- 2 hours ago
Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:17Welcome back to Petaudry, it's Aberdeen 1, Celtic 1 in the latest Scottish Premiership crunch match for the champions.
00:29As they look to take a big step in this title race and try and get the gap down to
00:36Harps to five points.
00:38Celtic started the game strongly, a goal through Kieran Tierney, two in a row for him, but they're pegged back
00:46by Kevin Nisbet from the penalty spot.
00:49Peter, one thing that just happened before the half-time whistle was Jack Millen, he had his hand out slightly,
00:58the referee had judged it not to be enough and the penalty wasn't given, it was checked by VAR.
01:03Chris Graham it is on VAR at Clydesdale House and that's probably one contentious moment from the first half.
01:10Yeah, listen, we hate going on about penalties and all that sort of stuff, but if it's a penalty it's
01:14a penalty.
01:15The thing is I don't know what the distance the arm's got to be.
01:18At first I thought it actually came off the Aberdeen defender on his arm, then you said it's not a
01:22penalty because I don't think that is if it comes off someone else.
01:25So they say, but you don't know the rules now.
01:28You know, you'll see one on Saturday come, it'll be a penalty kick and we all know that, that's a
01:33guarantee that's going to happen at the weekend for someone.
01:36But to be fair, the way Celtic started I didn't think they would need that situation, but they allowed Aberdeen
01:41to creep back into it.
01:43We have a feeling that I felt we've had a lot this season, playing too slow.
01:47You know, when you've got somebody with the scruff of the neck, but we've let them off the hook too
01:50many times.
01:51Teams want to just defend against Celtic, they want to be back in their numbers so they can be organised.
01:56So the quicker Celtic play, the more passes they have forward, they'll get it wide into your full backs and
02:01especially that's where the space is now.
02:03So if Aberdeen keep to this five at the back, so you have to get out of it.
02:07And I thought they'd done that exceptionally well in the first period.
02:10So we have to go again.
02:11This is what it is with Celtic, you made an error at the back, so you've just got to keep
02:14your concentration at the back.
02:16Be aware the Aberdeens counterattacks, and I don't mean by playing through, I just mean with simple things like a
02:21clearance when Celtic are attacking.
02:22Because the boys will be anxious to try and get this winning goal.
02:25That's the thing, and this is the time you have to be very, very much aware.
02:29You've been in title races, Peter, as part of that squad, 40 years ago this year they pipped Hearts on
02:35their last day at Love Street.
02:37What's the psychology like?
02:38Because the stats going into this game say probably Celtic wins this game, but it's never like that when these
02:44games and these title races are so tight.
02:47What is the psychology like?
02:48Well I think it was in that run, I think Aberdeen had went 22 unbeaten.
02:52Maybe had a couple of draws, sorry Hearts, had a couple of draws in there.
02:57We did definitely win the last day, I'm sure we did win the last day, and obviously then take it
03:01into goal difference then.
03:03But the one difference we had, we had fantastic strikers and midfielders who could score goals.
03:08That was the biggest thing we had, and we knew we could score.
03:10And getting into that last day, the boys were comfortable getting the amount of goals that we needed.
03:15But the thing we didn't expect was Hearts, because they'd went in such a fantastic run to lose that game.
03:20And obviously it went up to the last two minutes, and that's why you've got to keep fighting, because you
03:23never know what happens.
03:24And these boys tonight will be desperate to put this right in the second half.
03:27Well we'll take a memorable end to the season, just like that one, 14 years ago in 1986.
03:34As the game gets back underway here at Pitt-Audrey.
03:37Aberdeen 1, Celtic 1.
03:39Aberdeen takes centre, get the ball over the halfway line.
03:42And Benjamin Arthur nods it down, Armstrong still got that quality.
03:48Nisbet heads it on for Olesanya.
03:53And he goes back as Aberdeen look to get the ball moving quickly.
03:58Here's Malloy for frame.
04:01As Rahul closes down, and now Cameron has acres of space, looks to get the ball in.
04:07It's headed out by Arthur.
04:09Schwancher returns, but Nilsson knocks the ball on, shouts for a foul from the Celtic end, but not given.
04:18Frame gets the ball in, Nisbet gets the head up.
04:21Hatati's got to be careful there.
04:24Araujo gets the head in.
04:29Here's Jack Milne.
04:32And it's tidy play, here's Giger for Jensen.
04:37Ball comes in.
04:38Yang nods it out.
04:41It's a strong start to the second half from Aberdeen.
04:45Armstrong for Mitchell frame.
04:48Cameron quick on the ball.
04:51Here's Armstrong.
04:52We know all about his right foot.
04:56Dennis Giger moves it on.
04:59Here is Stuart Armstrong.
05:00Fourth frame.
05:01It's a good ball.
05:02And it's a brilliant save from Sinnesalo.
05:06Denies Nisbet.
05:07Massive opportunity for Aberdeen.
05:10And the Celtic goalkeeper stood tall.
05:13Well, that's as good a save as you're going to see.
05:15I really thought it was by him there.
05:17Aberdeen have started very quickly.
05:19You can see they're trying to get the ball forward quickly.
05:20They're trying to get Crossy on the box.
05:22But that is a wonderful, wonderful save.
05:24Nisbet's done everything right with the pace on the ball.
05:27Well, you've got to tip your hat to that save.
05:29Magnificent.
05:30Wonderful from the Celtic goalkeeper.
05:33But corner kick to defend.
05:34It's Lyle Cameron.
05:36Ball comes in.
05:37And it's headed away wide by Jack Milne.
05:41And just so quickly it could have turned.
05:43The picture could have flipped.
05:46And Aberdeen could have been ahead if it weren't for Valjami Sinnesalo.
05:51Wonderful save to deny the hosts.
05:57Well, they've done exactly what I said.
05:59Celtic should be doing.
06:00Start the game quickly.
06:01But you'll see Aberdeen now.
06:02They're playing forward a lot quicker.
06:03They're trying to get it away.
06:04As soon as he's out to frame, he's wanting to put a cross in the box.
06:07Here's Stuart Armstrong.
06:08For frame.
06:09Gets a ball in.
06:10Arthur has to be alert.
06:13Yang now.
06:15And he gets the free kicks.
06:17A late challenge there.
06:18Celtic just going to have to ride this pressure out.
06:21And this is probably a performance where Aberdeen fans are thinking,
06:25where has this been all season?
06:27Well, you've got to look at this save first.
06:29I mean, what a wonderful, wonderful save that is.
06:32Brilliant from Sinnesalo.
06:33Nisbet, as you say, he's taking the pace of the ball.
06:36He can't head it down.
06:37There's only one place you think Sinnesalo is not going to be able to get it.
06:40It was there.
06:41His reactions were excellent.
06:43It keeps Celtic obviously not in that equal goals at this moment in time.
06:47But Celtic have to get a grip in the game very quickly.
