2015-02-28: Celtic 4-0 Aberdeen, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2014 – 2015 | 2014-15 Pictures

Trivia

• Celtic go six points in front with game in hand.
• Game that effectively seals the league title.
• First v second. Only last Saturday both teams level on points but we won one of the our two games in hand the next day. Celtic with one game in hand and three points ahead at start of the day.
• Back to the league after UEFA Cup matches v Inter Milan, out of Europe so concentrate on the home front.
• Now to prepare for the next season, in particular the Champions League qualifiers.
• Celtic present fan Jay Beatty with a golden boot for winning goal of the month. He created the goal at the Celtic end at half-time in a mock-up routine on the field. Finishes with a Ronny roar! Proud moment.
• Ronny “They [Aberdeen] are in the race not because we’ve been poor – it’s because Aberdeen have been very good"
• Celtic Graves Society holds a memorial service for the great Andy McAtee.
• Ex-Celt Scott McDonald re-signs for Motherwell having been freed by Millwall. Good luck to him, Motherwell are bottom of the SP.
• Ex-Celt Steven Presley lost his job as Coventry manager.
• Incredible that Jackie McNamara is currently the longest serving manager in the SP league, having started in Jan 2013.
• Ex-Celt Islam Feruz who left Celtic as a junior under a cloud, is sent back to Chelsea early from his spells at Blackpool. Reports on him are negative, and his career is in a rut. Sympathy for him at Celtic seems low. In fairness, he was just young and badly advised. Few would have turned down the opportunity when the financial differences are placed in front of them.
• After a tough spate of injuries, Wigan Athletic defender Ex-Celt Gary Caldwell has announced his retirement from playing football at the age of 32.
• In world football, parties mark out their lines as the controversial choice of host Qatar for the world cup ha led to announcement that world cup should be shifted to November and December. Many European entities up in arms.
• A Joint Charity event was held between 120 visiting Feyenoord fans & some Celtic fan groups in Glasgow raising money for charity. Police got involved after reports this would lead to trouble (as Feyenoord have had some recent trouble) but no issues came to pass, and a lot of money made for charity. So respect to the fans involved.

Review

(Columbo of KDS)
Strange game – but a good day.

We were lethargic at the start and scored against the run of play.

We started to play after the break – by the end they were routed.

If we had a decent striker in the last 20 mins we would have destroyed them – Guidetti played as if he had a hangover.

We look a right good team when we move the ball around.

(Bawman of KDS)
I don't think the explanation we were tired or played badly in the first half tells the whole story.

Aberdeens gameplan worked a treat. They were all over the fullbacks as soon as they received the ball and pushed onto Brown and Biton. That left our front players isolated and much more easily picked off. Even with that, we had a couple of decent chances to score and took one of them, something Aberdeen completely failed to capitalise on at the other end.
Remember this was their shot to make a statement, to sow a seed in our minds.The verve and commitment they came out with was completely expected as was their impending fall off the cliff at some point. That they would tire, and markedly so, was a given, it was just a matter of when. That 45 minute attack would buckle most SPL teams but I feel they ran out of ideas when, after all that, they were a goal down.

They came out the second half a little timid which was like the miniscule whiff of iron slowly wafting it's way through the nooks and crevices of a great whites teeth. We tasted blood.

GMS, Johansen and Armstrong started tugging at their backline with diagonal runs and crafty turns, they were creaking with every attack. Slowly their midfielders backed off, their defenders were getting exposed and we sealed the inevitable second.

This is a very good Aberdeen team and we tore them apart, no doubt about it. This was a massive statement game for us on the back of two very tough EL games.

I CGAF who mounts a challenge now, we have a manager that is showing signs that he can work miracles with the constraints that the Celtic job has and anyone that wants our position will not only have to beat our team, you'll have to match our fitness, stamina and technique as well as our managers growing prowess.

