Celtic triumph but still lacking leaders

A five point lead is not be sniffed at though

Perhaps buoyed by the earlier result at Tynecastle (or not if Anthony Stokes was telling the truth), Celtic started well against Aberdeen and were playing some lovely stuff at times. Not as lovely as Rangers at Tynecastle who Radio Scotland likened to playing like Barcelona but Celtic were playing well.

The only goal of the game was a good team move, Paddy McCourt feeding the overlapping Izaguirre, who eventually found Gary Hooper who played in his strike partner. Stokes waltzed around Jamie Langfield and gave himself plenty of time to compose him and tap the ball into the open net. Stokes nearly added to his tally when Celtic attacked swiftly on the break but Langfield made a good save. However, going for power and placement may have resulted in a better outcome than Stokes turning snap shot.

As the game wore on without a Celtic goal, you could sense the nerves building around Celtic Park but it certainly wasn’t due to anything Aberdeen did. That is not to criticise Aberdeen and from a set-play or a moment’s inspiration a goal can always come but there were no real chances created by the Dons as the game ticked down.

In the opening period of the second half, Aberdeen struck three shots that whizzed past the post but that was it. It should be remembered that Celtic are a young team and when Majstorovic went off, it left a centre half pairing of Thomas Rogne and Charlie Mulgrew, not ideal in any circumstance. However, Celtic held out and the roar that went round Parkhead was testimony to the relief and joy in grabbing three vital points.

Celtic need an older head or two to calm things down and Ljungberg at least appreciated this but a cetre back or central midfielder who can talk to others and keep them focussed could make a massive difference to Neil Lennon’s side. It is still far too early to say if Lennon’s team will win the league but his young and inexperienced team are putting up a brave fight, especially in light of all the controversy that has followed the club this season…much of it not of their own making.

Gary Hooper may not have much top flight experience but he does have the appearance of a winner and his showing was a huge factor in Celtic’s victory. With just two games under his belt since returning from injury, Hooper needs more game time but he will be a key player on Wednesday night when Hearts come to visit.

If this young Celtic team can take all three points against the Jambos, they may just start believing in themselves.

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