06:49Well, we know Martin O'Neill and his background staff,
06:52they won't be shy in making the change if need be.
06:56Here's Tenekti.
06:59For Hitati.
07:04For Araujo.
07:05He was on the edge of the box now.
07:07To Yang.
07:09Celtic just looking for that opportunity.
07:13Hitati waits for Cameron.
07:16Looks for Chvanchura.
07:17Goes through the legs of his defender.
07:19But Aberdeen win possession back.
07:23Lyle Cameron goes back to his goalkeeper.
07:26And Mitov clears it.
07:29Arthur just plays it down for Araujo.
07:39You can see definitely Aberdeen are playing further up the pitch.
07:41We want to put Celtic under more pressure.
07:43I say get away, get crosses in the box.
07:45That's one thing.
07:46They'll think they've got that space.
07:48Whereas they're seeing in frame.
07:49Probably that's why he's playing the left wing back.
07:51Because we know he's a good deliverer of the ball.
07:53Celtic have got to get a grip of the ball.
07:55And if he can get that first pass in.
07:57Well, here's a chance for Tierney.
07:59But his touches let him down.
08:01So, uncharacteristically, Nisbet does well.
08:06Arthur just has to be careful from Toyosi.
08:09Ola Sanya.
08:10And he concedes the throw.
08:11He's read the situation as well.
08:13The young man coming in not knowing the teammates.
08:15Obviously, match days, as I say, come on against Tibbs.
08:17And I thought he'd done quite well in the game.
08:19But he's reading of the game so far has been excellent.
08:22And he knows Dennis Giga.
08:23Of course, Benjamin Arthur was Brentford's under-21.
08:27Player of the Year last season.
08:28And he's coming with bags of quality.
08:32But just that raw talent.
08:34Milne just has to be careful.
08:35Goes back to Mitov.
08:38Plays it out as Yang looks to close down.
08:41And that's good pressure from Celtic.
08:42They'll have to be quick here.
08:43Malloy, it was conceding the throw.
08:46Can Celtic go on the front foot?
08:47Patate for McEwen.
08:50He's looking for options.
08:52Here's Tierney.
08:54It's Kieran Tierney with the shot.
08:56And it goes behind for a corner.
09:00It's just Celtic look different when they pass it quickly.
09:03I know it keeps as if it's an old record.
09:05But it's fact.
09:06You know, they just play better when they play quickly and move forward quicker.
09:11Well, if Kieran hurt, did he sell there with the strength that he had?
09:13He's maybe not comfortable with that ankle.
09:15Yeah, well, he had that earlier knock from Ola Sanya.
09:20I think it was.
09:21My memory serves me right.
09:23But Celtic have the corner.
09:25It's McEwen.
09:27Out-swinging left foot.
09:28Gets the ball in.
09:29That's a good delivery.
09:30Scales at the back post.
09:32And a more central position.
09:34But he should have done better there, the big Irishman.
09:36But they should always have somebody covered round the back post.
09:38We were always told, get round the back post.
09:41The strikers I played with, I loved that.
09:43Because that's where they used to stand all the time.
09:45Or they ended up there.
09:47Because they thought if anybody heads the ball and doesn't hit it in target,
09:50deflects off at the fender end, that's a position.
09:52Yeah, that would have been the bread and butter for O'Brien.
09:56McLear.
09:57Oh, many of them.
09:59Tierney.
10:01Oh, Thomas Schwantzera.
10:04And he just breaks down once again for the big check striker.
10:09But to be fair, I thought Tonekta should have run across the face of him there
10:13instead of waiting for the ball wide.
10:14That was the opportunity to go across the face.
10:16Armstrong with that lovely lofted ball.
10:18Scales just has to head it back to his goalkeeper, which he does.
10:22He does drift it.
10:23I don't think there was enough pace on the ball there, I must admit.
10:26Tierney for McGregor.
10:29This is a big match for Celtic in the grand scheme of things.
10:35These three points, if they can get them, will be absolutely vital
10:41come the final reckoning of the Scottish Premiership.
10:48Hatate for McGregor.
10:50Celtic with a bit of space in midfield for O'Rahou now, over the halfway line.
10:54Here's Yang.
10:56Well, he's a hundredth appearance.
10:57Is he going to overrun it?
10:59He does.
11:01And Aberdeen come back into possession.
11:04And they've looked tidy in the midfield so far.
11:08And here's Olazania through on goal.
11:11He's going to get back onto his right foot.
11:13He's looking for the ensign.
11:14It goes all the way through.
11:15The flag eventually goes up.
11:17That is your pet peeve, Peter Grant.
11:20How long does it need to go on for?
11:21Oh, it drives me insane that.
11:22You know, especially running for that distance.
11:24And the linesman knows he's going to give off sight.
11:26I think it's so clear.
11:29You know, just blow the whistle and let's play.
11:33Someone is going to get a bad injury.
11:35That's my concern.
11:36It's always been my concern.
11:38They're going to go through one and one with a goalkeeper.
11:40And one of them is going to come out the worst for where.
11:46And it goes all the way through.
11:50It's a long pass to Mitov.
11:53Give the Bulgarian goalkeeper time.
11:55Jack Milne now for Jensen.
11:57Can't Celtic close down quickly.
11:59Win the ball back.
12:02Milne.
12:07Celtic pressure.
12:08But Aberdeen seemed to get through.
12:11Scales now.
12:13It's on to the left foot.
12:15Gets it into the midfield.
12:17That was terrific with Liam Scales there.
12:20It's easy just to put that ball out of play.
12:23As you write, as you said, showed composure.
12:28Here's Ternet.
12:31To Necte.
12:39It's Ternet for Ternet again.
12:42Celtic desperate for movement.
12:45Two wins against Aberdeen already this season.
12:47Home and away.
12:49It was a 2-0 win.
12:49With Pettodre in August.
12:53And a 3-1 win in December.
12:57Oh, it was late in the day in December.
13:01Won't be late in the day today.
13:07Ternet, it's pass, he's asking for the foul there.
13:10As both Celtic players slide on the surface.
13:16Yeah, I would rather like to see Ternet or Yang.
13:19If they get the ball, not to be passing it back.
13:22Just go and take someone on, get something from it.
13:24Whether it's a throw and a corner, whatever.
13:26But they have to be more positive and take 1v1, Jules.
13:30You know, instead it has a saving passing wingers.
13:34Oh, Celtic options on the bench.
13:36They have Sirachi, Donovan, Negrin, Oxley, Chamberlain, Forrest, Adamu, and Dyson, Maeda as options.
13:46So, plenty there should Martin O'Neill look to change at Mitov.
13:51Just, Ossie's footing there, but he's recovered really quickly.
13:54Nielsen moves the ball out to Malloy.
13:57For frame, he's really impressed, but Araujo closes down.