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Stats

Match Stats
Celtic Aberdeen
Possession
53% 47%
90mins

Shots
10 10

On target
8 5

Corners
4 8

Fouls
14 10

Articles

Celtic 4-0 Hamilton: Match Report

22 Feb 2015 15:31:00
Celtic 4-0 Hamilton: Match Report

http://www.football.co.uk/celtic/celtic_4-0_hamilton__match_report_rss5600227.shtml

Celtic eased three points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership after eventually overcoming Hamilton in a 4-0 win at a rain-soaked Parkhead.

Accies captain Michael McGovern, a former Celt, held the home side at bay in the first-half but he was powerless as the champions stepped up the pace after the break.

The returning Kris Commons opened the scoring in the 56th minute and after goals from midfielder Stefan Johansen and striker John Guidetti, the former Nottingham Forest midfielder helped himself to a second which gave the scoreline an appropriate reflection of a one-sided match.

The Hoops have a game in hand over the Dons, whom they host next Sunday in a match which will surely be more even encounter than the one against Accies, who have yet to win in eight games under player/manager Martin Canning since he took over from Alex Neil who departed for Norwich last month.

Before the visit of the Pittodrie men Celtic face Inter Milan in the second-leg of the last-32 Europa League tie having fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Celtic Park on Thursday night and will go into that game with confidence.

As expected, with one eye on the trip to Milan, Ronny Deila utilised his squad.

Commons, recovered from a hamstring injury, Guidetti, defender Efe Ambrose, Guidetti and winger James Forrest were all handed a start with Adam Matthews, Stuart Armstrong, Gary Mackay-Steven and Leigh Griffiths dropping to the bench.

New Hamilton signing Nigel Hasselbaink made his second debut for the Lanarkshire club as forward Dougie Imrie returned from suspension with Michael Devlin coming back to play a pivotal role in the Accies defence which was under the cosh for most of the first-half.

Hamilton might have been wearing the black and blue kit associated with Inter Milan – although not worn by the Serie A side on Thursday night – but there was no European feel to the match which began amid general silence as the rain cascaded relentlessly.

Slowly Deila's side, however, began to build pressure.

In the eighth minute Hoops midfielder Nir Bitton got his head to an inswinging Commons free-kick, forcing a fine point-blank parry from McGovern on his goal-line.

Four minutes later McGovern made another fine save close-range, this time from Forrest who volleyed in a deep cross from Ambrose, the Lanarkshire defence scrambling the loose ball clear.

As the home side dominated, Devlin's block inside the six-yard box denied Guidetti, although Celtic skipper Scott Brown had to come to the rescue when a slack back-heel by left-back Emilio Izaguirre almost allowed Hasselbaink a clear run in on goal.

Celtic keeper Craig Gordon, all but redundant, might have enjoyed some action but his team-mates were camped in Hamilton's half of the park.

McGovern made another save from a Virgil van Dijk header, a mis-hit Guidetti strike and a long-range effort by Johansen before the break the home side had lost some impetus.

For the start of the second-half, Matthews came on for Jason Denayer, with Ambrose moving in beside van Dijk, while for Accies, Louis Longridge replaced Ziggy Gordon with Grant Gillespie moving to right-back, although he lasted only 10 minutes before hobbled off to be replaced by Darren Lyon.

As the New Douglas Park side adjusted again, Celtic got the breakthrough.

Van Dijk took it upon himself to surge forward through the middle towards the Accies box before picking out Commons who steadied himself before driving low past McGovern.

Moments later, Armstrong replaced Forrest just before the hour mark as the home side, free from the stress of finding an opener, went forward with confidence.

Johansen drove a shot off the base of the post after being set up by Bitton, before grabbing Celtic's second.

The Norwegian pounced on the loose ball to fire in after McGovern had parried a ferocious effort from van Dijk.

It was a case of how many the champions would score.

The over-worked McGovern made a double save from van Dijk and then Matthews, before Guidetti bulleted in an Izaguirre cross in the 77th minute with his head with Commons then grabbing his second from yards out in 81 minutes to confirm Celtic's superiority.

BBC

Champions go six points clear in title race
Celtic hit three second-half goals
Celtic have one game in hand over Dons
Aberdeen's long unbeaten run ends

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31572587

Celtic moved a huge step closer to the title as they ended Aberdeen's 13-game unbeaten run and opened up a six-point lead at the top of the Premiership.

