2011-01-22: Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen, SPL

Match Pictures | Matches: 2010 – 2011 | 2010-2011 Pictures

Trivia

  • Celtic extend lead as Rangers lose to Hearts 1-0. However, Rangers have two games in hand which can put them 1pt ahead.
  • Celtic to play Hearts next!
  • Celtic Graves Society mark remembrance for Davie Hamilton.
  • Kenny Miller sold by Rangers.

Review

Not the best game ever. Craig Brown has effectively reorganised Aberdeen into a team again, and they provided a tougher nut to crack than the last time.

McGinn has no idea where to run to receive a ball, always seems to be wrong side or too short or too long to help the full back, no idea where and when to pass, his supposed pace wasn't in evidence, he can't cross, and his decision making to shoot or pass is suspect. Apart from that he isn't fit enough – an incident near the end where a supposedly quick player lost out a 60 40 sprint to the Dons full back summed him up. Hopefully Forrest is back on Wednesday.

Rogne – hmmm – I don't get the universal praise he seems to be getting "he's solid, improving, not putting a foot wrong" etc.
For me he's a way to go to achieve this. his heading is rotten, he's Loovensesque in panicky clearances, and always needs a touch before passing (otherwise it becomes an up in the air sclaff. The best example yesterday was when he went to header, mistimed and it bounced of his thigh right into the path of whichever Aberdeen player hit the snap shot just past the post. If it was a couple of feet to the left Forster was beaten.
I'm not confident of him dealing with a situation properly. In the first half he brought a man down in exactly the same way as he was sent off for in the 9-0 game, i.e. he was beaten and contrived to make his resultant falling down look as if it was an accident, but it was just a professional rugby tackle.
He may improve over the next couple of years, and he's better than Loovens, but he's not as good as I hoped he would be.

McCourt had the kind of day McGeady used to have when the full backs had the better of him. He kept trying and probing though and some of his attempted defence splitting passes were the right idea, but it wasn't his day. He's not really being used properly on the wing though, in the same way a fit Maloney is wasted there.

Brown was energetic, but his passing was piss poor, rifled passes 10 yards or off target slices, and gave up possession too much for my liking.

Kayal is a bundle of energy, but he needs to pick his targets. He'll be suspended soon enough because he has at least one bookable offence just waiting to happen in every game and what's that, 4 in a row? Apart from that though, he had a decent game.

I said last week that Stokes and Hooper weren't playing as a pair but there's evidence that they could be OK. Stokes needs to be a wee bit more direct and stop the fancy stuff at times.
A direct pass instead of a backheel flick might be more effective,
The goal was superbly made and finished.

Decent full back performances, and Mulgrew did OK when he came on – nice to see that they put the Audi in the corner where he could keep an eye on the wean.

Our crowd? Bunch of panic merchants. The last 10-15 minutes were bad and this panic transmitted to the players, which helps no one.
Only Ljungberg seemed to understand that we could just keep the ball and not just lump it anywhere. It was Aberdeen, not Barcelona.

Still, three points is what we required, and I'll take the same again on Wednesday.

Teams

Celtic

  • 26 Forster
  • 03 Izaguirre
  • 05 Majstorovic (Mulgrew 40)
  • 12 Wilson
  • 25 Rogne
  • 08 Brown
  • 14 McGinn
  • 20 McCourt (Ljungberg 75)
  • 33 Baram Kayal; yellow card (Ledley 82)
  • 10 Stokes
  • 88 Hooper

Substitutes

  • 24 Zaluska,
  • 21 Mulgrew,
  • 31 Towell,
  • 07 Ljungberg,
  • 16 Ledley,
  • 36 Carey,
  • 27 Murphy

Goals

  • Stokes 27

Aberdeen

  • 01 Langfield
  • 02 McArdle
  • 05 Diamond
  • 06 Considine
  • 13 Vujadinovic (Magennis 83)
  • 08 Hartley
  • 14 Young (Pawlett 77)
  • 27 Milsom; yellow card
  • 07 Maguire
  • 09Vernon
  • 24 Blackman (Jack 61)

Substitutes

  • 21 Howard,
  • 16 Ifil,
  • 42 Robertson,
  • 15 Pawlett,
  • 22 Jack,
  • 19 Paton,
  • 20 Magennis
Ref: Brines
Att: 48,717

Articles

Pictures

KStreet

MOTM

Stats

Possession

  • Celtic 56%
  • Aberdeen 44%

Attempts on target

  • Celtic 4
  • Aberdeen 0

Attempts off target

  • Celtic 5
  • Aberdeen 4

Corners

  • Celtic 7
  • Aberdeen 8

Fouls

  • Celtic 10
  • Aberdeen 16

Articles

Telegraph (link)

Celtic take advantage of Rangers' first away defeat

Celtic capitalised on Rangers' first away defeat of this campaign to stretch their lead at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League table to five points with a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Parkhead.