14:02The only thing I would say, and I'm looking at Luke McCown here,
14:03he's more concerned about No. 8 running off him.
14:06But Aberdeen are under pressure then, he's got to release himself and become that second striker,
14:10because they'll not kick the ball or pass the ball through to No. 8, Gregor.
14:14Because they don't have that quality and they want to go wide and steady through the middle,
14:18so Luke can release himself.
14:21Schwancher, and Giger wins that, but it goes out for a throw.
14:26And you can see Sean Maloney and Gavin Strachan in conversation.
14:31So, you just wonder if changes will be afoot for Celtic.
14:39Scales.
14:41Back to his goalkeeper, a fine save from Senesaro.
14:46Not the best opportunity of the second half, but it just doesn't seem quick enough for Celtic at the minute.
14:51McKown goes back to his goalkeeper.
14:55But now you look at Celtic's midfield, so even if they go into the front man now, there's the chance,
15:01you've got to get bodies up there.
15:02Celtic have done well here.
15:04Can't connect to you got on the end of it, but his touch lets him down, goes all the way
15:08through.
15:09But, yeah, Peter, they've got to win that header to almost get in.
15:12Absolutely, so, but it's a great thing, the two wide players were inside for the first time,
15:17and they've done it before, it was isolation, but I think Luke doesn't need to go back,
15:22he doesn't need three Celtic midfielders to go back the pitch, for me personally.
15:29Julian Araujo, Yang, looks to go inside, but frame has marshalled him well,
15:36and the one-two with McEwen, breaks down, Cameron turns over the ball for Aberdeen, here's Olesanya.
15:42Scales tracks him well, gives Celtic time to get back into position,
15:48as we approach the hour at Petaudre, Aberdeen one, Celtic one, here's Jack Milne.
15:57Stuart Armstrong, it's space now to get the ball into the box,
16:00Milne with the left foot, and it goes wide.
16:05I just think if that was fallen to an attacker in that Aberdeen side,
16:08that could have spelt more danger for Celtic.
16:11Yeah, but it also shows you the quarter that Armstrong's got running from midfield,
16:15you've got to be aware of that, of course, but Martin looks as if he's going to the bench now,
16:21Negrin looks as if he's getting ready, Hatati's already ready.
16:25Well, changes are on the way for Celtic,
16:28Twanchera goes down, Nick Wall's not having it,
16:31and Aberdeen have the ball, but Celtic have it back quickly,
16:34here's McEwen for Tenecte, can't Tenecte go here?
16:37He's got a chance to drive into the box here,
16:40Tenecte gets the ball in, it's headed away by Cameron.
16:43Kieran Tierney now goes to his winger, Tenecte.
16:48Two men ahead of him.
16:51There's the weight.
16:53McGregor waits on it, he wins it back.
16:56Tierney now gets the ball in, it's a great ball,
16:58Twanchera!
17:00And it goes for a corner kick.
17:03Yet again, I think Tenecte faces the full-back up at the one time he did have it,
17:08the first time he had it.
17:09He was in the box, the defender, he's got to go and be positive,
17:13he doesn't need to slow down.
17:16Oh, it's the head of Malloy.
17:20In the end, Celtic half the corner,
17:22before the changes can be made,
17:25and look, McEwen, the suspected Negrin's about to enter the freight,
17:29and maybe, look, McEwen that makes way.
17:38Can Celtic strike again?
17:41Ball comes in, doesn't beat the first man.
17:44McEwen, disappointing delivery.
17:51Araujo now for Hatate, gets room to turn.
17:55Real Hatate, looks to slide it in to Kieran Tierney,
17:58it was in the central striker position.
18:01Arthur does well, but Aberdeen come out of it.
18:06Scales just has to be careful,
18:08and he goes back to his goalkeeper.
18:10Yeah, he done very well, he's still on his seat there,
18:11it's easy to put a slide tackle in there and give a silly free kick away
18:15or give the referee a decision,
18:17but Sydney have been sent off for that now at the halfway line.
18:20Tierney for Tenecte.
18:26Well, it looks like it's going to be another tense affair for Celtic,
18:32whether one way or the other.
18:34Long ball forward, Kantonecte, out-muscle Jensen,
18:38and he's conceded the corner kick,
18:41just a nudge into the back of Jensen,
18:44and he goes down the right wing back for Aberdeen.
18:48It's silly, you don't need to give the free kick away,
18:50make the defender defend,
18:52there's maybe a chance he can get by him.
18:55Well, a double change for Celtic.
18:58Thomas Vanchera makes way for,
19:01I'd assume Dyson Maeda.
19:07And he looks like he's going to take up that central striker position.
19:11Luke McCown comes off,
19:14and Benjamin Negrin got a goal here in August.
19:17It was his first for Celtic.
19:20And Maeda comes on as well.
19:23Well, I'm always, as I say about Negrin,
19:26I know he has his critics,
19:28but I think he does that very well, that area of the pitch.
19:32Well, Nielsen on a yellow card, so he's going to make way.
19:42Flurry of changes from both sides.
19:47And his former Celtic academy player, Liam Morrison, comes on.
19:53Back in Scottish football,
19:56after going to the likes of Bayern Munich and Wigan.
20:08He was well thought of in the Celtic academy,
20:12before he made the move to Germany.
20:18He's just looking on now,
20:19because obviously he's thinking,
20:20may there's pace,
20:21he doesn't want Nielsen to be caught with that one.
20:23And it's a great decision with Peter Hill,
20:25even to be perfectly honest with you,
20:26you'd be looking at that yourself.
20:31Oh, Sinasawa,
20:32just get the hand up there,
20:34apologising for the distribution.
20:36But that's the difference now,
20:37he's got to realise he's not got that target player.
20:40So that's the difference now,
20:41you have to maybe play quicker,
20:42so that's why he has to move it,
20:44get it down,
20:44get it passed out as quickly as you possibly can.
20:49And goes for another throw.
20:52Tierney.
20:56Arthur now.
21:01And another change was Keenan Bivalovic,
21:05comes on for Aberdeen as well.
21:09McGregor pushed back to the goalkeeper.
21:12It's been a bit too familiar this for Celtic.
21:19Sinasawa,
21:19looks for Hattati,
21:20Hattati has to be careful,
21:23goes back to his goalkeeper.
21:24Celtic are going to have to clear the lines and they do.
21:27Yang looks to head on.
21:30Negrin and Antonekte in there,
21:31but Aberdeen come away with it.
21:34And it goes away for another throw.
21:38I don't think Callum and Hattati,
21:41I mean, I'm talking from a midfield point of view,
21:42I don't think they're going as deep as that in the centre of your box,
21:46knowing you're going to be under pressure.
21:48You've got to open your body out so you can play forwards.
21:50And the wheel attacking is very lucky because he's feeling away from him.
21:53See that again, absolutely crazy for me.
21:56Well, Celtic seem to get out for now as Aberdeen put the press on.
