A goal in each half gave Celtic a comfortable 2-0 win over Aberdeen yesterday at Celtic Park, with Man of the Match Maciej Zurawski scoring the first and setting up Stan Petrov for the second. To top off a great day, Rangers dropped two points away to Falkirk.
Prior to kick off, there was a minute’s applause in memory of the late Jock Stein, who passed away 20 years ago to the day. Credit to the Jungle Bhoys for organising this, and the fantastic Jock Stein banner which was unfurled in the Jock Stein stand. Also, a mention to the Aberdeen supporters who also displayed a banner in memory of Big Jock.
The game was a stroll in the park for Celtic. Aberdeen rarely threatened and Celtic looked very comfortable and composed throughout the day. Alan Thompson and Neil Lennon started the game, both played well after being suspended for our last game.
Bobo Balde had a terrific game and looks to be forming a decent partnership with Stephen McManus in the heart of the defence. Paul Telfer and Mo Camara formed the other half of the defence but Camara’s crosses at times leave an awful lot to be desired. Going forward, Celtic looked pretty decent and Zurawski is certainly finding his feet in the Scottish game.
Zurawski linked up well with John Hartson for Celtic’s opening goal on 13 minutes, it was a fantastic finish by the Pole. Bobo Balde’s long pass orchestrated the move; this shows how well he can put himself to use without using hit and hope tactics.
Zurawski’s goal was certainly the highlight of the first half, and with the scoreline reading 1-0, the game was far from over.
Aberdeen could only conjure up a couple of half chances and did not look dangerous at all. Celtic’s defence were sweeping up everything the away side threw at them, and if anyone was going to score, it was going to be Celtic.
Zurawski was the maker of the second goal when he done well to turn Diamond inside the Aberdeen box. When the ball broke to Stan Petrov, it looked as though he had blown the chance of a shot at goal, but he managed to place the ball into the net.
At 2-0, it was pretty much game over. Shaun Maloney and Craig Beattie replaced the tired Shunsuke Nakamura and John Hartson with 20 minutes to go. The two youngsters brought much excitement to the game and look more than ready to step into the side when called upon.
With Hearts beating Livingston comfortably this afternoon, they have moved five points in front of Celtic at the top of the SPL. Yesterday, though, was a good day all in for Celtic fans, and it was a fitting way to remember the memory of Jock Stein.
Celtic: Boruc; Telfer, Balde, McManus, Camara; Petrov, Lennon, Nakamura (Maloney 71), Thompson (Pearson 90); Hartson (Beattie 71), Zurawski
Come On The Hoops Man Of The Match: Maciej Zurawski