2013-08-17: Aberdeen 0-2 Celtic, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2013 – 2014 | 2013-14 Pictures

Trivia

• Competitive match debut for van Dijk.
• Celtic drawn to play FC Shakhter Karagandy (Kazakhstan) in final Champions League qualifiers/play-off.
• Summertime and the transfer window is underway.
• Out so far: Miku, Lassad, Rogne, Wanyama, Hooper, Daryl Murphy, Wilson
• In so far: Amido Baldé, Van Dijk, Mouyokolo, Boerrigter
• Scotland played England in a friendly at Wembley to mark England's FA anniversary on Wednesday past, 3-2 defeat in what was a generally good performance.
• Devastating news as the cancer that brave young Ulster boy Oscar Knox was believed to have defeated has returned strongly. He was the ball boy at the match v Cliftonville and touched the hearts of everyone.

Review

(jbj712 of KDS forum)
Really solid professional performance :thumbsup:
SM was very good – never looked flustered – nice to see opponents bounce off a CFC centre back for a change :thumbsup:
We kept lithe ball well enough but still lack a genuine No 10 that can unlock packed defences
However there are very few of these about – teams prefer system players instead
VVD – good to see him get on the park and we need to give him a chance to show what he can bring to the club

Big Efe still looks the weakest link -never a midfielder – a few times the ball was played passed him because he lacks the positional sense and training to play there
Second half looked the most likely to make the mistake which would have allowed the Sheep a chance
If someone wants to pay £4/5M – we should take it :thumbsup:

Heard Peter the Pointer talk up the boy from Schalke – says we have been looking at him for a long time!
Thinks that JP rates him highly!

Add a couple of goal scorers and we will be looking good :thumbsup:

Hope the Sheep get their act together and make things interesting for the rest of the season

Hope that wee hun manager stays there :thumbsup:

He would do a much better job than Fat Sal!

But then again so would anyone :thumbsup:

"Don't sack McCoist, Sally McCoist…"

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Stats

Aberdeen Celtic
Possession
60% 40%
90mins
Shots
3 11
On target
2 4
Corners
1 7
Fouls
8 9

Articles

Aberdeen 0-2 Celtic: Visitors secure victory as Langfield sees red
STV 17 August 2013 14:43 BST
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A Kris Commons penalty set Celtic on their way to a happy journey to Kazakhstan as Jamie Langfield's red card sparked the end of Aberdeen's perfect start to the season.

Commons converted on the stroke of half-time after the goalkeeper had been shown a straight red card for bringing down Georgios Samaras.

The incident turned a finely-poised Scottish Premiership contest in Celtic's favour although they had to wait until the 87th minute to put the game beyond the 10 men when James Forrest broke clear to net.

The three points at a Pittodrie packed with fans and early-season optimism gave Celtic manager Neil Lennon the boost he wanted hours before their flight from Aberdeen Airport to the former Soviet state ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Shakhter Karagandy on Tuesday.

Celtic, who were still without Derk Boerrigter and started with pre-match fitness doubt Forrest on the bench, lacked natural width in their team and initially struggled to break Aberdeen down.

But with half-time approaching, the key moment came when Charlie Mulgrew cut open the home defence with a ball over the top. Samaras held off Russell Anderson and went round Langfield, who brought the Celtic player down with his hand eight yards out.

Referee Calum Murray pointed to the spot and showed the red card before Commons rifled his spot-kick just under the dive of substitute goalkeeper Nicky Weaver.

Mulgrew had initially started beside debutant Steven Mouyokolo in central defence before being moved into midfield to allow Efe Ambrose to drop back.

With Anthony Stokes and Amido Balde failing to overcome knocks, Samaras adopted an inside-left position with Commons given a more central role and Scott Brown playing further forward than usual.

Unlike Celtic, Aberdeen had wide men in abundance with Niall McGinn, Peter Pawlett and Jonny Hayes utilised behind frontman Calvin Zola and they made a lively start in front of a 20,017 crowd, many of whom had been tempted in by convincing victories over Kilmarnock and Motherwell.

Hayes and McGinn both wasted chances to send in dangerous crosses after beating their man but the former put in a better delivery which just evaded Zola and Pawlett. Mouyokolo, whose

Wolves career was ruined by injury, was looking naturally rusty but Celtic gradually got a better grip on possession and they created their first chance just before the half-hour mark when Langfield parried Joe Ledley's attempt to guide the ball into the far corner after a one-two with Brown.