Second placed Dons were more impressive in the opening half, but fell behind to Jason Denayer's header.

In trying to chase the game after the interval, Aberdeen lost their shape and Celtic took full advantage.

Leigh Griffiths, Gary Mackay-Steven and Stefan Johansen helped themselves to goals in a one-sided second-half.

Celtic, chasing a fourth consecutive title and a domestic treble, also enjoy a game in hand – at home to St Johnstone on Wednesday – and a superior goal difference.

And, on this evidence, Aberdeen are unlikely to recover ground in their remaining 11 matches.

Celtic's performance was initially sombre, with the assertiveness of their opponents acting like a sedative.

The home side's lethargy affected minds as well as bodies – the encounter coming less than 72 hours after Celtic's 10 men lost to Inter Milan in the San Siro – and their first-half play was littered with carelessness and indecisiveness.
Jason Denayer scores

Jason Denayer rose highest to score Celtic's first goal of the game

Aberdeen sought to make their sharper instincts and authority count. A quick free-kick allowed Niall McGinn the space and time to measure a curling chip on goal that Craig Gordon had to reach at full stretch to tip over.

Andrew Considine then steered a header just over from a mis-hit Kenny McLean shot.

However, Aberdeen could not build on that early promise and were eventually undone by their own flaws.

Goalkeeper Scott Brown sclaffed a straightforward clearance that forced him to save from Griffiths. He could not deal with the centre-forward at the resulting corner-kick, though, allowing himself to be restricted to his goal-line as Denayer headed the ball powerfully into the net.

The goal would have infuriated Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes, since it undermined the assurance his side had brought to the game.

Misjudgements were not confined to the opening half. Aberdeen tried to rescue the game after the break, continuing to play a high defensive line and committing players forward at every opportunity.

Considine headed over and Ryan Jack sliced wide, but Aberdeen's adventure left them vulnerable.
Gary Mackay-Steven slotted home Celtic's third goal against second-placed Aberdeen

Gary Mackay-Steven slotted home Celtic's third goal against second-placed Aberdeen

Celtic's counter-attacks were swift and ruthless, and left the visitors looking painfully stunned and bewildered. Basic obligations were cast aside in the confusion, and it was only an offside flag that saved Aberdeen when Griffiths burst clear and clipped the ball into the net.

Wastefulness continued to be a boon to Celtic, and the home players took full advantage of McGinn's misplaced header on the halfway line, and seconds later a disorientated Mark Reynolds tripped Johansen to concede a penalty kick. Griffiths converted decisively.

With freakishly impressive stamina, Johansen grew in influence as the game progressed. Another burst into the penalty area, full of energy and deadly instinct, and Brown had to move quickly to block the midfielder's shot.

Aberdeen were reeling and their resolve was soon entirely extinguished. Mackay-Steven steered a shot in off the post from 20 yards out then Johansen coolly converted a cut-back from 16 yards.

Celtic's victory was as bold as the state of Aberdeen's second-half collapse, as their 13 game unbeaten league run came to an end in emphatic fashion.

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Celtic 4, Aberdeen 0.
90:00 +1:02 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Celtic 4, Aberdeen 0.
89:52

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
89:52

Foul by Willo Flood (Aberdeen).
87:00

Foul by Adam Matthews (Celtic).
87:00

Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen) wins a free kick on the right wing.
86:17 Booking

Booking Ryan Jack (Aberdeen) is shown the yellow card.
86:14

Nir Bitton (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
86:14

Foul by Ryan Jack (Aberdeen).
85:55

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
85:55

Foul by Andrew Considine (Aberdeen).
83:59 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Aberdeen. Ash Taylor replaces Adam Rooney.
83:38

Attempt missed. Ryan Jack (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.
79:09 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 4, Aberdeen 0. Stefan Johansen (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Adam Matthews.
77:51

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Shaleum Logan.
77:04

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Gary Mackay-Steven.
73:24

John Guidetti (Celtic) hits the right post with a right footed shot from the right side of the box.
72:42 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Anthony Stokes replaces Stuart Armstrong because of an injury.
72:21

