MATCH REPORT: ABERDEEN 1 CELTIC 3

PRE - MATCH COMMENT:
The first game of the season brings with it my usual optimism but this time bolstered by the type of football Celtic are playing.


BORUC……………..6 I don't think he had a save to make and had no chance with the goal.

HINKEL……………6 Made full use of the space created by McGeady moving inside but there are always the defensive frailities in his game which showed up in the second half.

LOOVENS……..…8 Only played about 50 mins but during that time he coped with the dangerous Millar and strolled through the game.

O'DEA.......………..8 90 mins with no mistakes. A very solid performace.

FOX..........………...7 I like this guy. He will fit in very well with the Celtic style of play. Has a lovely left foot and is more combative than Hinkle.


MALONEY…….....7 We are seeing a Maloney more like the one who used to stut his stuff during his original spell with Celtic. He is benefitting from the 'freedom to roam' style introduced by Mowbray.

N'GUEMO…… ..6 Had a quiter game than last week but that is probably going to be the case when Celtic are dominating teams.


DONATI…………. 8 He is really enjoying this second chance and in a game like this he was able to display his good postional play, his confidence on the ball and, this is the biggest surprise, he tenacity in the tackle. Was moved to a central defensive role and did pretty well.


McGEADY……….8 MOM If Aiden keeps up this type of performance Celtic will have to be very determined to turn down theoffers of 12m plus that will come their way. His switch to the right flank and his 'freedom to roam' is going to enthuse him as much as it will us.

FORTUNE………6 I wish people would stop classifying as a striker. He is a playmaker playing in a forward role. His positional play is excellent, the ability to turn an opponent is impressive and he does have a turn of speed.


McDONALD……6 Scored a goal but did little else.


SUBS
BROWN.......................6 Replaced Loovens and played in midfield.



SAMARAS..................6 Replaced McDonald. Another encouraging display.





KILLEN.................6 Even he is showing one or two bits of skill never seen before by him in a Celtic top.

REF.(Thompson)...8 Hardly noticed him.

GAME………………9 Another reminder of what we had been missing during the previous season. Fast, quick passing, great positional play and goals.

GOALS............ 1. A poacher's goal by Aiden taking advantage of some sloppy defensive play

2. A great individual goal by Aiden. Cut inside two opponents before releashing an unstoppable curling shot from just outside the box.

3. A poacher's goal, this time by McDonald, taking advantage of some more sloppy defensive play.

4. Aberdeen's goal was looping volley from just inside the box.

COMMENTS…………1. Really looking forward to the Arsenal game (although my tickets are in Glasgow and I'm stuck in Ninewells hospital in Dundee!!!!). Two very good footballing sides should provide a feast. Fingers crossed!