The champions found some joy down the sides via their full-backs with Commons hooking Adam Matthews' cross across the face of goal just out of reach of Brown before the former Derby player volleyed wide from Emilio Izaguirre's return ball.

And the breakthrough came after Mulgrew lofted the ball over the top to catch out a square Dons back four.

Celtic created the first chance of the second half when Samaras volleyed over after a Commons corner but they needed Fraser Forster's reflexes to be at their best in when a Hayes cross found McGinn eight yards out with the England squad player beating away the forward's header.

That would prove the only real second-half chance for the Dons as Celtic created a steady stream of chances without being in total control.

Mulgrew curled just wide from 25 yards after and Commons sold Anderson a dummy on the right wing before cutting back for Brown to scuff wide.

Weaver then blocked Ledley's shot after the midfielder linked up with Samaras and saved substitute Mikael Lustig's flick following a Mulgrew free-kick.

Lennon brought on Virgil van Dijk for his debut and the Dutchman did just enough to stop McGinn converting Aberdeen substitute Gregg Wylde's low cross.

Another substitute proved just as important. With Aberdeen pushing men up, Forrest ran on to Ledley's first-time pass and saw his shot loop off Mark Reynolds and over Weaver's head from a tight angle.

Copyright of the Press Association.

BBC
By Keir Murray BBC Sport Scotland

Derek McInnes suffered his first defeat as Aberdeen manager as Celtic battled to a league win ahead of their Champions League match in Kazakhstan.

The visitors went ahead on the stroke of half-time when Dons keeper Jamie Langfield was sent off for hauling down Georgios Samaras and Kris Commons powered home from the penalty spot.

Fraser Forster saved a Niall McGinn header as Aberdeen tried to fight back.

But sub James Forrest made the points safe from a deflected cross.

The players reacted to the atmosphere generated by the 20,017 fans inside Pittodrie by beginning at a fizzing pace, with Celtic hounded endlessly by packs of enthusiastic red shirts when they advanced too far into their opponents' half.
Referee Calum Murray sends off Jamie Langfield

Referee Calum Murray sends off Jamie Langfield after his foul on Celtic striker Georgios Samaras

Aberdeen, though, were not for sitting in too long and when Jonny Hayes raced towards the Celtic goal it took a crude challenge by Samaras to halt him.

However, McGinn's free-kick from 20 yards sailed helplessly over the goal of Forster, who Celtic manager Neil Lennon this week insisted is not for sale, despite interest from Benfica for the English keeper.

The game quickly became an untidy affair, with both sides surrendering possession far too often, the result of frantic play and careless passing.

While Celtic's pressing was repelled by Aberdeen, who threatened with the occasional long ball, it took Joe Ledley to produce the first shot on target, 29 minutes into the game.

From the right, he played a one-two with Celtic captain Scott Brown, picked up the ball again on the edge of the box and waltzed past Mark Reynolds before unleashing a shot that was saved by Langfield to his right.
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For all the home crowd rose to Aberdeen's speedy attacks and forays down the left by Reynolds and Peter Pawlett, their sole effort on goal in the first half was a limp 20-yard free-kick by Ryan Jack that was easily collected by Forster.

With half-time looming, Samaras chased a long ball and evaded the despairing challenge of Russell Anderson and rounded Langfield but was brought down by the Dons keeper, giving referee Calum Murray an easy decision to send him off and award Celtic a penalty.

Commons blasted the ball low and down the middle, whizzing past replacement goalie Nicky Weaver for a 1-0 half-time lead.

Soon after the restart Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew received a yellow card for a painful challenge on Anderson, to add to earlier bookings for McGinn and Matthews.

With 10 men and trailing, Aberdeen's desire to match season's 1991/92 feat of winning their first three league games looked forlorn.

Yet Hayes' perfect cross into the box on 51 minutes almost produced a leveller, with Forster making a point-blank save from McGinn's firm header.

At the other end Samaras had volleyed wide prior to McGinn's attempt and Brown should have rounded off a flowing move by Commons, who skinned Anderson on the right wing, but the skipper shot wide.
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Weaver made a good block with his legs to divert Ledley's shot from goal as Celtic sought to make the points secure and, following a flurry of substitutions, the Englishman again denied the visitors when Mikael Lustig prodded Commons' piercing free-kick at goal from eight yards.