Attempt saved. Kenny McLean (Aberdeen) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
71:37

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Adam Matthews.
70:43

Attempt saved. Stuart Armstrong (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
69:44 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Aberdeen. David Goodwillie replaces Niall McGinn.
68:27 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 3, Aberdeen 0. Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Adam Matthews.
65:56

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Scott Brown.
65:47

Attempt saved. Stefan Johansen (Celtic) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right is saved in the top centre of the goal.
63:02 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. John Guidetti replaces Leigh Griffiths.
62:17 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 2, Aberdeen 0. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) converts the penalty with a left footed shot to the bottom left corner.
61:49

Penalty conceded by Mark Reynolds (Aberdeen) after a foul in the penalty area.
61:49

Penalty Celtic. Stefan Johansen draws a foul in the penalty area.
60:46

Attempt missed. Ryan Jack (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right.
60:17

Kenny McLean (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
60:17

Foul by Stuart Armstrong (Celtic).
53:39

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
52:53

Attempt missed. Andrew Considine (Aberdeen) header from the centre of the box is too high.
51:47

Kenny McLean (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
51:47

Foul by Efe Ambrose (Celtic).
49:00 Booking

Booking Nir Bitton (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
48:51

Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
48:51

Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
47:50

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Shaleum Logan.
47:03

Attempt missed. Donervorn Daniels (Aberdeen) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left.
46:22

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Adam Matthews.
45:31

Shaleum Logan (Aberdeen) wins a free kick on the left wing.
45:31

Foul by Stuart Armstrong (Celtic).
45:00

Second Half begins Celtic 1, Aberdeen 0.
45:00 +1:11 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Celtic 1, Aberdeen 0.
44:51

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Craig Gordon.
44:42

Attempt saved. Kenny McLean (Aberdeen) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
44:00

Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
44:00

Foul by Efe Ambrose (Celtic).
42:10

Foul by Efe Ambrose (Celtic).
42:10

Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen) wins a free kick on the left wing.
40:54 Booking

Booking Willo Flood (Aberdeen) is shown the yellow card.
40:49 Booking

Booking Scott Brown (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
40:08

Gary Mackay-Steven (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
40:08

Foul by Andrew Considine (Aberdeen).
37:50

Foul by Shaleum Logan (Aberdeen).
37:50

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
36:37 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 1, Aberdeen 0. Jason Denayer (Celtic) header from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Stuart Armstrong with a cross following a corner.
36:25

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Scott Brown.
36:16

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the top right corner.
35:25

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Jason Denayer.
34:43

Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
34:43

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
34:06

Foul by Mark Reynolds (Aberdeen).
34:06

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
32:02 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Aberdeen. Peter Pawlett replaces Jonny Hayes because of an injury.
31:20

Attempt saved. Ryan Jack (Aberdeen) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
28:36

Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
28:36

Shaleum Logan (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
27:16

Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
27:16

Foul by Adam Rooney (Aberdeen).
24:01

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Nir Bitton.
20:24

Foul by Efe Ambrose (Celtic).
20:24

Jonny Hayes (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
18:33

Attempt saved. Adam Rooney (Aberdeen) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
12:11

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Adam Matthews.
11:31

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
11:31

Mark Reynolds (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
10:17 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Stuart Armstrong replaces Kris Commons because of an injury.
9:00

Attempt missed. Kenny McLean (Aberdeen) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high.
8:31

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Craig Gordon.
8:23

Attempt saved. Niall McGinn (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
8:00

Kenny McLean (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
7:58

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
6:19

Foul by Adam Rooney (Aberdeen).
6:19

Efe Ambrose (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
5:23

Foul by Nir Bitton (Celtic).
5:23

Donervorn Daniels (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
4:30

Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
3:00

Efe Ambrose (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
2:59

Foul by Willo Flood (Aberdeen).
2:15

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
2:15

Kenny McLean (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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Also related to this story

Celtic win is mental lift – Deila 01 Mar 2015 Celtic
Dons must learn from loss – McInnes 01 Mar 2015 Aberdeen

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