Celtic made a winning start to life after Neil Lennon as interim boss John Kennedy safely guided the reigning Scottish champions to a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen.
Odsonne Edouard nabbed the game’s only goal just eight minutes in. The striker was helped out by a massive deflection which wrong-footed goalkeeper Joe Lewis.
The hosts lacked the killer instinct to kill the game off, but other than a brief period of pressure in the second period, Aberdeen rarely looked like being capable of finding an equaliser.
Player ratings scale - 10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.
. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard celebrates with Ryan Christie after scoring to make it 1-0during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on February 27, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard celebrates with Ryan Christie after scoring to make it 1-0during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on February 27, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group) Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
. GK - Scott Bain - 7
Made a strong early save when the game was still at 0-0 and his distribution had to be on point against the high Aberdeen press. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
. DR - Jonjoe Kenny - 7
His deliveries from wide were better than recent showings, including a terrific cross that was begging for Patryck Klimala to finish. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
. DL - Diego Laxalt - 7
Put in a good shift up and down the left and made a couple of eye-catching tackles. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
1. GK - Scott Bain - 5
Could maybe have done better with Sam Cosgrove effort that popped right up for Hedges to score. Also made an odd decision not to attempt a dive at the late penalty. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
2. DR - Jeremie Frimpong - 6
Asked questions at times but his effectiveness was curtailed by the Aberdeen defence. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
3. CB - Kristoffer Ajer - 7
Solid in defence and helped contribute to the attack. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
4. CB - Shane Duffy - 5
Another game, another error that led to a goal. He was also lucky that an obvious foul on Sam Cosgrove in the lead up to Celtic's equaliser wasn't picked up. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group