A wonderful, crisp volley from Tom Rogic was the difference between Celtic and Aberdeen at Pittodrie after the Australian internationalist's goal was enough to give Celtic all three points against Derek McInnes' side.
Celtic will feel that they ought to have taken a more ruthless hold of the game after fashioning a number of genuine chances, particularly in the second period, and their profligacy could have been more costly as Aberdeen launched a late flurry that could have pegged them back.
Brendan Rodgers; side, however, prevailed albeit with some desperate defending as the game drew to a close. Craig Gordon will feel that he was worthy of as many plaudits as Rogic after a fine save at the death from an Anthony O'Conner header.
There were six changes made from the Celtic team that win against Ross County, although Stuart Armstrong retained his place while Jozo Simunovic and Erik Sviatchenko continued their central defensive partnership.
Leigh Griffiths had to settle for a place on the bench with Moussa Dembele starting the game at Pittodrie.
Sviatchenko booked after just two mins foul on Jonny Hayes, but it did not deter the Danish defender from an afternoon in which he went on to out in a number of robust challenges.
Celtic dominated the early stages of the second period but despite a burst when it seemed as though Aberdeen keeper Joe Lewis was playing the Parkhead side on his own, the visitors could not add to the scoreline.
Scott Sinclair had a curling effort palmed away by the Dons stop while Rogic had the chance to add another to his tally – seven goals for the season now – when he was clean through on goal but his effort was straight at Lewis.
The Australian internationalist turned provider shortly afterwards with a cutback to Moussa Dembele was also batted away by Lewis.
Yet, for all Celtic’s pressure their inability to put the game out of reach could have cost them in the second period.
McInness took off Niall McGinn and Ryan Jack, replacing them with Jonny Hayes and James Maddison as the Pittdodrie side looked for a way back into the game.
Maddison in particular proved to be problematic for Celtic and McInnes may consider whether or not he would have been more effective on from the start.
Celtic, too, made changes of their own with Nir Bitton introduced for Rogic while Patrick Roberts, perhaps a little unlucky to have found himself on the bench after his part in Wednesday night’s win in Dingwall, came on for the last 15 minutes of regulation time as James Forrest made way.
Aberdeen were incensed that Andrew Shinnie did not win a penalty after Sviatchenko cut across him, with McInnes insisting afterwards that it was a clear spot-kick.
Scott Brown and Hayes were involved in a flare-up at the touchline, and there was some indication that both playeres could have considered themselves fortunate to escape with only a booking a piece after appearing to raise their hands.
As it was, the game closed with Aberdeen chasing a leveller but Celtic hung on to take all three points.
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