By Ewing Grahame 9:21PM GMT 22 Jan 2011

Three months ago the Dons had concedednine goals at the same venue but the arrival of Craig Brown andArchie Knox has transformed them into a more resilient unit and thiswas their first reverse since they replaced Mark McGhee six gamesago.
Neil Lennon's side had turned in aplodding performance prior to making the breakthrough in the 27thminute when the Aberdeen defence was guilty of not playing to thewhistle when Gary Hooper played in Anthony Stokes.
The offside flag wasn't raised and theIrishman had time to take the ball round Jamie Langfield and roll theball into the unguarded net.
Langfield denied Stokes a second fiveminutes from the interval, diving to his right to turn over thestriker's shot after Hopoper had once again supplied the ammunition.It was the last time either goalkeeper was called into action.
Chris Maguire was inches away fromequalising with an angled drive from 25 yards following a slip byThomas Rogne but the second half was a non-event..

Former Arsenal midfielder FreddieLjungberg made his home debut for Celtic, coming off the bench toreplace Paddy McCourt for the final 15 minutes.

However, Celtic couldn't find thesecond goal they needed to soothe the nerves of their increasinglyagitated support and Aberdeen threatened from set plays, withgoalkeeper Fraser Forster failing to command his penalty area asinviting crosses failed to find a red shirt.

Celtic lost Swedish defender DanielMajstorovic with a hamstring injury and he is unlikely to beavailable for Wednesday's home game against Hearts.

That will promptLennon to attempt to bring forward the signing of Kelvin Wilson, whohas already agreed to move to Glasgow in the summer, from NottinghamForest, a move which could cost £600,000.

"That's one option," he said."Hearts will come here as genuine championship contenders and wecan take nothing for granted. Losing Daniel would be a blow."

Earlier in the day Rangers, who still have two games in hand of the leaders, were left torue the absence of top scorer Kenny Miller as a series of openingswere created and squandered while the 31-year-old prepared to makehis debut for new club Bursaspor today.

Hearts goalkeeper Marian Kello was ininspired form to deny Kyle Lafferty and Steven Naismith as thevisitors dominated the opening 45 minutes at Tynecastle.

As the game progressed, however, JimJefferies' side gradually established a foothold and scored thecontest's solitary goal with their first effort on target 12 minutesfrom time.

Dilatory defending from the championswas punished by Lee Wallace, who brushed past two opponents beforecutting the ball back for Ryan Stevenson to force the ball home fromsix yards.

Kilmarnock's Conor Sammon put his sideahead in the 41st minute at Rugby Park with his 17thgoal of the season but in a towsy second half the home side's AlexeiEremenko and United's Scott Robertson and Jon Daly were ordered off.Reduced to nine men, United defender Garry Kenneth equalised with along-range drive in stoppage time.

Hibernian's winless sequence now standsat 10 matches following a 2-0 defeat to Motherwell at Fir Park. Goalsinside the opening 25 minutes by Jamie Murphy and Steven Saundersgave new manager Stuart McCall his first league victory.

Merouane Zemamma missed from thepenalty spot before half-time, blazing his shot over the bar. ColinCalderwood's team is now just three points above bottom club HamiltonAccies, who have played one game fewer.

Accies came from behind to earn a drawat the Caledonian Stadium. Danny Sanchez fired Inverness in frontafter 18 minutes but Mickael Antoine-Curier restored parity from thepenalty spot in the 44th minute.

In the remaining match St Johnstonewere held to a goal-less draw at McDiarmid Park.

Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen (BBC)

Celtic increased their Scottish Premier League lead to five points as a goal from Anthony Stokes ended the unbeaten run of Craig Brown's Aberdeen.
Stokes struck on 27 minutes after collecting Gary Hooper's defence-splitting pass to round goalkeeper Jamie Langfield and slot home.
The Republic of Ireland international saw another effort saved just before half-time after another Hooper pass.
Aberdeen's best chance came when Chris Maguire shot a yard wide on 56 minutes.

