Aberdeen vs Celtic. Scottish Premiership.
PittodrieAttendance17,105.
Sunday 30 October 2016 10:30, UK
Celtic stretched both their unbeaten domestic run and their points advantage to 10 as they secured a battling 1-0 win at Aberdeen courtesy of two moments of brilliance from Tom Rogic and Craig Gordon.
The former capped a fine display with a classy first-half finish for the winner, while the latter produced a superb stop deep in added time under a late barrage to secure the win.
In truth it was no more then the visitors deserved, with only an inspired display from Joe Lewis and some profligate finishing keeping the hosts in the game.
James Forrest and Stuart Armstrong were the first to show for Celtic down the right but Lewis snuffed out the threat at his near post.
The excellent Erik Sviatchenko prevented the home side from going in front as he blocked Niall McGinn's goalbound effort eight yards out, but the contest failed to match the brightness of the weather for much of the opening period, with sporadic fouls and misplaced passes predominant.
However, that all changed when Rogic (23) controlled a headed clearance with his right foot and then instantly flicked a left-foot volley beyond Lewis from 18 yards.
Rogic then twice threatened immediately after as Celtic, with the returning Scott Brown to the fore, continued to boss the midfield exchanges.
Andrew Considine headed over before an even better chance fell to the Dons defender as the ball fell kindly for him at the far post but Gordon was able to flop on the ball as it deflected off Jozo Simunovic.
Armstrong failed to hit the target from six yards, scuffing wide after arriving late onto Rogic's low cross, before Scott Sinclair drew a superb fingertip save from Lewis.
Mikael Lustig's raking pass sent Rogic galloping clear but the increasingly busy Lewis was able to block before Moussa Dembele, who was having a quiet afternoon, worked the Dons keeper with a shot on the turn.
Rogic again threatened but Lewis got down well to his strike and the ominpresent Australian then dragged his shot wide from 16 yards as the pressure mounted.
But the second goal did not come and it was Sviatchenko to the rescue once again with a timely clearance as a free-kick caused momentary panic in the Celtic rearguard.
Adam Rooney and Jayden Stockley were on to beef up the home attack and Sviatchenko stood strong once more as Graeme Shinnie bore down on goal, James Maddison volleying over shortly after.
In the fifth minute of added time, Sviatchenko's last contribution of an eventful afternoon came as he inadvertently flicked a header towards his own goal and Gordon produced his brilliant instinctive save, ensuring the Dons slipped to their first home defeat of the season.
