Soccer Football - Scottish Premiership - Celtic v Rangers - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - May 1, 2022 Celtic fans with a cardboard cutout of Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine
After the longest, slowest and coldest five weeks of the year Celtic were back in action yesterday- putting their fans through all of the familiar emotions.
Since beating Ross County last month some players have been in Australia, Portugal and Qatar but most fans have been working their way through an imaginary Advent Calendar that led to Pittodrie on December 17.
The big day finally arrived, Callum McGregor was back in action to give the side a familiar look with the addition of a Portuguese moustache.
Forty five first half minutes ticked by without a goal to cheer despite total possession and virtually no threat from Aberdeen.
? Callum McGregor marked his return with a late goal to fire Celtic back nine points clear with victory at Aberdeen.
What did you make of the game? pic.twitter.com/wRqohKzPEo
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 17, 2022
After the break Celtic were more direct thanks to the introduction of Liel Abada but it was another, vintage substitution that created the breakthrough.
Coming in off the left wing, making a familiar run across the pitch from 25 yards out McGregor sensed an opening, James Forrest tapped the ball into the path of his skipper and with one low and accurate shot the deadlock was broken.
There was barely time for a proper celebration before the final whistle was blown and the players were back in the dressing room.
A nine point lead made the journey down the road much more bearable with thousands of telly fans enjoying reruns of the goal with the skipper taking no settling in time to hit top form.
A, 1-5-3-2 formation from Aberdeen was a disgraceful set up…..a truly memorable win.
Will Aberdeen be as “Staunch,” when ‘the’ orcs come up making friends.
I am 67 and no longer surprised that it is us that work the hardest.