Celtic Glasgow exorcised the demons of their Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen with a convincing 2-0 victory at Pittodrie Stadium on Sunday. The win maintains the Hoops’ perfect start to the season under manager Brendan Rodgers and puts them four points clear of Rangers, who failed to win either of their first two league games for the first time since 1989.
Swedish international Benjamin Nygren scored his first goal for Celtic, combining with Kieran Tierney to net the opening goal in the 27th minute. Nygren’s impressive performance continued as he assisted Reo Hatate’s stunning strike in the 66th minute, curling the ball in off the underside of the bar from the edge of the area. Hatate’s goal sealed the win for Celtic, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess.
Aberdeen, buoyed by their historic Scottish Cup win in May, came into the match with high spirits. However, they failed to replicate their cup form, succumbing to Celtic’s pressure. The Dons are now the only side in the Scottish Premiership without a point, highlighting the gulf in class between the two teams this season.
Despite criticism over the Celtic board’s limited transfer activity and budget, Rodgers’ new signings have made an immediate impact. Nygren and Hatate’s contributions underscore the manager’s ability to get the best out of his players, even with limited resources. Celtic’s strong start to the season bodes well for their title ambitions.
With a four-point lead over Rangers, Celtic will look to maintain their momentum in the league. Their next challenge will be crucial in determining their title prospects. Meanwhile, Aberdeen will need to regroup and address their defensive issues to avoid a dismal start to the season.
