Celtic’s second half power show swept Aberdeen aside as Ronny Deila’s side made a massive title statement.
For an hour yesterday’s top two clash was in the balance with only a 37th minute header from Jason Denayer separating the side’s.
An offside flag denied Leigh Griffiths Celtic’s second goal but the signs were there that despite their midweek trip to Milan the hoops were getting the upper hand.
Once Mark Reynolds blundered into Stefan Johansen to give Celtic a penalty the match died as a contest with Griffiths confidently dispatching his shot past the other Scott Brown.
Goals from Gary Mackay Steven and Johansen, his fifth on successive domestic matches, wrapped up the points with Deila delighted by his side’s display after the break.
“It was a wonderful afternoon, I’m so happy with the performance and the result, I’m proud of the boys,” the Celtic boss said. “They have played a lot of games, it’s been tough.”
“In the first half we struggled to get the tempo in our legs, Aberdeen were tough and very offensive. They pushed us back and caused us problems without having many clear chances.
“We got the first goal and that gave the team more energy, in the second half there was only one team on the pitch and we could have won by more
“After the break we were better organised, we were disciplined, organised and balanced. We held the ball well and they couldn’t cope with the runs we made behind them.”