Aberdeen

Image source, SNS

Mats Knoester believes Aberdeen's "brave" attacking approach at Celtic Park yielded positives despite the 5-1 defeat.

The Dons' run of three straight wins shuddered to a halt as they paid for profligacy in front of goal, with substitute Shayden Morris' late consolation all they had to show for their efforts.

However, Dutch defender Knoester, who signed in January from Ferencvaros, is remaing upbeat and said: "I do think it's a better thing to stick to your way of playing because we still created.

"I hadn't played there before, of course, but we had quite a few chances and I've heard that it's not easy there.

"A lot of opponents just sit back and they still lose, so I think it's much better to try and be brave and stick to your way of playing football.

"The difference is if we could punish them in the beginning, that can be the difference to turning a game around.

"It's hard to speak about positive things, but I do think if you look at the bigger picture, we had some big opportunities to score a goal at the beginning.

"The biggest difference was they are so clinical.And I think that was basically the story of the first half, that every chance was a goal and we weren't clinical enough. Also sometimes we missed maybe a little bit of smartness, like making a foul, taking the speed out of the game.

"But I think we have to take our lesson out of it and not be too negative, even though it was a big loss. I think we could we can still take positives."

Aberdeen face Dundee United this weekend and Knoester acknowledged the magnitude of a game against a side vying with them for third spot,

He said: "It's a big game. If we win that, you don't forget about this (Celtic) game, but at least we can turn it into positive again.

"So if the result is good this weekend, I think we can say that we took our lesson."

Aberdeen were only willing to offer Jamie McGrath a new three-year contract, but the 28-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder will head to Scottish Premiership rivals Hibs this summer after the Leith club landed him with an extra 12 months on the table. (Daily Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

"If you come for the king, you best not miss." That quote, from award-winning TV show The Wire, was apt when reviewing Aberdeen's latest game against Celtic.

The Dons had numerous opportunities to score at Parkhead but failed to take those that came at the crucial moments in the match, with Shayden Morris' late goal barely denting what was another ultimately embarrassing defeat in Glasgow.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Celtic were utterly ruthless up the other end. But having watched a lot of both teams this season, this was not a vintage performance from the champions, who were unusually careless in that first half in particular, yet still strolled in at the break 3-0 up.

Oday Dabbagh, Kevin Nisbet and Jeppe Okkels all spurned huge chances and the major frustration for Jimmy Thelin will be two-fold: It was a lesson against profligacy and a reminder there remains work to do at the back.

To get a result at Celtic Park requires lots of facets of the game to go your way, as Aberdeen experienced the last time they were there in October, but the Dons boss will be disappointed with the manner that most of the goals were conceded.

It was actually a positive performance in many ways by Aberdeen. They have played worse at Parkhead and not conceded five times.

However, it is now 29 games against Celtic without a victory. Before this sequence, the longest Aberdeen had waited for win over them was 18. It also leaves their aggregate scoreline from four visits to Glasgow this season at 16-3.

In truth, the fixture came at the worst possible time given the Dons had looked as though they were beginning to get a foothold on their season again after 14 league games without a victory. Sunday's clash with Dundee United at Pittodrie is probably their biggest Premiership game of the campaign with the split looming into view.

Unfortunately, Aberdeen's battle, like nine other top-flight clubs, is not with Celtic and to a certain extent, matches in Glasgow's east end can be written off in that regard.

But Thelin will be hoping the result does not have an adverse effect on the next few weeks of what has been one of the strangest seasons in the club's history and with so much still in play.

We asked for your thoughts on Aberdeen's 5-1 defat at Premiership leaders Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Justin: Thoughts of what could have been.. too many missed chances, poor set-pieces, simple mistakes and slightly unlucky. 5-1 was a little flattering for Celtic but that's how it goes at Parkhead. Hopefully it doesn't derail our recent progress.

Marco: I feel sorry for Ross Doohan. Despite the dreadful winless run, his form had been solid. But he let in a few easy goals and that set the tone for a heavy defeat. Aberdeen played well, fluid in transitions and showed fight. Hopefully the boys can move on quickly, get this one out of their heads and regroup for Dundee United.

Fred: An off-form Celtic but still far too strong for us. We still cannot score consistently and our defence still cannot defend even after the injection of the new players. Unfortunately our midfield was weak and far too slow. Our manager still seems unable to vary tactics when the team is struggling.

Andy: A sobering wake-up call (yet again) from Celtic. They were ruthless in front of goal, Aberdeen were toothless. Five decent chances passed up.

Joe: Scottish football 0-1 Celtic. If we're not already used to it, this is the state of Celtic's utter dominance of Scottish league football. No team will take many points from them if any. It's not about results in these game it's about performance and last night was a decent performance. The results that count come outwith the Old Firm, ie at United.

