Celtic secured a late win away at Aberdeen in a dominant yet at times frustrating return to action. For a long time, the Dons managed to keep Ange Postecoglou’s side at bay and appeared determined to grind out a goalless draw. Ultimately, it was not to be though.
The match was won with a great effort from Callum McGregor after 87 minutes of action. The Hoops had the lion’s share of possession and 33 shots on the day, but until the captain put the ball into the back of the net, they were missing a final spark from their players badly.
Although the Hoops had a strong line-up with most players available, they were not able to call upon Sead Haksabanovic and perhaps he could have changed the match sooner.
Haksabanovic had been in sparkling form in the weeks leading up to the World Cup break. That included netting his first goals for the Hoops, with three in three games in November. Those strikes and his performances had led to the Montenegro international being named Scottish Premiership Football League Player of the Month for the month. It was a well deserved honour for the club’s summer signing from Rubin Kazan.
Celtic missed one played badly in win vs Aberdeen
As reported by Celtic’s official website, Haksabanovic had said before the match:
"“It feels really good. I think I’ve done alright and hopefully I can get more goals in and more assists, so I can help the team win, and I’m enjoying myself.”"
Haksabanovic was keen to get back into action again but a knock in training seemed to keep him out against Aberdeen. It is not thought to be a serious issue though and he wasn’t the only player keen to return.
McGregor was returning to the pitch after an even longer break due to an injury suffered against RB Leipzig in the Champions League. The club captain showed what else has been missing with a man of the match performance and the winning goal.
With McGregor now back and only Juranovic still to return from the World Cup, there are plenty of options all round for Postecoglou to pick his team from in the upcoming games.