Three minutes from full-time, Forrest, on for Beram Kayal, broke clear down the left to meet Ledley's pass and his cross clipped Reynolds' foot and looped over Weaver and into the net to give Celtic a deserved three points ahead of Tuesday's match against Shakhter Karagandy in Champions League qualifying.

For the Reds, it was the first defeat in a competitive match for McInnes since he replaced Craig Brown as manager at the end of last season.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +3:12 Full time

Full Time The referee signals the end of the game.
90:00 +2:52

Free kick taken by Mark Reynolds.
90:00 +1:49

Foul by Charlie Mulgrew on Jonny Hayes, free kick awarded.
90:00 +0:36

Corner taken by Kris Commons from the right by-line.
90:00 +0:19

Mikael Lustig delivers the ball.
86:07

Assist on the goal came from Scott Brown.
86:07 Goal scored

Goal – James Forrest – Aberdeen 0 – 2 Celtic James Forrest grabs a goal with a left foot finish. Aberdeen 0-2 Celtic.
85:50

Clearance by Virgil van Dijk.
85:46

Gregg Wylde sends in a cross.
85:13

Fraser Forster takes the free kick.
84:25

Free kick awarded for a foul by Gregg Wylde on Mikael Lustig.
83:59

Mark Reynolds restarts play with the free kick.
83:46 Booking

Booking
83:46

Booking for James Forrest for unsporting behaviour.
83:38

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Gregg Wylde by James Forrest.
83:04

Clearance by Michael Hector.
82:58

The ball is swung over by Emilio Izaguirre.
81:30

The ball is delivered by Gregg Wylde.
79:38

Mikael Lustig takes a shot. Nicky Weaver parries the ball away.
79:18

Charlie Mulgrew crosses the ball in from the free kick.
79:01 Booking

Booking
79:01

Michael Hector is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.
78:55

Michael Hector challenges James Forrest unfairly and gives away a free kick.
76:57 Substitution

Substitution Efe Ambrose goes off and Virgil van Dijk comes on.
76:44 Substitution

Substitution James Forrest on for Beram Kayal.
74:25

Emilio Izaguirre makes a clearance.
72:28 Substitution

Substitution Gregg Wylde comes on in place of Russell Anderson.
71:33

Clearance made by Russell Anderson.
71:29

Emilio Izaguirre sends in a cross.
70:54

Free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
70:45

Foul by Jonny Hayes on Charlie Mulgrew, free kick awarded.
70:12

The ball is sent over by Mikael Lustig.
70:03

Clearance made by Michael Hector.
69:55

Corner taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
69:39

Russell Anderson manages to make a clearance.
69:30

The ball is sent over by Kris Commons.
66:48

The ball is swung over by Emilio Izaguirre.
65:20

Corner from the left by-line taken by Kris Commons.
65:13 Substitution

Substitution Mikael Lustig replaces Adam Matthews.
64:36

Joe Ledley takes a shot. Nicky Weaver parries the effort to safety.
62:53

Scott Brown takes a shot and went wide left of the target.
62:44

Kris Commons produces a cross.
62:10

Russell Anderson takes the free kick.
61:56

Scott Brown is adjudged to have handled the ball.
61:22

Emilio Izaguirre sends in a cross.
60:36

Efe Ambrose manages to make a clearance.
60:28

The ball is crossed by Jonny Hayes.
58:20

Clearance made by Joe Shaughnessy.
58:04

Corner from the right by-line taken by Kris Commons.
57:42

Beram Kayal delivers the ball.
57:00

Nicky Weaver restarts play with the free kick.
56:39

The referee blows for offside.
55:35 Substitution

Substitution Josh Magennis on for Peter Pawlett.
53:55

Efe Ambrose takes the free kick.
53:51

Niall McGinn is ruled offside.
53:10

Shot by Charlie Mulgrew went wide of the left-hand upright.
52:35

Clearance made by Emilio Izaguirre.
52:27

Mark Reynolds crosses the ball.
51:45

Fraser Forster takes the free kick.
51:23

The assistant referee flags for offside against Niall McGinn.
50:55

Chance falls to Niall McGinn who heads at goal. Fraser Forster parries the effort to safety.
50:48

The ball is sent over by Jonny Hayes.
49:32

Georgios Samaras takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the goal.
49:01

