Hapless mistakes but McGregor and Lennon are together

Amid the hapless defending and general sense of frustration, we were at least able to console ourselves that Celtic were again creating chances, most effectively through the intervention of Tom Rogic.

Seven-year-olds know there is a right side and a wrong side to tackle from, some 24-year-olds, apparently, remain in the dark.  Aberdeen’s first penalty was inevitable from the moment Olivier Ntcham decide to pursue Lewis Ferguson from behind.  The Aberdeen player applied the brakes and Olivier obliged to knock him off his feet.  A team that had created nothing until that moment had a lead to defend.

This was not the season Shane Duffy dreamed of when signing on loan for Celtic.  He was in complete control of the football when he demonstrated that his decision-making skills were not up to the rigors of the Scottish Premiership.  A moment later, Aberdeen restored their temporarily-denied lead.  Like me, you subsequently no doubt researched Christopher Jullien’s likely return date.  There isn’t one, so as you were for a while yet.  And yes, I see you pining for the return of Nir Bitton.

Celtic of last season would have controlled the ball through the closing minutes with a narrow lead to deny opponents the ability to charge unhindered into the penalty box.  Aberdeen, to their credit, were not up for lying down.  There is work to do on the training field.

Leigh Griffiths continues to provide evidence that his fitness, attitude and ability are exactly where they need to be to score important goals.  A credit to the work he has done.  Despite his limited minutes, this season would look a lot bleaker without him.  Tom Rogic also falls into this category.  Competition for the creative central mid role is fierce, on this form, Tom will retain the jersey.

Mohamed Elyounoussi had an afternoon full of incomplete passes.  This did not deter him and he supported the impressive Kristopher Ajer run to force Hoban to foul inside the penalty area.  Like champions, Celtic were in front, despite of the costly mistakes.

Callum McGregor and Neil Lennon both attempted to put boundaries on hysteria in their after-match comments.  In summary: it’s been a difficult week, Aberdeen are a decent side, a point is sometimes important, so let’s keep our eye on the prize.  Both know this playbook, so do you and I.