REO HATATE was the acclaimed Celtic matchwinner with a superb strike for the only goal of a gruelling contest in monsoon conditions at Pittodrie last night.
A flash of inspiration combined with class and a killer touch sent Aberdeen spiralling to defeat for the first time in the north east this season and pushed the champions seven points ahead of their rivals with a game in hand.
Hatate’s eye-catching clincher was his fourth strike of the campaign following his opening goal on Flag Day as the Hoops romped to a 4-0 success over Kilmarnock at Parkhead on August 4.
The Japanese international also netted against Jimmy Thelin’s side in the 2-2 draw in Glasgow on October and in the 3-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley two months earlier.
BY THE LEFT…Reo Hatate strikes the winner to leave Dons keeper Ross Doohan helpless.
Astonishingly, the gifted playmaker has now collected more goals for Brendan Rodgers’ team than he did throughout the previous campaign!
Hatate had to settle for a mere three strikes – one from the penalty spot – in an injury-ravaged crusade that saw him tormented by calf and hamstring problems that meant he started only 17 of the club’s 50 games.
Unfortunately, the 26-year-old midfielder completed only TWO of his overall 21 outings.
However, the ills of last term were pushed into the past as Hatate celebrated his 78th-minute goal at Pittodrie as he told Celtic TV: “I’m happy to score the goal.
HAND IT TO HIM…Reo Hatate signifies he has scored four goals this season. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
“It was a difficult game because of the bad weather, and it was also away, so it was an important win for us.
“I score goals for the team, but the important thing is to win.
“The supporters always sing my song, whether I score or I don’t score. So I’m happy to play here for them.”
Welcome back, Reo!
