
Auston Trusty (for Tierney, 67) – 6
Trusty didn’t provide the sparkle shown by Tierney, but his solidity helped Celtic on their way to victory.
Arne Engels (for Hatate, 78) – 6
Arne Engels didn’t have enough time to put his stamp on the game, but did deliver a strong cross from a set piece.
Luke McCowan (for Forrest, 78) – 5
Luke McCowan’s cameo appearance only allowed him enough time to show glimpses of his quality.
Anthony Ralston (for Johnston, 88) – N/A
Not on pitch long enough to make a real impact.