Aberdeen’s aggression, Celtic’s composure and Beaton’s…

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The Celtic Star

·11 de agosto de 2025

Aberdeen’s aggression, Celtic’s composure and Beaton’s…

It was a case of Aberdeen aggression being met by Celtic composure at Pittodrie yesterday as Brendan Rodgers’ side ran out comfortable 2–0 winners…

James Forrest during the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 10 August 2025. Photo Stephen Dobsonx PSI (IMAGO)

The victory was built on a foundation of defensive resilience and midfield control, with the back line and engine room organised, progressive and aggressive when needed. Yet the familiar issue remains – when Celtic enter the final third, the fluency isn’t always there.

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The opener came courtesy of Tierney’s grit and guile

The opener came courtesy of Tierney’s grit and guile. The left-back’s tenacity was followed by a delicious delivery, met with perfect timing from Benjamin Nygren, whose sumptuous instep finish left Mitov with no chance. This demonstrated technique and determination in equal measure from both players.

Benjamin Nygren of Celtic celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 0-1 lead. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, 10 August 2025. Photo IMAGO/ Shutterstock, Stuart Wallace

Nygren was central again for the second. Driving down the right, he spotted Reo Hatate in acres of space and found him with a perfectly timed pass – the window to deliver was tiny, but Nygren threaded the ball with precision. Hatate’s finish was sublime, curling just enough to evade the remarkable reach of Graeme Shinnie’s nose before nestling in the top corner. A goal of the season contender? It’s early, but quite possibly.

Daizen’s now trademark ability to turn a golden opportunity into slapstick

Beyond those moments, Daizen Maeda’s effort that Mitov tipped over was the only real chance of note – aside from Daizen’s now trademark ability to turn a golden opportunity into slapstick when he somehow fell over when clean through. He is capable of the absolutely sublime, but also the ridiculous, and although this one fell into the latter category, we wouldn’t change him for anyone.

What was especially pleasing was Celtic’s refusal to be bullied. Aberdeen spent much of the opening spell attempting to disrupt our rhythm, aided in no small part by referee John Beaton’s willingness to wave play on during most of their aggressive challenges.

A blatant handball in the build-up to Aberdeen’s best chance

A blatant handball in the build-up to Aberdeen’s best chance – a long-range strike brilliantly saved by Kasper Schmeichel – went unpunished despite Beaton being just three yards away. You can forgive a missed incident in the chaos and fog of midfield, but when it’s right in front of you, questions have to be asked.

Still, Celtic’s defence stood firm, and the midfield matched Aberdeen’s physicality blow for blow. Callum McGregor in particular showed that stature means little when you’re willing to dig elbow-deep into a battle. The back four of Tierney, Carter-Vickers, Scales, and Johnston won’t be bullied this season, and that’s a huge plus, although Auston Trusty must be running Scales close for a starting shirt by now.

Aberdeen v Celtic – Brendan Rodgers and Kieran Tierney after the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 10 August 2025. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI (IMAGO)

Special praise must go to Tierney – not just for the assist for the opener, but for his composure and work rate throughout. The fact he spent half-time closer to a Pittodrie toilet bowl than a tactics board makes his display even more impressive. He’s still short of his peak, but his presence in the dressing room is as important as his ability on the pitch.

But here’s the elephant in the room, again

But here’s the elephant in the room, again. Celtic managed just four shots on target at Pittodrie, and only six against St Mirren the week before. With Kyogo and Nicolas Kühn sold, and Jota injured, the front line is depleted. Three weeks from the close of the transfer window, we still look no closer to bringing in attacking reinforcements.

Reo Hatate scores Celtic second goal and celebrates during the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 10 August 2025. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI (IMAGO).

Rodgers is putting out a winning team despite slow recruitment, but no defence or midfield can carry a team forever. We need players who can unlock low blocks, carry the ball into the box, link up intricately – and most importantly, score consistently. That’s not an extravagant request for a Celtic manager, it’s the bare minimum.

If you think the players weren’t disappointed by Kyogo’s sale before Munich, think again

The dressing room will feel this too. If you think the players weren’t disappointed by Kyogo’s sale before Munich, think again. Now, with Kühn gone and Jota’s return uncertain, the squad will be wondering about the club’s ambition. This is a group that believes it’s capable of reaching the Champions League last 16 – and they’ll expect the board to share that belief.

The frustration was visible yesterday. Nygren and Maeda cut exasperated figures as Adam Idah turned in his second anonymous display in as many games. The striking role needs urgent attention, as do both wings. Once the fixture list ramps up to two or three games a week, the lack of depth will be exposed.

Referee John Beaton shows Liam Scales 5 of Celtic a yellow card during the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 10 August 2025. Aberdeen Pittodrie. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI (IMAGO)

Nygren was the star of the show

Nygren was the star of the show – a goal and assist making him a worthy Man of the Match – but James Forrest also deserves immense credit. At 34, he remains our most creative winger, and while that speaks volumes about recruitment failings, it also underlines his enduring quality. He changed the game against St Mirren and was immense again yesterday.

It’s a joy to have him fit and firing, and Rodgers really does get the best out of him, as he’s proven over both his spells as manager. But the thought of relying on Yang and Tilio in rotation if Forrest picks up one of his all-too-frequent knocks is a sobering one.

Aberdeen v Celtic – Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers during the Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 10 August 2025. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI (IMAGO)

Rodgers is a top-class manager, and he’s proving it once again. But even he’s no miracle worker. Without the attacking reinforcements this squad is crying out for, Celtic’s composure might only take us so far.

Niall J