22:02But they seem to be masters of their own potential demise.
22:08Araujo looks to knock it on here for Yang.
22:13There's further changes that look to be made,
22:15I think it's James Forrest and Sriracha.
22:20Arthur's done very well there,
22:21can he keep it in?
22:22Not quite.
22:23He goes away for a throw.
22:27I think you're right, Celtic are making it difficult for the Celtic.
22:30The Celtic itself, we're complicating it.
22:32I think the tempo of the game has always got to be up when you're a Celtic player.
22:36But if you've got an opportunity to look forward or play forward,
22:39you have to do that.
22:40And I can't understand why midfielders go back as deep as that.
22:44Because if your central defenders or goalkeepers can't,
22:46if they're going to pass it, if they can't pass it any there,
22:49they shouldn't be playing here.
22:51Well, Sriracha comes on for Kieran Tierney.
22:54Yang makes way for James Forrest.
22:59Nine goals against Aberdeen in his career.
23:04He's only scored against St Johnston Moore.
23:08Got to the mark as well.
23:10Maeda making his 200th appearance for the club.
23:14Sounds coming on.
23:17Armstrong can push back now.
23:19Celtic have a different proposition up front.
23:23Negrin knocks it down for Hitate.
23:28And it just breaks down again.
23:31Arthur picks the ball up, goes back to his goalkeeper.
23:37Scales.
23:44McGregor for Araujo.
23:46Negrin peels off.
23:49Armstrong has got space, but James Forrest on the ball.
23:53A fine game back in May against Aberdeen.
23:58Petaudre.
24:01Sirachi.
24:03For Tenekte.
24:04One-on-one here with Jensen.
24:06Suddenly Cameron comes over.
24:08He's going to have to go back to his full-back.
24:14Negrin and Hitate just lose out again.
24:16Tenekte gets a challenge in.
24:18Cameron knocks the ball into the centre.
24:21And Celtic just have to try and build something.
24:24We've got three central midfield players playing on the one side of the pitch,
24:29five yards from each other.
24:30You'll never build anything because you've not got a pass on
24:32and it's easy for Aberdeen.
24:34They've got to stay away.
24:34Aberdeen will come towards the ball,
24:36and the ball should come to you with the quality that you have in there.
24:44Arthur for McGregor.
24:46Scales.
24:50Looks to cliff it over.
24:51But Sirachi does well.
24:54Keeps it in.
24:55Tenekte for Hitate.
24:57Now a chance for Celtic.
25:00Here's Araujo.
25:01He's got James Forrest.
25:02It's Forrest.
25:03And it's in!
25:05And it's Benjamin Negrin!
25:09It's another goal for the midfielder.
25:12And Celtic are ahead.
25:16It's Aberdeen one, Celtic two.
25:19Well, exactly what I say about him.
25:21You know, that's why Adol is having the team,
25:23he's just got that knack,
25:24but the good thing is they just pushed away to James Forrest.
25:26What does James Forrest do?
25:27I'm going to attack and slide it across the goal.
25:30I'm just not even thinking anything else.
25:32Oh, he may be getting offside here.
25:34I'm doing interesting to see the opponent's foot.
25:39When he gets the ball, obviously his foot's in front, but the first one...
25:44It's interesting because the line's in a good position, for us it's a bit difficult.
25:50Well, we might just have to pump the brakes on the celebration from that angle,
25:55it looks potentially on.
25:57But we will wait and see in the 67th minute, will Celtic be denied?
26:01It's where the foot is, the first one,
26:04because the line's been obviously seeing that, and it's difficult.
26:07This is the problem when people talk about the cameras,
26:10see if you've knocked the straight lines,
26:12it's a problem when it's at an angle.
26:14But, listen, at least Negan's doing something positive,
26:18James Forrest has done something positive,
26:20but interesting to see how the lines are drawn.
26:22Well, we shall wait, Nick Walsh just waits for the lines to be drawn at Clydesdale House.
26:29This is probably the best angle, it looks onside from there,
26:34but still tilted.
26:36No, I think from there he looks onside.
26:40Obviously Maeda's offside, but he looks onside,
26:43I was talking about the first man's foot,
26:45that's where it is before the ball comes in,
26:47because he's outstretched.
26:50Well, Nick Walsh still waits for that communication,
26:53just shows how difficult these decisions can be.
27:00The goal's given!
27:03The arm goes up by Benjamin Negri and Celtic, and ahead!
27:08Yeah, I thought, when you look at it that way,
27:10and as I say, it's definitely you don't see the angle,
27:12but he gets himself in front,
27:14but it's the first defender he actually gets,
27:16you see it, you can see it here, that's a perfect angle, Peter.
27:19That's exactly what I was saying to you,
27:20it's the toy, the first defender,
27:22because the linesman's in a very good position,
27:24and usually the first guys they see
27:27as either the attacker offside or the defender.
27:3119 goals for the Swede,
27:33the super Swede, he does it again,
27:36at Petaudry.
27:39Oh, Rahul just puts the challenge in,
27:42Nisbet screams for the foul, but he's not getting it.
27:50And the cries of come on the hoops from the early end,
27:53how big a goal could that be from Benjamin Negri?
27:59Well, listen, he's done it consistently,
28:02and that's why I think it's very, very difficult,
28:04he's out the side no matter how he's performing,
28:05because he just has that natural instinct
28:07to get in that box, a great desire,
28:10but as I keep saying, I think when Celtic play quicker,
28:12and it was three simple passes across the pitch,
28:14out to James Forrest, goal.
28:16Too many times we slow the game down,
28:18and I always think that's what James brings to it,
28:20and that's why I said prior to the match,
28:21I wouldn't have been surprised if James had started,
28:23because he had such a good game at Petaudry
28:25at the end of last season,
28:27and I know it's a different game, but if they play a back three,
28:30you've got to have wingers that take wing backs out the game,
28:33and that's what James Forrest does.
28:34Well, here he is, Forrest,
28:37positive in his first interaction on the pitch,
28:41here's Frame, over the halfway line,
28:42as Aberdeen looked to get through,
28:45goes for Pavelovic, but it's well cut out by Arthur,
28:49and then Hitate hooks it over the halfway line,
28:52Celtic 20 minutes to go,
28:54in their game in hand,
28:55it's Aberdeen 1, Celtic 2,
28:57it's going to be more tense if you've got any nails left.
29:04Well, they've just got to keep that concentration,
29:07as they say, don't,
29:08I would be saying to Callum McGregor and Rio Atati,
29:10you're going far too deep to receive possession,
29:13you'll be the next pass,
29:15if the defenders are saying,
29:16the goalkeeper can't pass into you in the bad position,
29:18because it means that Aberdeen are too far up the pitch,
29:21so now you've got James, now you've got Tenekti to hit,
29:23you've got the space in behind,
29:25if Aberdeen push off the high with the pace of Maeda,
29:26so why complicate it if we're going too deep and allowing Aberdeen to pressure?
