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Celtic Pummel Aberdeen 5-1: Maeda Shines in Dominant Display
Celtic emphatically returned to winning ways, crushing Aberdeen 5-1 in a dominant display at Parkhead. Daizen Maeda starred with a brace, taking his season tally to 25 goals, while Jota, Callum McGregor, and Hyun-Jun Yang also found the net. This victory extends Celtic's lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to a commanding 16 points with 10 games remaining.
Maeda: The Symbol of Celtic's Success
Manager Brendan Rodgers lauded Maeda's performance, hailing him as "a really important player for us and the symbol of the team and how we want to work." Rodgers highlighted Maeda's tireless work ethic, versatility, and clinical finishing as key attributes, praising his ability to score whether playing centrally or out wide. The Japanese forward's impact was undeniable, showcasing his movement, anticipation, and clinical finishing.
A Clinical Celtic Display
While Rodgers admitted Celtic weren't at their best in the first half, their attacking prowess proved decisive. Maeda's early volley opened the scoring, followed by goals from Jota and McGregor before halftime, effectively killing the game. Aberdeen's early missed chances proved costly. Substitute Yang added a fourth, before a late consolation goal from Shayden Morris. Maeda then capped off the performance with a late second goal.
Aberdeen's Frustration
Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin acknowledged his side's missed opportunities in the first half, stating they "created chances but we need to score some of them." He highlighted the "soft" goals conceded as a key area for improvement, ultimately acknowledging Celtic's superior quality and clinical finishing.
Expert Analysis and Reaction
Sky Sports pundits Neil Lennon and James McFadden also praised Maeda's contribution, with Lennon calling him "one of Celtic's biggest players." The former Celtic manager emphasized Maeda's impressive goal-scoring record and growth as a player. Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett defended referee John Beaton's decision to allow McGregor's goal after a VAR review, deeming the ruling fair.
Looking Ahead
Celtic's victory reinforces their dominance in the Scottish Premiership. With a significant lead and 10 games remaining, they are firmly on course for another league title. The team's resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks, as highlighted by Rodgers, are testament to their strength and mentality. This win sends a clear message: Celtic are charging towards another domestic treble.