Malky: It's embarrassing seeing people write that our season isn't defined in games like this. If you have any aspirations of being a successful team, these are exactly the type of games that will determine a successful season. The weak mentality continues against Celtic. Zero belief in either box. Dundee United on Sunday becomes huge, a must win.

Image source, SNS

• Celtic have scored in each of their last nine games in the Premiership, scoring 30 goals in that run.

• Aberdeen have conceded 13 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, only Ross County (16) and Hibernian (15) have conceded more in the Premiership this season.

• Alistair Johnston has assisted seven goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no player has more.

• Daizen Maeda has scored 11 goals in the Premiership this season (two in this game), more than any other Celtic player.

• Aberdeen have scored 12 goals via substitutes in the Premiership this season, only Celtic (17) have scored more.

Aberdeen created a string of first-half chances but fell to a heavy defeat in Glasgow.

Dons fans, what did you make of your team's display? What more would you like to see in Sunday's huge showdown with Dundee United?

Send us your thoughts here., external

Image source, SNS

On a bleak night for Aberdeen, there were few stand-out performers.

Shayden Morris brought directness off the bench, blowing one big chance when he tore away from Auston Trusty, and polishing off another after bamboozling Liam Scales late in the game.

Image source, SNS

Winning at Celtic Park requires defensive solidity and a killer instinct up front and Aberdeen, ambitious and full of positive intent as they were, delivered neither.

Jimmy Thelin pledged to be true to his side's tactical identity, and there was little change to the aggressive blueprint which saw his team keep pace with the Glasgow juggernaut early in the season, and record a belligerent 2-2 draw here.

What was missing, was Aberdeen's bloodlust in the Celtic box.

Oday Dabbagh's lack of conviction in pursuing his early chance. Kevin Nisbet's miscue when presented with an open goal from 20 yards out, Shayden Morris' powderpuff effort when one-on-one with Kasper Schmeichel told the tale of a profligate evening.

Corners failed to beat the first man. Promising positions were frittered away. And when possession was surrendered, Aberdeen were left desperately exposed, notably for Celtic's second goal.

They simply got too much wrong, at too unforgiving a venue.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Alexander Jensen says he is still adjusting to the intensity of Scottish football and has plenty of room for improvement despite an impressive start to his Aberdeen career.

The Danish full-back, 23, has edged Scotland cap Nicky Devlin on to the bench and started the Dons' past six games after arriving from Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna on a four-year deal in January.

"I think everyone around the team has been making it very easy for me to settle here and have helped me a lot," said Jensen.

"It is very different to Swedish football, more intense and duels, I still have to get used to that. I think there are still a lot of things I can improve and the team can improve as well."

Jensen has been key to the Dons' recent upturn in fortunes, with three successive wins in all competitions before Tuesday night's trip to face Celtic.

"First of all it was to play at Pittodrie which I enjoy so much, crazy fans and crazy atmosphere there, but of course it is a great game and a big game so I am looking forward to that as well," he added.

"Every day I feel it is coming as a team and it is coming how we want to play. Everybody is on the same pattern so it is coming on and off the pitch."

Image source, SNS

• Celtic are unbeaten in their last 28 meetings with Aberdeen in all competitions (W22 D6) since a 1-0 defeat at home in May 2018.

• Aberdeen remain the only side to avoid defeat and to even score away to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership this season, having drawn 2-2 at Celtic Park in October.

• Celtic have won their last nine home league games by an aggregate score of 32-0. Never before in the club's history have they won 10 in a row at home without conceding.

• Aberdeen have only won one of their last 11 league games played on a Tuesday (D5 L5), a 3-0 win away at Ross County in January 2024.

• Celtic's Jota has scored five Scottish Premiership goals against Aberdeen – his most against any opponent in the competition.

Aberdeen defender Alexander Jensen recalled watching Peter Schmeichel's rock band play a gig at his former club Fredericia as he prepares to face Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel at Parkhead on Tuesday. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin wants his players to "keep building" ahead of Tuesday night's trip to league leaders Celtic.

An added-time winner against Kilmarnock at the weekend saw the Dons retain third place in the table, and make it three victories in a row in all competitions.

Now they are braced for the toughest challenge in Scottish football - an outing at Parkhead.

"I think we have a clear picture of what we want to be in the future and to be better," Thelin said.

"Now we play Celtic away, it is a difficult game. Brendan Rodgers has done a really good job, they are a good team so for us we need to take these challenges and grow with that and give everything we can and try to get the points.

"The rest of the season, every game is going to be so crucial, so important for us and the other teams.

"We know that and that is a good pressure because you have to be sharp every game and it there is no room for rest you have to push the whole way now to deserve the third place in the table."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has been speaking to the media ahead of their Premiership trip to play Celtic on Tuesday night.