Neil Lennon's side would have been pumped up for the match after watching championship rivals Rangers beaten 1-0 in the early kick-off at Hearts, who travel to Celtic Park on Wednesday very much in the title mix.
Celtic had all the early pressure and Hooper's cross from the right was nicked away from the foot of strike partner Stokes on 12 minutes.
In the 21st minute winger Paddy McCourt shot just wide past Langfield's right-hand post as they increased the tempo.
However, Aberdeen were still lively and Celtic keeper Fraser Forster and stopper Daniel Majstorovic got in a tangle at the other end, almost allowing Nick Blackman to capitalise on his debut.
But the home side recovered from that lapse to take the lead on 27 minutes when Hooper played a through-ball to leave Stokes in the clear, and he rounded Langfield for an easy finish.
Referee Iain Brines next incurred the wrath of the home support when he initially gave a free-kick against the Aberdeen goalkeeper in the box for picking up a pass back before changing his mind, with the ball perhaps taking a deflection off a Celtic player.
After 40 minutes, Stokes had the chance to make it 2-0 from 12 yards out after Hooper again supplied him, but Langfield threw himself to his right to divert the ball for a corner.
Celtic were then forced into an change moments later when Majstorovic – who had endured an uncertain afternoon at the heart of the defence – looked to be struggling with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Charlie Mulgrew just before half-time.
Aberdeen – who lost 9-0 on their last visit to Celtic Park – had their best chance of the game 11 minutes into the second half when Maguire hit the ball inches wide from the edge of the box after Thomas Rogne failed to control a long ball.
Maguire remained the main threat for Brown's side but any forays forward were quickly snuffed out by the league leaders, who were comfortable without ever excelling.
As Celtic reasserted themselves and the visitors retreated, McCourt and skipper Scott Brown both had rather poor attempts from distance before Freddie Ljungberg replaced McCourt for his home bow.
Aberdeen were not finished yet, but defenders Zander Diamond and Nikola Vujadinovic failed to make headers count in the penalty area.
The Serbian defender was replaced by Josh Magennis as Brown's side made a final push, but Celtic kept the Pittodrie side out to secure what could be a pivotal three points in the title race.