29:31Oh, and there's a suck here, Maeda's through,
29:34it's Dyson Maeda!
29:36And he hooks it wide,
29:38big chance on his 200th appearance,
29:41and he doesn't take it.
29:43He's got to score,
29:45and this is what I'm saying about Aberdeen,
29:47they don't like the pressure on them,
29:49you've got to make them make mistakes,
29:50but Dyson Maeda's, listen, the defender can't do anything,
29:53even if he runs and drives in,
29:55you know, the defender can't get across him,
29:57he can use his body to get his right leg in front,
29:59but he's got to hit the target for sure,
30:01well, he's got to score, never mean hit the target.
30:04Yeah, we're hoping we're not looking back on that.
30:07Oh, a gift from Jack Millen,
30:10as he slipped and Dyson Maeda,
30:13closed down on goal,
30:14and he just hooked it wide.
30:19And that could've really made things a bit more comfortable
30:23for Celtic.
30:25Arthur goes back to his goalkeeper.
30:31See, I don't think we need to do this.
30:33I just don't think you've got to keep the tempo of the game up,
30:36you know, there's moments will come when that happens,
30:38when you maybe take the sting out of it.
30:40But this is what happens,
30:42because the midfield then are too deep,
30:44so by the time the ball comes up and gets headed back...
30:46No, Mitov just had to be there,
30:48sorry to cut you off once again, Peter,
30:50but Dyson Maeda was closing down on the Bulgarian goalkeeper,
30:55and he just had to be sure.
30:57But it's such a shift for Callum McGregor and Rio Hattie,
31:00that's the point I'm making, if he decides to go long.
31:03You're never going to get up in second balls,
31:05and in these games, they're so important you win them.
31:12And it's McGregor.
31:14That's an uncontrolled hook up into the sky.
31:17Arthur backing in, McGregor's still in there.
31:20Stuart Armstrong.
31:22Oh, he's still got it, Stuart Armstrong.
31:24Just as I say that, he gives the ball away,
31:26and Celtic have the chance to get on the front foot.
31:29Siracchi with Tenecti here, he has the option.
31:33Sebastian Tenecti gets out to Siracchi.
31:37Negrin.
31:41Looks for Maeda Milne.
31:43He's not sure, and gets the corner kick.
31:47Conceded.
31:48Celtic have a chance to get the ball into the box.
31:51That's exactly what I'm saying about putting balls in the box.
31:54It's uncomfortable for defenders.
31:56When you put balls in behind them,
31:58you make them make decisions.
32:00Well, William Scales makes his way up.
32:02I'm sure Benjamin Arthur is there as well, and he is.
32:07And it's Negrin, the goal scorer.
32:09Will it be the winner?
32:11We'll wait and see.
32:13He's over the corner kick.
32:15The outswinging left foot of Benjamin Negrin.
32:18The ball comes in.
32:19It's a good delivery, but it's headed away.
32:22Only as far now as Rio Hitate.
32:25Siracchi.
32:26The Celtic work it back round to Negrin.
32:28Tenecti's there with Negrin.
32:30Doesn't take the option.
32:34McGregor looks for Siracchi.
32:36Negrin.
32:38Tenecti.
32:39Celtic patient here, just waiting for the opening.
32:41Hitate had a lot of space there.
32:43But it's now Araujo on the ball.
32:48Arthur.
32:50For Liam Scales.
32:53Hitate's got space round him.
32:54Can't take the ball with him.
32:55Negrin.
32:56Nice step over.
32:57Cute pass, but it's only as far as Hitate.
33:00Pokes it out to Araujo.
33:02Let fly there.
33:03Tenecti now.
33:06Hitate for Tenecti.
33:09Looks for the angle.
33:11McGregor.
33:12Brilliant pass out for Siracchi.
33:14Feins it.
33:16It's Callum McGregor.
33:18It's blocked.
33:19Celtic heaping pressure on the home side.
33:22But Araujo's pass is short.
33:24And Forrest will go in to Nick Walsh's boot.
33:27It's a yellow card for the most decorated player in Celtics history.
33:32Yes, it is, but Sarajo's ball's poor.
33:35You know, Celtic had them on the back foot there.
33:37And it ends up with a good foul by James to be perfectly honest with you.
33:41As long as he doesn't get another one.
33:43Oh, absolutely.
33:50Armstrong picks up the ball.
33:51Aberdeen wanting to relieve the pressure.
33:53Celtic have kept it on since getting the goal.
33:57Arthur lets the ball bounce.
34:00Has he got time to go back to his goalkeeper?
34:01He does.
34:05Shunny wearing the captain's armband now.
34:09See, the difference is even there when they went with a longer ball,
34:13was the fact that Benjamin Negrin played the opposite side, Shunny,
34:15so Shunny couldn't get the ball on his feet, so they had to go longer.
34:18And that's what I was saying earlier, I thought Macoon could have done that story,
34:21worrying about it.
34:22That's up for defenders to see that at times,
34:24because they're only playing with the two strikers,
34:26but Callum's role and Rio Hotate's role to see that early runner.
34:30You know, follows changes look to be made by Peter Levin,
34:33Keskenen being one of them.
34:39Araujo goes back to his captain.
34:42And it's been a tense evening for Celtic,
34:46we knew it wasn't going to be easy.
34:54Sanisawa finds MacGregor,
34:56Hitate's still very central,
34:58as Peter Grant on co-commentary has picked up the two midfielders quite deep.
35:06It's a Celtic fan saying the name of Rio Hotate.
35:13Tenekte challenges,
35:15Sarachi does well,
35:18puts it out to Tenekte.
35:20He cuts in.
35:23It's well played by the Tunisian.
35:25Here's Maeda, can he make amends from his earlier chance?
35:28He can't keep his foot in the Japanese striker,
35:33but Celtic still have the ball.
35:37Yeah, it's a great run to get the ball forward.
35:41The substitutes have made the team a little bit more energetic,
35:44going forward, we're playing forward,
35:46and that's why I said don't take the foot off the gas,
35:49you've got to keep Aberdeen, don't slow it down too much,
35:52because that's what they'd want to do.
35:54Play any of the likes of Negrin who are higher up the pitch
35:56and can affect the game for you.
35:57Let them win the game for you,
35:59and you do your defensive duties well,
36:02and that's why I'm saying that it would either be
36:03if Callum gets back and Rio Hotate stays away or vice versa,
36:07because it allows you to get somebody's support closer
36:09and it keeps Aberdeen's players deeper out the pitch.
36:12Lovely pass by McGregor to Sarachi.
36:18He's got space to go in here, Sarachi,
36:20but gets the ball to Tenekte.
36:22He's got Jensen with him and Cameron,
36:24they've doubled up on him all night.
36:27McGregor, got Nick Walsh in front of him.
