‘Chemistry’ factor behind Schmeichel’s clean sheets | OneFootball

Austin Trusty highlights ‘chemistry’ factor behind Celtic’s admirable defensive record so far this season…

4th December 2024; Pittodrie, Aberdeen, Scottish Premiership, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Auston Trusty has an opportunity from a Celtic corner. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Brendan Rodgers’ backline and experienced goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel kept another clean sheet at Pittodrie on Wednesday evening as Celtic grinded out a hard-fought 1-0 victory in blusterous conditions in the North East.

Celtic’s 11 shut-outs in 14 league matches

The shutout in the Granite City was the Scottish champions 11th of the season from 14 league matches. The Hoops have only conceded four goals during the league campaign so far.

Wednesday evening’s important win was the sixth time United States internationalists Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers paired with one another and once again both produced formidable displays.

For majority of the game, both Trusty and Carter-Vickers dealt with the little danger the Dons posed, quashing any threats from Kevin Nisbet or dangerous wide men Topi Keskinen and Duk.

Aberdeen fail to score at Pittodrie for first time since 13 April

It is the first time Aberdeen have not scored at home since 13 April, and thus ended Jimmy Thelin’s 100% record at Pittodrie since arriving from Elfsborg in the summer.

4th December 2024; Pittodrie, Aberdeen, Scottish Premiership Football, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Auston Trusty of Celtic on the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

However, Trusty’s one error in the game came late on when the 26 year-old centre-back gifted Dons forward Ester Sokler a massive opportunity to equalise for the hosts. But, Trusty’s resolute and switched-on defensive partner Cameron Carter-Vickers was on hand to produce a stunning block denying Aberdeen the chance to draw level.

Jimmy Thelin hailed Carter-Vickers block

Swedish boss Jimmy Thelin hailed Carter-Vickers block as a defining moment to the press after the game, and praised Celtic’s ultra-consistent brick wall for his defensive qualities.

Post-match, Celtic’s summer recruit Auston Trusty spoke to Sky Sports about the Hoops’ victory and the development of his new partnership with Carter-Vickers.

4th December 2024; Pittodrie, Aberdeen, ; Scottish Premiership Football, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic on the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The chemistry is getting better

“The team is confident; no matter how long the game goes on, this team is confident we can get the win,” the Celtic defender said. “I think it shows the characteristics of the team, we back ourselves no matter how long it stays at 0-0.”

Trusty added, “we’ve known each other for a good bit now [him and Carter-Vickers], it’s getting better and better, the chemistry is getting better and there’s more to come.”

Meanwhile, Celtic are now seven points clear of their nearest title challengers whilst possessing a game in hand following an important three points in Aberdeen. Brendan Rodgers’ men remain 11 clear of theRangers in third, and already look uncatchable domestically.

Hibs up next at Celtic Park

Up next is Hibernian at Paradise tomorrow afternoon. David Gray’s side have had an upturn in results in their last two league outings but going by the Edinburgh club’s dismal start to the season, on paper it should be a comfortable one for Celtic before heading into two mammoth encounters next week. Football doesn’t always work out that way and Brendan Rodgers and his players will be taking nothing for granted.

4th December 2024; Pittodrie, Scotland; Scottish Premiership, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Luke McCowan of Celtic on the ball as Heltne Nilsen of Aberdeen challenges. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Expect a similar scenario to last weekend against Ross County at Celtic Park with numerous changes with the Champions League match on Tuesday night in mind. Players like Valle, Scales, McCowan, Forrest and  Idah are all regarded as first team starters by the manager and they are more than likely set to start against Hibs tomorrow.

It was 5-0 at half-time last weekend, and the Celtic manager would like to get the job done early tomorrow, again with Tuesday against Dinamo Zagreb in mind.

Predicted Team

Conor Spence

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