Celtic move nine clear after late win at Aberdeen

Returning captain Callum McGregor scored a fantastic late winner as Celtic eventually broke down a stubborn Aberdeen side to restore their nine-point lead in the Scottish Premiership.

It was Celtic’s 33rd shot at Pittodrie as they finally wore down Aberdeen’s deep defensive block, which ultimately proved fruitless as the hosts ended the match with two efforts on goal.

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic move back nine clear of Rangers, while Aberdeen will end the day in third place due to postponements elsewhere.

It was fitting for Celtic that their lynchpin McGregor grabbed the crucial goal, having been out since early October, but it was just the latest example of the champions finding something at the death.

Ross County, St Johnstone, Motherwell and Dundee United have all been downed in the dying moments of games so far this term, and McGregor’s low shot into the bottom corner added Aberdeen to the list.

And while it took until the 87th minute, in truth Celtic should have had the game sewn up long before. Kyogo Furuhashi had the best chance of the lot, but somehow side-footed Liel Abada’s cross wide from a few yards out.

Aberdeen goalkeeper Kelle Roos denied Abada, Reo Hatate, Jota and others as the home side went close to clinging on to a valuable point.

But the fact they didn’t throws into question their defensive approach, as they barely completed 100 passes in the game and mustered two attempts on goal, both of which were well off target.

Celtic motor on as Aberdeen approach raises questions

Celtic scoring a late winner comes as absolutely no surprise – it’s what they have done so regularly in the last three months.

They were frustrated at times by the sheer number of bodies in the Aberdeen box, and probably could have played with some more width in the first half to try to stretch the opposing back five.

Abada made a difference in that regard after coming on at the break, and his great run and cross ought to have led to Kyogo opening the scoring earlier. But overall the champions had total control and could have won more comfortably on another day.

Despite coming within minutes of claiming a point, this performance will draw plenty of criticism towards the tactics of Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin.

He spoke openly about taking inspiration from his old club St Mirren, who are the only side to beat Celtic domestically this season.

The set-up was identical, with a back five and midfield three shuttling across to outnumber Celtic’s wide players.

It worked to a point, except Aberdeen put far less pressure on Celtic when they had the ball than St Mirren, and were far less useful in the rare moments they did have the ball.

Goodwin has spoken openly about the confidence he has in his players and the attacking football they want to play, and have played at home, this season. This approach was contradictory to that.

The last time they played an Old Firm side they were far too open and were picked apart at Ibrox, but here they offered nothing.

Goodwin needs to find a happy medium against Glasgow’s big two, starting with the visit of Rangers to Pittodrie on Tuesday.

What’s next?

Celtic are at home to Livingston on Wednesday (19:45 GMT), with Aberdeen hosting Rangers the previous night (20:00).