36:34Araujo.
36:34Negrin in some way gets it out to Forrest.
36:39Hitate wants to move it on.
36:43Armstrong, strong, under the challenge,
36:46and wins the free kick.
36:50And just have to be careful, Galen, because both Callum McGregor
36:54and Rio Hotate were nearly on the 18-yard box there.
36:57And you see the middle of the pitch was empty, Kevin Nisbitt was standing himself,
37:01and that is what Aberdeen will try and do.
37:03If they can nick it even when a header or a tackle that gets to him in his three,
37:07one of the two midfield players have got to have that balance.
37:10That's why I'm saying one should be a little bit deeper, one should be a little bit higher.
37:13One that gives you the pass, but also out of possession allows you one of them to go and press
37:17the ball.
37:18Now Dylan Lobin comes on, Jensen makes way, Keskinen comes on as well.
37:27Lobin as well, he got a red card at Celtic Park back in December with just Aberdeen down to ten
37:32men.
37:33And some notes for Graeme Schinney, some maybe tactics changing here for Peter Lievenside.
37:44He's headed on by Keskinen.
37:48Of course him and Sinisalo will be familiar to each other, coming through the Finnish international set-up.
37:56He's very quick, you know, the question of his final ball at times,
38:00that's the biggest down side he's got from his game.
38:03You hear that made off him all the time, but the thing, you have to be concentrated on him there,
38:07because he has got pace to burn.
38:10Well, he was pitched by Aberdeen as one of the hottest talents coming out of the Nordic scene when they
38:15signed him.
38:16He's only 22 years of age.
38:23Hatati's got room now.
38:26I think they've maybe went to a back four now, Aberdeen playing the 4-2.
38:31Well, that suits Celtic Peter.
38:33Well, you would like to hope they're going to get more space out if they move the ball quicker,
38:36but what it gives Aberdeen three players up front now that they can hit, as I say, the pace.
38:42Ternecte just loses out, but Celtic quick to get the ball back.
38:46Scales with a short pass to McGregor.
38:50Ternecte.
38:55Ternecte.
38:55For Ternecte.
38:56Beats his man.
38:57Negrin looks to get it back to Ternecte.
38:59Well cut out by Dylan Lobin, but he passed it straight into the midfield for Cameron.
39:04He's lost possession.
39:07Hattati wants to quickly get the ball back out to Araujo.
39:11That frame concedes the throw in.
39:13Ten minutes to go at Petaudre.
39:15It's Aberdeen one, Celtic two.
39:19Most important moments in matches, you get these moments,
39:23we're going to make right decisions.
39:24And it was interesting, we spoke a couple of minutes about Callum and the real Hattati make,
39:28and the real Hattati made the run wide,
39:30but Callum stayed in the position and gave the balance to the group.
39:34And that's so vital that you use that experience at this period in the game.
39:39Well, here's Morrison.
39:42Dillon Lobin, Ternecte, just looks to close down.
39:45Yeah, but he should be closer.
39:47He shouldn't allow Lobin at that time to lift his head.
39:49As soon as the ball lifts his head to play it to Lobin,
39:52he should be right in his face and get the block in or steal the ball off him.
39:55Whereas the Aberdeen playing three up now,
39:57if it gives Lobin time, he's got three targets to play with.
40:02Ternecte for Maeda, wrestling with the ball and the player.
40:10Goes for another throw.
40:19Morrison goes back to Mitov.
40:23Cups the ball out, is Haraho going to get there?
40:25He doesn't, goes for a throw.
40:26I thought he was almost in there.
40:28But better, you know, better.
40:30You see the way Haraho goes and puts pressure on there,
40:33even though it never got to him,
40:34he wasn't going to get time to pull the ball down,
40:35and that's what I was saying about Ternecte.
40:37He's got to go and get,
40:38a player should never get left in his head.
40:40I keep saying that when Celtic do that,
40:42they've done it in the second half on Saturday,
40:44and they look a much better team,
40:45because they win the ball higher
40:46and they've got the players that can help the opposition.
40:49Haraho nods it, down by Negrin.
40:52Maeda runs into traffic once again.
40:58The ball gets played into the centre of the pitch.
41:02Ternecte goes back to scales.
41:04Sorachi had made the run ahead.
41:08Hattate.
41:10Five goals Rio Hattate has scored against Aberdeen.
41:14He's got the same amount against St Mirren.
41:16He's not scored any more against any other opposition.
41:22Haraho.
41:27And Celtic win the throw-in.
41:29Front of the Celtic bench, Haraho goes quick,
41:31looks for Forrest.
41:33Frame just does well.
41:37Armstrong back-heels to Shunny.
41:41Clips it forward.
41:43It's in the south, quick off his line.
41:45As you said, Peter, he reads the game well.
41:48No, he doesn't.
41:49I'm just interested.
41:50I think Aberdeen are just going with that one,
41:52with Graeme and Shunny just maybe sitting in front.
41:54I'm going to try and make it a 4-2-4,
41:56but they've got possession,
41:57so allowing Stuart Armstrong on that to run.
42:00And you have to be careful of that.
42:01I think it's Shunny is going to play a little bit...
42:04Sorry, he's going to play a little bit deeper.
42:06Stuart Armstrong is going to be higher with Cameron,
42:09and obviously the front men.
42:10So you know they're not going to play that much
42:13through the middle of the pitch,
42:14but they're going to go forward quickly,
42:15so that's where the concentration levels
42:17for the back guys have got to be there,
42:18and that's why I'm saying the balance in midfield
42:20is going to be important.
42:22Oh, a final change coming for Celtic.
42:25Colby Donovan.
42:27It is getting ready.
42:30I imagine it might be Julian Araujo.
42:32That will come off.
42:34Straight swap it right back, you would assume.
42:37He may be playing in front.
42:38and take Tenekti.
42:40You know, he just played with two defenders
42:44on that side of the pitch,
42:46and moved, switched James over.
42:48Yeah, we'll wait and see what Martin O'Neill decides to do.
42:54Of course, the first time in 21 years
42:57he's managed Celtic here at Putaudry.
43:02It was a narrow game that day, Chris Sutton with the goal,
43:07and a 1-0 win.
43:12It's in the saddle, goes long again.
43:16Hattati gets his head on it, Shinny, McGregor.
43:22Hattati now brings it down.
43:23Has he got time for that?
43:24He doesn't.
43:25Nick Walsh says play on, Cameron.
43:27And Arthur does well to cut it out,
43:29but Stuart Armstrong picks up the ball.
43:32It's Mitchell frame, nods it on,
43:33and there's a bit of space now for Aberdeen.
43:35It's into the box, it's well headed away,
43:37still alive for Aberdeen.
43:38Arthur gets a crucial header on the ball,
43:41and it's going to come back the way.
43:44Morrison picks up the ball.
43:47It's brilliant defending there, that's for sure.