Here are the main points:

• Thelin admits it is "a difficult game" but says "we have to believe" and be ready for the challenge.

• On if he is braced for a Celtic backlash after they lost at Hibs at the weekend – he pointed out that Celtic are always good at home adding Aberdeen's focus on "what we want to do".

• He accepts you get fewer chances at Parkhead so you "need to be sharp" when they come along

• Thelin says it is "one isolated game" adding that "every game is really important" if they want to achieve their goals – saying it is "a good pressure".

• After goalie Dimitar Mitov was restored to the starting line up at the weekend following a spell out with injury, Thelin praised his "leadership" and "presence".

• After both players went off injured at the weekend, Jack MacKenzie is available for Tuesday's game, but it will be "too early" for Nicky Devlin who has a shoulder issue.

Glen Schreuder
Fan writer

Yabba Dabbagh Do, the sense of relief was palpable as Obday Dabbagh lifted the ball into the roof of the net to open his Dons account on his home debut.

A seismic weekend in Scottish football, with results elsewhere making that goal and moment feel crucial in our season.

This Aberdeen team either loses or fails to win that game a few weeks ago. Are we finally seeing signs that this team's attitude has changed and they mean the business I questioned the other week?

The January transfer window is often viewed as a difficult market to operate in. Jimmy Thelin however looks to have made shrewd signings, and in centre-backs Mats Knoesters and Kristers Tobers, defensive solidity has returned. Alexander Jensen with another solid performance switching positions more than Rangers switch managers.

However, it is up top where the biggest difference could be.

A striker was needed, and signed in Obday Dabbagh, his cameo last time out against Dundee showed real encouragement on what he could offer. Saturday he grabbed a goal, fans were waiting Obday for, which will boost his confidence and only excite fans further.

This week sees us visit Celtic then a huge Pittodrie showdown against Dundee United awaits in the race for third.

Feel good factor returning? Excitement building? It certainly feels like it!

Glen Schreuder can be found at Red Tinted Glasses, external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Aberdeen grabbed their third win in a row with a narrow victory over Kilmarnock and they have one player in my TOTW.

Mats Knoester has slotted in seamlessly. An assured display as Aberdeen claimed three points.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin believes forwards Oday Dabbagh and Kevin Nisbet could form a formidable partnership. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss Aberdeen's build up to their winning goal.

Image source, SNS

Jimmy Thelin has hinted that strikers Kevin Nisbet and Oday Dabbagh could form an attacking partnership.

Aberdeen have mainly played with one striker up top this season, but the emergence of January signing Dabbagh, who scored the winner against Dundee at the weekend, could lead to a change of shape.

"It can be," answered Thelin when asked about the possibility of a new striking duo. "It's important for a striker to score when they come to a new club. If you can wish a start, you wish that.

"However it's also other things that are important for a striker to contribute to victories as a team, but the goals are important."

"They can play as number nines or 10s or as two strikers. We can do it in the future – let's see."

Nisbet has had to step up to the plate following the departure of Bojan Miovski and the early injury to Pape Gueye, who started the season in red-hot form.

The Scotland striker now has seven goals to his name this season after arriving on loan from Millwall in the summer, where he had an unhappy spell following a move from Hibs.

"Kevin has grown into the team and also with his fitness levels and how he competes. He can cope more and more in 90 minutes and take responsibility.

"Kevin is looking much sharper in how he helps us in the build-up and he also has the power left to go to the box."

Watch highlights as Aberdeen win 1-0 against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Aberdeen's 1-0 win against Kilmarnock.

Here's what some of you said:

Dick: This was the poorest demonstration of football seen at Pittodrie for a long time as Kilmarnock stifled a creative Aberdeen offering with long balls and a high press.

A physical encounter where Aberdeen scored two good goals and hit the post to no reply. Graeme Shinnie introduced composure while Shayden Morris added penetration as substitutes.

Stuart: Confidence seems to be back, however Tuesday's game will tell us if that's the case. Surely the club must get Kevin Nisbet signed on a permanent deal, he is showing he wants to be at Aberdeen.

Peter: Good result considering where we've been, new faces and also that Killie have had a good run of form. Some good individual performances but much better as a unit.

My worry is Nisbet and Oday Dabbagh are on loan. We need permanent forwards who will perform.

Tyler: Aberdeen were dull in that game but a needed win for Jimmy Thelin. Dabbagh looks a great new signing and put away a great finish to start him off. Killie came close but Aberdeen came out better.

Fred: Good to get another win. A very competitive match which could have gone either way. The team looks better balanced and much stronger defence-wise. Hope we are on a run of good results, especially as we see Celtic are not invincible.

John: Much more positive. Great atmosphere throughout at Pittodrie. Got the win and new boys all performing in a much more settled starting XI. Let's hope the Dons can keep it going.