Corner taken by Kris Commons.
48:49

A cross is delivered by Adam Matthews.
47:51

Free kick taken by Nicky Weaver.
47:24

Charlie Mulgrew is given a yellow card.
47:24 Booking

Booking
47:18

Unfair challenge on Russell Anderson by Charlie Mulgrew results in a free kick.
45:32

Steven Mouyokolo manages to make a clearance.
45:19

The ball is swung over by Niall McGinn.
45:01

The game restarts for the second half.
45:00 +3:34 Half time

Half Time The half-time whistle blows.
45:00 +3:12

Shot by Emilio Izaguirre missed to the left of goal.
45:00 +3:00

Clearance by Russell Anderson.
45:00 +2:42

Corner from the right by-line taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
45:00 +2:32

Michael Hector manages to make a clearance.
45:00 +2:18

Kris Commons delivers the ball.
45:00 +2:02

The ball is crossed by Willo Flood.
45:00 +1:56

Free kick taken by Jonny Hayes.
45:00 +1:48

Free kick awarded for a foul by Charlie Mulgrew on Jonny Hayes.
45:00 +0:40 Goal scored

Goal – Kris Commons – Aberdeen 0 – 1 Celtic Kris Commons scores a penalty. Aberdeen 0-1 Celtic.
45:00 +0:03 Substitution

Substitution Nicky Weaver on for Calvin Zola.
44:07

Jamie Langfield shown a red card.
44:07 Dismissal

Dismissal
43:35

Penalty awarded for a foul by Jamie Langfield on Georgios Samaras.
42:51

Clearance made by Joe Ledley.
42:46

The ball is crossed by Jonny Hayes.
41:57

Ryan Jack takes the chance to get an effort at goal. Fraser Forster catches the ball.
41:53

Jonny Hayes takes the free kick.
40:37

Adam Matthews receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.
40:37 Booking

Booking
40:28

Adam Matthews concedes a free kick for a foul on Peter Pawlett.
39:31

Free kick taken by Jamie Langfield.
39:27

Scott Brown is caught offside.
38:27

Kris Commons takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand upright.
38:19

The ball is sent over by Emilio Izaguirre.
37:14

Free kick taken by Jamie Langfield.
37:10

The referee blows for offside against Georgios Samaras.
35:53

Adam Matthews produces a cross.
35:22

Russell Anderson manages to make a clearance.
34:52

Charlie Mulgrew crosses the ball in from the free kick.
34:40

The referee shows Niall McGinn a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.
34:40 Booking

Booking
34:33

Kris Commons fouled by Niall McGinn, the ref awards a free kick.
34:11

Clearance by Efe Ambrose.
33:51

Corner taken by Jonny Hayes from the left by-line.
33:30

Mark Reynolds crosses the ball.
32:41

Clearance by Michael Hector.
32:34

The ball is swung over by Adam Matthews.
31:32

Peter Pawlett crosses the ball.
30:35

Adam Matthews crosses the ball.
28:58

Beram Kayal has an effort at goal. A parry by Jamie Langfield prevents the goal.
27:46

Corner from the left by-line taken by Kris Commons.
27:24

Emilio Izaguirre has an effort at goal.
26:50

Free kick taken by Efe Ambrose.
26:44

Charlie Mulgrew fouled by Calvin Zola, the ref awards a free kick.
23:18

The ball is sent over by Jonny Hayes.
23:06

The ball is crossed by Mark Reynolds.
21:46

Efe Ambrose restarts play with the free kick.
21:39

Michael Hector concedes a free kick for a foul on Kris Commons.
20:01

Adam Matthews takes a shot.
15:26

Jamie Langfield restarts play with the free kick.
15:03

Ryan Jack fouled by Beram Kayal, the ref awards a free kick.
14:51

Free kick taken by Kris Commons.
14:45

Unfair challenge on Kris Commons by Jonny Hayes results in a free kick.
14:38

Charlie Mulgrew makes a clearance.
14:32

Jonny Hayes crosses the ball in from the free kick.
14:07

Foul by Steven Mouyokolo on Niall McGinn, free kick awarded.
7:43

Niall McGinn shoots direct from the free kick and clears the bar.
7:03

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jonny Hayes by Georgios Samaras.
5:19

The ball is delivered by Jonny Hayes.
3:53

Clearance made by Charlie Mulgrew.
3:45

Niall McGinn crosses the ball in from the free kick.
3:24

Calvin Zola fouled by Steven Mouyokolo, the ref awards a free kick.
0:00

The referee gets the game underway.

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