43:50Got to just keep that concentration level.
43:52You see Armstrong making the runs.
43:54Ball comes in again from Kesken,
43:56Arthur clears his lines.
44:00Five minutes to go at Putaudry.
44:11Malloy for Shinny with the left foot.
44:14Clips it over.
44:15Araujo's got to be careful here.
44:17Can he see it out?
44:18And he does.
44:19Wins the goal kick for Celtic.
44:21And you'd assume Colby Donovan
44:23will be making these entrants pretty soon.
44:25We'll see this chance again, Peter.
44:27Listen, it was great defending by Liam Scales.
44:30A fantastic header.
44:32And he's done that a lot for Celtic, you know,
44:34in important times.
44:36But they shouldn't be getting in there.
44:38But it's a straight swap, you're right, Dylan.
44:41Julian Araujo makes way for Colby Donovan.
44:49I just thought it was such that one of these situations
44:51where he thought Mitchell Frame was getting forward
44:53and putting delivery in the box,
44:54and it seems to be in the pace of obviously Kesken and out there.
44:57I thought maybe they went with the two full backs there.
45:06Time is starting to tick away.
45:08Senesawa just being told to hurry up here by Nick Walsh.
45:23Senesawa plays the ball forward.
45:26And Negrin's going to try and close this one down by Mitov.
45:29It's not the best connection, but it goes as far as Armstrong.
45:34And it looked like he was taken down there,
45:36but referee says play on, Arthur.
45:39Looks for Negrin.
45:41Can Celtic get the second ball.
45:43Hitate.
45:46The Sriracha does well, concedes the throw in.
45:49He does, I thought he was away from there,
45:50he was going to take the player out.
45:52But it was better for Hitate because he was closer,
45:55and not too deep.
45:56He could go on that second ball,
45:57and the more times Celtic won the ball in there,
45:59the more pressure than it is on Aberdeen.
46:01Well, Malloy slips.
46:03It's not the first time a player slipped on the surface tonight.
46:06We know the pitchers recovering from the weather
46:09that the city of Aberdeen has endured over the winter.
46:16McGregor.
46:20Donovan in traffic here, he's taken down, wins the free kick.
46:25I think they're in great trouble there,
46:27but to be careful, I think they got fortunate there.
46:30I think that's the time when you've got Dyson made up front,
46:32you should just be spinning that into that channel
46:34and making them defend and looking towards their own goal.
46:36Because you don't want Dyson made chasing you down for sure.
46:42Well, he will take encouragement from his size performance tonight.
46:46Potentially, and I don't want to jinx it,
46:48but they're potentially just tired towards the end,
46:51but Celtic really need to see this out.
46:54It can be a big three points.
46:56After where they were at half-time on Sunday at Ibrox.
47:01Arthur.
47:05And Hatate goes into the book.
47:10I think he's disappointed, but what happens here,
47:12if you notice the ball, it just stops,
47:14and then it obviously gets ended up getting to booking for it.
47:17He wasn't happy.
47:19But there's no doubt it's a yellow card.
47:22Shunny.
47:25For Malloy.
47:27Donovan wins the throw in.
47:30We'll take all the territory we can get at the minute.
47:33Celtic look to see out this game.
47:39Game management by the Celts.
47:47Donovan throws it back in.
47:49Looks for Negrin.
47:49He's got a lot of space here, Negrin.
47:51Gets it out to Tenecte.
47:52Can Celtic put the cherry on the cake here.
47:55Tenecte for Sorace.
47:57And he should have just drilled it low.
47:59Look at the shouts at the back post.
48:02Big, big chance for Celtic to see and kill the game off.
48:06Oh, he's got to do better.
48:08He does fantastic to get there.
48:10Once he's here, he's just got to roll it across.
48:12I think Maeda's went offside, don't get me wrong,
48:14but Benjamin Negrin was in that position again.
48:17He's definitely not got to miss the target.
48:19Negrin again.
48:20Goes early for Maeda.
48:22He's got no support.
48:22He looks in the box, has to go back to Tenecte.
48:30McGregor for Sorace.
48:37Ball.
48:39Goes out.
48:41I think it might just, if I heard that right,
48:43I think it might just, if I heard that right,
48:44seven minutes added on.
48:46Goodness me.
48:50Well, it's five minutes, Peter.
48:52Frank.
48:53Ha ha.
48:53Ha ha.
48:54Ha ha.
48:55Ha ha.
48:55Because you were looking at it, and I thought he said seven,
48:57I'm saying where's seven from?
48:58Seven from, and I don't mean that.
49:00Well, I thought I heard seven as well, but I have been told that it's five,
49:04so even still, that's still a long way.
49:07So Senesato clips the ball forward.
49:11Well, listen, we don't mind the amount of time that you've added on.
49:14What you've got to do is control the game for that period.
49:17You're used to doing that anyway.
49:19We've had to play a lot of games with time because opposition
49:21wastes time, but to be fair, Aberdeen have not really done that.
49:24That's a good take from Cameron.
49:25Releases the ball.
49:26Celtic have to be careful here.
49:27Ball comes flashed across goal.
49:29It's great defending from Sorace.
49:31Sorace concedes the corner, gets a congratulations from his goalkeeper.
49:38It was great defending.
49:39Well, we said that Keskin's pace, that's the one they're looking for.
49:43They're looking for that slip ball, but Sorace does brilliant.
49:47What all good defenders should be,
49:48he should be in front of the opposition wide player,
49:51and he does that exceptionally well.
49:52Now this is the bit you have to concentrate.
49:54You've done the first bit, don't be always celebrating yet.
49:57Get your head on the ball.
49:58Ball comes in, it's a good delivery.
50:00As far as Shunny gets it back in, Arthur heads it out to Hatate.
50:04It's hooked back in, Celtic have to get this clear.
50:07Shunny heads it in, Arthur heads it out.
50:10And Hatate goes to ground, but Cameron threw his credit,
50:13stayed on his feet, and the ball goes away.
50:16I wonder if Lyle Cameron thinks, I should have went down there.
50:19Well, if he goes down, it's a penalty.
50:21That's what I'm saying about not clearing the ball.
50:23Celtic always second, third headers.
50:25I think Lyle Cameron will be looking back and saying,
50:28oh, but I think he's just got that in his mind,
50:31he thinks he's got an opportunity to get in.
50:33I think there is absolutely no doubt that if he goes down,
50:35it's a penalty kick.
50:37Wow, Hario Hatate goes to ground.
50:40Lyle Cameron, I've got to say, he's on loan from Rangers,
50:43and he's not went to ground there, he's still on his feet,
50:48and that's probably kept it from not being a penalty here.
50:52Tenekte now, can Celtic, land the knockout punch.
50:58Goes into the corner.
51:00Is it strong enough, Tenekte? No.
51:03Goes away, but only as far as Hatate shapes up.
