Luke McCowan perfect, Callum McGregor missing – Celtic ratings in win vs Aberdeen
Luke McCowan’s perfect performance guided Celtic to a comfortable 5-1 win over Aberdeen.
Celtic had already wrapped up their fourth successive SPFL title with a win against Dundee United, and as a consequence, Brendan Rodgers gave some of his less-regular starters an opportunity against the Dons.
The understudies impressed, with goals from Maik Nawrocki, Hyun-Jun Yang, McCowan, Johnny Kenny, and Adam Idah giving the Hoops all three points.
Having done the job that was required of them, Rodgers will likely once again lean on his bit-part players in the next match against St. Mirren, as a rematch with Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final looms.
Celtic continue unbeaten run with demolition of Aberdeen
Viljami Sinisalo – 6
Sinisalo struggled initially when called upon to be Kasper Schmeichel’s replacement, but the Finnish goalkeeper has steadily grown into the role.
Anthony Ralston (off for Johnston 61′) – 7
Lively and energetic performance from the right-back, who created several dangerous opportunities before being taken off on the hour mark.
Auston Trusty – 7
Nawrocki will earn the plaudits for his header, but Trusty’s defensive performance was impressive as well.
Maik Nawrocki – 8
Often forgotten, but the Polish centre-back made his mark by putting Celtic ahead with a towering header.
Jeffrey Schlupp – 6
Schlupp will be available for free this summer, and whilst the fullback was not the star of the show, he was still solid on the left-hand side.
James Forrest in fine form for Celtic
James Forrest – 8
Glimpses of his old self by bursting down the right and swinging in some brilliant crosses. Got a well-deserved assist.
Paulo Bernardo – 7
Solid performance from the Portuguese midfielder who showed off some neat and tidy passing.
Callum McGregor (off for Hatate 61′) – 4
Surprisingly quiet performance from the usually reliable McGregor, subbed off on the hour mark after a disappointing game.
Hyun-Jun Yang finds back of the net for Celtic
Hyun-Jun Yang (off for Kuhn 70′) – 8
Slow start to the game, but the South Korean winger got better and better as the match went on.
Luke McCowan (off for McArdle 81′) – 10 – Player of the Match
One Goal and two assists, McCowan was absolutely lethal for Celtic and keen to prove he deserves a more regular place in Rodgers’ side.
Johnny Kenny (off for Idah 70′) – 8
Kenny notched his first senior goal for the Hoops and led the line well for his side.
Substitutes
Alistair Johnston (on for Ralston 61′) – 6
Lacked some of the end product that Ralston was offering but defended well enough.
Reo Hatate (on for McGregor 61′) – 7
Dictated the tempo of the game well after coming off the bench. Forced off injured after a hefty challenge as Celtic played out the final few minutes with 10 men.
Adam Idah (on for Kenny 70′) – 8
Found the back of the net with the last kick of the game, taking his tally to 20 in all competitions this season.
Nicolas Kuhn (on for Yang 70′) – 5
Kuhn is a target for Newcastle this summer, but his stint off the bench was a frustrating one, with nothing seeming to fall in the German’s favour.
Sean McArdle (on for McCowan 81′) – 6
Another brief cameo for the 17-year-old, looked tidy in possession.