Celtic FC notched their ninth straight win to start the season with an impressive victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie Stadium. The game, held this past Saturday afternoon, was an important early-season match-up between the two teams who had drastically different goals. Aberdeen came into the match looking to capitalize off their Scottish Cup final win against Celtic the season before. They faced a formidable opponent in Celtic, who have not lost in their last 26 Premiership meetings with the Dons.
Aberdeen started the game like a house on fire, trying to take early full advantage of their home advantage. The squad have a great track record of winning at Pittodrie. They’ve gone 18 straight home matches without losing, showing an incredible run of dominance at home. In spite of their blistering opening, Aberdeen simply couldn’t get the ball in the net for the rest of the game.
Aberdeen’s Struggles in Front of Goal
Aberdeen made a bright start to the game eagerness shining through. The next best chance fell to Adil Aouchiche, who blasted a long-range shot on goal, requiring Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel to make a strong, reaction save. Schmeichel was sharp enough to get down and tip the effort around the post in the eighth minute, proving his responsiveness. The deeper we got into the game, it was becoming clear that Aberdeen didn’t have much offensive firepower.
Although Aberdeen had some good spells on the ball, their attack was labelled as “powder puff” by the BBC commentary team. The extent of the team’s performance is shocking. They’ve won only five of their last 29 matches since last November. Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin expressed his concerns regarding the team’s attacking play and overall performance their last time out.
“We have to do better and keep improving the team and the relationships,” said Jimmy Thelin. “Many times when we have control of the ball, we end up with our goalkeeper, and instead of breaking lines and arriving at their box, we end up losing the ball.”
Celtic’s backline was hardly put to the test, as Aberdeen never truly threatened Celtic’s goal until the very end of the game.
Celtic’s Clinical Finishing
Celtic showed their attacking play with two brilliant strikes forcing the winner. Kieran Tierney produced an exceptional run and cross. Benjamin Nygren had the presence of mind to take that loose ball and scored his first goal for the club, putting Celtic on the front foot early. This ambitious goal was the outcome of seamless collaboration and rapid evolution.
After the opening few minutes, Celtic really took control of the match and showed their quality on the ball. Goal – 1-0 Reo Hatate fired a shot that rocketed over the head of Aberdeen’s keeper, Mitov. The ball hit the bottom of the crossbar and entered the net, further extending the scoreline. This goal capped off a comfortable victory for Celtic and continued their recent dominance against Dons.
Aberdeen’s recent run of form has been beyond alarming for fans and pundits, to put it mildly. With only five victories since November and a lackluster performance in this match, concerns about the team’s competitiveness have risen. STV icon Former player Kris Boyd echoed these sentiments when he said there was a “softness” to the play of Aberdeen.
“Very pleased,” he remarked. “This was always going to be a challenging game in the context of how the last season finished and coming here so early in Aberdeen’s first game.”
Analysis of Aberdeen’s Current Form
It’s now a defining period of tests ahead for the Dons, as they attempt to find their best rhythm and belief again. Manager Jimmy Thelin is under increasing pressure. In order to compete at a high level in the league this year, the team needs to see those necessary advancements.
“There’s a softness about Aberdeen,” Boyd noted. “They look lethargic and are lacking fight. They were passive.”
The Dons now face significant challenges ahead as they look to regain form and confidence. With pressure mounting on manager Jimmy Thelin, improvements will be essential if they hope to contend effectively in the league this season.
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