51:07And it goes way away to the target from Rio Hatate.
51:11I thought he was shaping up so the defender would block,
51:14and then he would reverse it himself and cut himself in,
51:16he's more than capable of it.
51:21Forrest.
51:23Wins the throw, shows great experience.
51:26Ninety-three on the clock, two minutes to go.
51:31Well, Colby got Donovan's got to look down the line as far as he can
51:34and tell me to run into that channel.
51:37But when he got Mado on the pitch, I wouldn't even think twice about it,
51:40I'd just bring him over himself.
51:46Donovan.
51:47I'm just going to chase it now, that's exactly what you have to do.
51:51Well, Mitov just have to control this, he's got Maeda closing down.
51:56McGregor wins the header, not on to Negrin.
52:02He's got Hatate with him, a bit of space here.
52:05Looks to play it through for Tenekte, so frustrating.
52:09They just can't quite get the right weight on that ball.
52:14Well, he's got two chances because Sorachi's coming up late,
52:16as he's been doing fantastically well.
52:18He's run from deep to get there to give him two options.
52:23Nice bit.
52:24Labardino have nothing to lose now,
52:25and this is the biggest problem you have,
52:27because he's putting everything forward, making you give throw-ins, set plays.
52:32Donovan has conceded the corner kick he has.
52:36And a minute to go here, and Celtic are going to have to defend.
52:41A corner kick.
52:44As Leaven shouts for his team to get forward.
52:54And it's Lyle Cameron over the corner kick.
52:58Towards the beach end.
53:00Cameron, it goes all the way through.
53:03Forrest hooks it away.
53:07Frame, wait for the ball to come down.
53:10Forrest, straight out after clearing that ball.
53:13Maeda closes down.
53:14Cancel to get the ball.
53:16And they get the free kick, Hatate wins it.
53:20Thumbs up to the referee.
53:22And that just relieves the pressure, Peter Grant.
53:25Most definitely so.
53:27I mean, I didn't know if he was looking,
53:28I was thinking about it.
53:34Martin's out there telling me...
53:36I've been there myself, you've told everybody to calm down,
53:38you're going to boot like a maniac.
53:40I think we know what he was saying there.
53:46No, he's exactly saying, mate.
53:49You've instructed, just get the ball into the corner.
53:51That's what Maeda's here for.
53:54And it's full time.
53:57I just wonder how big a three points that will be for Celtic.
54:02Come the final reckoning of this ever so tense title race.
54:07Celtic move up to second place.
54:10All games are now even.
54:13They're five points behind hearts.
54:15Lots of work to do.
54:16Lots of games to be played.
54:18But that's a big step for Celtic on the road in this title race, Peter Grant.
54:23Well, it's a massive three points.
54:24I said it.
54:25I felt if we lost this game and you end up losing,
54:28what is it, seven points out of nine in the last three league matches,
54:31it would have been a problem.
54:32That's not championship winning for them.
54:34But that man, again, magnificent.
54:37And I thought he made a difference.
54:38All the substitutes, maybe apart from Maeda,
54:41because he had a big chance to kill the game off.
54:43You know, the other guys had a big effect.
54:45James Forrest putting the ball in for Negrin to score.
54:47Maybe they should have killed the game off.
54:50They things, but it keeps Aberdeen in there.
54:52But to be fair to them, they show guts to come off after a really tough game at the weekend.
54:56You know, when you've played a second half after being so poor in the first half.
55:00But they're finding a way.
55:01And that shows character, guts, determination.
55:05And that's what you need for a buyability.
55:07That's the most important ingredient you need to be to be champions.
55:09A big win in the Granite City for Celtic.
55:14Benjamin Negrin on the 67th minute gets Celtic the winner.
55:19We all know how much that number means to Celtic.
55:22And he's struck on it and gets his 19th goal of the season.
55:26He takes the applause from the Celtic fans.
55:29A long way to go, Peter, in this title race.
55:32But given where Celtic were at half-time on Sunday at Ibrox,
55:36it was only a big point at Ibrox if you could win tonight.
55:40And they've done that.
55:41Yeah, most definitely.
55:43Listen, the outlying game was always going to be important.
55:45Even if you'd have lost to Ibrox, the outlying game to you, everybody's equal.
55:49So now everybody's equal.
55:50And now you've got to go and try and win your games.
55:52That's what you do now.
55:54It's not saying, oh, we've got a game in hand in here.
55:56Even psychologically, these sort of things are important for the players.
56:00Now you've got a cup tie.
56:01So you've got that little breather from the league.
56:03Now you've got a cup tie coming in.
56:05So these are things that are important.
56:06The boys will be delighted.
56:07Matt will be over the moon.
56:08These ones are so important that you can go to Aberdeen
56:11and win at place at least 51 leagues.
56:13And they've done that.
56:14But, listen, two centre-backs again.
56:16You've got to give them great credit.
56:17I thought they defended ever so well.
56:19Young Arthur coming in and not obviously playing a full 90 minutes.
56:23I thought it was excellent.
56:24And Liam Scales had a fantastic clearance end of the game.
56:27But Benjamin Negrin, for me, he's so important for Celtic.
56:31Celtic Football Club with the amount of goals he scores.
56:33Well, the champions are on the hunt.
56:36Five points is the gap now at the top of the table.
56:40Celtic moving to second place.
56:43And as you were saying, Peter, the focus now switches to Ibrox once again on Sunday.
56:48There will be 7,500 Celtic fans in the Brumland stand as Celtic look to get into the semi-finals
56:56of the Scottish Cup.
56:57Where does that all sit in the midst of all this?
57:01Listen, Celtic's all about winning.
57:02You go to the next game, you've got to try and win it.
57:04And going to Ibrox, listen, having the great Celtic support behind them,
57:08it'll be fantastic to see.
57:10And hopefully they can go and put a performance on and get the victory they were so desperate they want.
57:13And you want to continue playing well and getting results.
57:16And when you're not playing well, get results.
57:18These things, ingredients, as I say, are so important.
57:21But it's another big game.
57:22Martin will be desperate to win the Scottish Cup.
57:24As the players will be, as the supporters always are.
57:27So it's a very, very important game.
57:29But this was the most important game in the calendar at this moment in time as tonight.
57:33And they've come away with a fantastic three points.
57:35Well, thank you, Peter Grant, for joining me here in the commentary position.
57:39It ends here at Petondri, Aberdeen 1, Celtic 2.
57:44Thanks for now, goodbye, inhale, hail.
57:47Billy MacNeil holding the cup for Celtic.
57:51It is sensational!
58:00Celtic are the champions!
58:21The Cup for Celtic.
58:21The Cup for Celtic.
58:21The Cup for Celtic.
58:24The Cup for Celtic.
58:25The Cup for Celtic.
58:25The Cup for Celtic.
58:25The Cup for Celtic.
58:26The Cup for Celtic.
Comments