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/9368916.stm

Published: 2011/01/22 17:01:39 GMT

© BBC 2011

  • Final Result
  • Full Time
  • 90:00+3:05 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
  • 90:00+1:42 Corner taken right-footed by Fredrik Ljungberg.
  • 89:08 Anthony Stokes gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Robert Milsom. Jamie Langfield takes the free kick.
  • 86:42 Corner from the left by-line taken by Paul Hartley, clearance by Thomas Rogne. Corner taken by Paul Hartley played to the near post, Joe Ledley makes a clearance.
  • 85:52 Chris Maguire is caught offside. Indirect free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
  • 83:33 Niall McGinn takes a shot. Blocked by Zander Diamond. Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Charlie Mulgrew, clearance by Rory McArdle.
  • 82:56 Substitution Josh Magennis joins the action as a substitute, replacing Nikola Vujadinovic.
  • 82:10 Chris Maguire is caught offside. Charlie Mulgrew restarts play with the free kick.
  • 81:40 Handball decision goes against Chris Maguire. Direct free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
  • 81:40 Substitution Joe Ledley is brought on as a substitute for Beram Kayal.
  • 80:09 Gary Hooper concedes a free kick for a foul on Rory McArdle. Rory McArdle restarts play with the free kick.
  • 79:14 Andrew Considine fouled by Emilio Izaguirre, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Paul Hartley.
  • 78:14 Close range headed effort by Nikola Vujadinovic misses to the right of the goal.
  • 78:08 Paul Hartley crosses the ball.
  • 77:44 Corner taken right-footed by Paul Hartley.
  • 76:07 Substitution Peter Pawlett on for Derek Young.
  • 74:58 Substitution Fredrik Ljungberg is brought on as a substitute for Patrick McCourt.
  • 74:40 Chris Maguire crosses the ball.
  • 72:42 Free kick awarded for a foul by Charlie Mulgrew on Chris Maguire. Paul Hartley restarts play with the free kick.
  • 72:04 Free kick awarded for a foul by Rory McArdle on Gary Hooper. Free kick taken by Patrick McCourt.
  • 71:47 Chris Maguire delivers the ball, Fraser Forster makes a save.
  • 70:43 Chris Maguire is ruled offside. Direct free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
  • 67:08 Chris Maguire gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Charlie Mulgrew. Free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
  • 66:00 The assistant referee signals for offside against Ryan Jack. Free kick taken by Emilio Izaguirre.
  • 64:07 Unfair challenge on Beram Kayal by Paul Hartley results in a free kick. Gary Hooper takes the direct free kick.
  • 63:27 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Scott Brown by Scott Vernon. Charlie Mulgrew restarts play with the free kick.
  • 61:09 The offside flag is raised against Anthony Stokes. Jamie Langfield takes the free kick.
  • 60:06 Substitution Ryan Jack on for Nick Blackman.
  • 58:26 Andrew Considine challenges Niall McGinn unfairly and gives away a free kick. Charlie Mulgrew restarts play with the free kick.
  • 57:10 Scott Brown produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the box and misses to the right of the target.
  • 55:52 Nikola Vujadinovic challenges Gary Hooper unfairly and gives away a free kick. Beram Kayal takes the free kick.
  • 55:17 Patrick McCourt has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand post.
  • 54:17 Free kick awarded for a foul by Paul Hartley on Patrick McCourt. Mark Wilson takes the direct free kick.
  • 52:19 Chris Maguire produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the target.
  • 51:05 Patrick McCourt delivers the ball, save by Jamie Langfield.
  • 50:52 The ball is swung over by Niall McGinn, clearance made by Rory McArdle.
  • 49:47 Shot by Chris Maguire from outside the area goes high over the crossbar.
  • 48:29 The referee blows for offside. Thomas Rogne restarts play with the free kick.
  • 48:02 Centre by Emilio Izaguirre, Jamie Langfield makes a save.
  • 47:34 Corner taken by Charlie Mulgrew, save by Jamie Langfield.
  • 45:06 Foul by Scott Brown on Nikola Vujadinovic, free kick awarded. Jamie Langfield takes the free kick.
  • 45:01 The referee starts the second half.
  • Half Time
  • 45:00+3:17 It is the end of the first-half.
  • 45:00+2:04 Corner taken by Paul Hartley from the left by-line, clearance by Thomas Rogne.
  • 45:00+0:16 Robert Milsom takes the inswinging corner, Charlie Mulgrew makes a clearance.
  • 44:15 Corner taken right-footed by Mark Wilson from the left by-line, Rory McArdle makes a clearance. Thomas Rogne gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nikola Vujadinovic. Jamie Langfield takes the free kick.
  • 43:01 The offside flag is raised against Anthony Stokes. Jamie Langfield takes the indirect free kick.
  • 40:48 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mark Wilson by Robert Milsom. Charlie Mulgrew restarts play with the free kick. Corner from the right by-line taken by Charlie Mulgrew, Andrew Considine manages to make a clearance.
  • 39:56 Anthony Stokes takes a shot. Save by Jamie Langfield. Inswinging corner taken right-footed by Mark Wilson from the left by-line to the near post.
  • 39:56 Substitution Charlie Mulgrew replaces Daniel Majstorovic.
  • 38:51 Inswinging corner taken by Paul Hartley, clearance by Daniel Majstorovic.
  • 38:11 Emilio Izaguirre concedes a free kick for a foul on Derek Young. Direct free kick taken by Paul Hartley.
  • 37:42 Unfair challenge on Scott Brown by Paul Hartley results in a free kick. Daniel Majstorovic takes the direct free kick.
  • 36:44 Gary Hooper produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the goal.
  • 36:09 Paul Hartley gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Gary Hooper. Direct free kick taken by Daniel Majstorovic.
  • 32:02 Foul by Derek Young on Anthony Stokes, free kick awarded. Scott Brown takes the direct free kick.
  • 28:35 Thomas Rogne challenges Nick Blackman unfairly and gives away a free kick. Chris Maguire shoots direct from the free kick.
  • 26:29 The assist for the goal came from Gary Hooper.
  • 26:29 GOAL – Anthony Stokes:Celtic 1 – 0 Aberdeen Goal scored by Anthony Stokes from close in low into the middle of the goal. Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen.
  • 25:20 Corner from the right by-line taken by Robert Milsom, Thomas Rogne makes a clearance.
  • 20:39 Effort from the edge of the box by Patrick McCourt goes wide of the left-hand upright.
  • 19:35 Scott Brown takes a shot. Save by Jamie Langfield.
  • 18:55 Free kick awarded for a foul by Chris Maguire on Daniel Majstorovic. Direct free kick taken by Daniel Majstorovic.
  • 17:11 Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Robert Milsom played to the near post, clearance made by Emilio Izaguirre.
  • 15:30 Robert Milsom challenges Niall McGinn unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Mark Wilson.
  • 15:30 Booking Robert Milsom receives a caution.
  • 13:19 Mark Wilson takes a inswinging corner from the left by-line played to the near post, clearance by Andrew Considine.
  • 12:32 Gary Hooper crosses the ball.
  • 12:04 Anthony Stokes takes a shot. Save by Jamie Langfield.
  • 11:25 A cross is delivered by Scott Brown, clearance made by Zander Diamond.
  • 8:31 Chris Maguire fouled by Beram Kayal, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Paul Hartley.
  • 8:31 Booking The referee books Beram Kayal for unsporting behaviour.
  • 7:25 Rory McArdle challenges Emilio Izaguirre unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick crossed right-footed by Mark Wilson, Zander Diamond manages to make a clearance.
  • 5:23 Foul by Scott Brown on Paul Hartley, free kick awarded. Paul Hartley crosses the ball in from the free kick, clearance by Thomas Rogne.
  • 3:06 Rory McArdle gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Emilio Izaguirre. Mark Wilson takes the direct free kick.
  • 2:12 Free kick awarded for a foul by Robert Milsom on Niall McGinn. Free kick taken by Daniel Majstorovic.
  • 0:00 The game gets underway.