The makings of a Plan B

A game which for a long time ran parallel to our experience at Rugby Park earlier this season, ended with Celtic earning a draw.  The game should have been out of the reach of the home side by the break.  Celtic contrived to miss a hatful of chances, including two off the crossbar and a Liel Abada opportunity with only the keeper to beat.

Peter Leven had one game as Aberdeen caretaker manager (this morning replaced by a 75-year-old former ‘get Brexit done’ campaigner), but he managed to turn the game with his halftime tactical changes.  Aberdeen went direct from the start of the second period and went ahead when Maik Nawrocki was twisted inside out by Bojan Miovski.  It was a masterclass from Leven.

The one bright spot for Celtic was that their equaliser came courtesy of the two January arrivals.  Adam Idah, making his debut in the second period, flicked the ball to Nicolas Kuhn, who started the move on the right wing and continued to the left of the box before firing a deflected shot into the net.

You may have put money on Celtic winning at that point but while they had chances, Aberdeen probably had the better of them.  For the second game in succession, the often-maligned Joe Hart was called on to make saves which earned his side additional points.

The best news of the day filtered through from Qatar during the second half that Japan were eliminated from the Asian Cup.  Daizen Maeda will hopefully be available for selection on Wednesday, adding to Brendan Rodgers’ tactical options.

Idah is a classic looking target man, far more so than Oh or Giakoumakis.  With our new man leading the line, Kyogo was able to influence the game more in a deeper role.  Although Kuhn’s headline stat from the game is his goal, his overall play suggests he is a better crosser of the ball than we have at the club.  We have the makings of a Plan B.