Matt O’Riley’s late goal ensures Celtic go top after lively victory at Aberdeen
Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley scored for the second game running as Celtic beat Aberdeen 3-1 at Pittodrie. Furuhashi capitalised on a defensive error to put the champions back in front inside half an hour, after Bojan Miovski had cancelled out Liel Abada’s early opener.
Aberdeen caused Celtic plenty of problems in an enthralling first half with Graeme Shinnie harrying in midfield, Shayden Morris impressing on his first Pittodrie start and the front two posing a constant threat in behind. But Celtic enjoyed much more control in the second half and O’Riley’s late goal ensured they went back to the top of the table after two matches.
Celtic were unchanged and Aberdeen brought in Ryan Duncan for the absent Jonny Hayes before the game began after a minute’s applause for the former Dons manager Craig Brown in the first Pittodrie game since his death.
Miovski and Furuhashi were just wide from 22 yards at either end in a lively start before Celtic took the lead from O’Riley’s inswinging free-kick in the 11th minute. Daizen Maeda headed towards goal and Abada was flagged offside after helping the ball home from close range, but the goal was awarded by the video assistant referee, Andrew Dallas.
Aberdeen continued to press. Shinnie headed over after a well-worked set piece before the Aberdeen captain won the ball in the centre circle to spark the move that led to a 25th-minute equaliser. Jack McKenzie’s ball down the channel got Luís Lopes in behind Cameron Carter-Vickers and he cut the ball back for Miovski to knock it in from six yards after the striker reacted quicker than Maik Nawrocki.
The volume rose around Pittodrie, with a crowd of 18,652, but the home fans were silenced four minutes later. The home debutant Nicky Devlin did not spot Furuhashi as he tried to head back to his goalkeeper and the Japan striker lashed the bouncing ball high into the net from 18 yards.
Celtic had chances to extend their lead. Abada shot straight at Kelle Roos after good work from Maeda and the goalkeeper tipped over O’Riley’s freekick. Aberdeen finished the half strongly, though, and Dante Polvara twice came close.
The visitors made a double switch at half-time. Stephen Welsh came on for Carter-Vickers for his first competitive appearance in 10 months while Reo Hatate replaced David Turnbull.
Furuhashi missed a good chance with his left foot and Maeda was twice denied by interventions from Devlin after incisive counterattacks, the first through an excellent goalline clearance.
Hatate had helped Celtic control possession from a deep midfield role but he hobbled off in the 70th minute and was replaced by Odin Thiago Holm.
Aberdeen were unable to trouble goalkeeper Joe Hart, with their only real chance in the second half coming when Leighton Clarkson curled just wide after a long ball.
Roos denied Maeda after the Japan striker was played through on the break but the substitute Yang Hyun-jun cut the ball back for O’Riley to drill home in the 84th minute.
In the day’s other Premiership matches, the on-loan Arsenal forward Mika Biereth impressed as Motherwell beat Hibernian 2-1 at Fir Park.
After coming on as a 55th-minute substitute, the 20-year-old set up Conor Wilkinson for the opener and, five minutes before time, hit the second. Adam Le Fondre scored a late penalty for Hibs but they could not force an equaliser.
In the other Premiership game, Kilmarnock played out a goalless draw with Hearts at Tynecastle.