CELTIC’S four-point advantage over Aberdeen could have been cut back and gone with the wind at a rainswept, gusty Pittodrie last night.
Instead, though, the champions overcame the gale and determined opponents to stretch their lead at the Premiership summit to seven points with a game in hand.
Reo Hatate was the man who claimed the only goal of a game played in atrocious conditions against a Dons team who had won all of their previous home league games this season.
REIGNING IN THE RAIN…Brendan Rodgers acknowledges the travelling support after Celtic’s crucial 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.The Hoops had won all of theirs and something had to give in the north-east – and a little bit of sorcery conjured between Greg Taylor and his Japanese team-mate in the 78th minute was the deciding factor in a match that will go a long way to the destination of the championship.
Hatate took a chipped pass from the left-back on his chest, let the ball drop and, all in one movement, lashed a left-foot drive wide of keeper Ross Doohan who had earlier denied the playmaker with a stupendous diving save.
These are the games that win flags and the visitors didn’t let down themselves, their manager or their fabulous supporters who braved the elements to give solid backing to their heroes.
Quite rightly, Brendan Rodgers was brimming with pride as he said: “It’s a brilliant victory for us. It’s arguably the most difficult conditions you can have.
NET GAIN…Reo Hatate’s first-time shot whips past keeper Ross Doohan on its way to its final destination to secure three points.“Driving rain and wind. It was really difficult and I think both teams tried to give their best.
“I’m really proud of my team because we tried to play our football.
“We end up getting a brilliant goal. A great team move, a wonderful pass from Greg Taylor and Reo finishes it so well.
“And in the moments when we had to defend, the two centre-halves and goalkeeper were so strong and, collectively, it was a great win for us.”
Celtic are in pole position with Jimmy Thelin’s team the only side to take points off them after a 2-2 draw at Parkhead in October, but the Hoops gaffer is taking nothing for granted.
THE OLD HEAVE-HO…Kasper Schmeichel pushes goal hero Reo Hatate to the front of the Celtic aftermatch parade to accept the applause of the fans.
Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “There’s still such a long way to go. At the moment it’s our 14th game, there are still 24 games to play.
“But I have to credit the players. They’re showing a really strong mentality, a real ambition going in to the games and we’re getting the results and performances.”
Next up, it’s Hibs in Paradise on Saturday afternoon.
