Celtic v Aberdeen: Ronny Deila will keep title celebrations on ice despite victory over nearest challengers

Celtic 4 Aberdeen 0

Ronnie Esplin
Sunday 01 March 2015 19:35 GMT
Comments
Jason Denayer heads Celtic's opener against Aberdeen
Jason Denayer heads Celtic's opener against Aberdeen (GETTY)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ronny Deila says he will keep the Scottish Premiership title celebrations on hold despite his Celtic side despatching nearest challengers Aberdeen to go six points clear with a game in hand.

Against the run of play, defender Jason Denayer headed in from a corner in the 37th minute before the visitors fell apart after the break.

Leigh Griffiths made it 2-0 with a penalty and Gary Mackay-Steven and Stefan Johansen added further goals for Celtic’s third win of the season over Aberdeen.

The hosts can stretch their lead at the top further against St Johnstone on Wednesday night, but Deila has refused to write off Aberdeen as title challengers after they lost their first league game in 14.

“I don’t take anything for granted,” he said. “I have been in football for many years, so I know how quick it can turn around if you start to lose focus on the right things.

“If we do everything we have done so far for the rest of the season, it is going to be very hard for them.”

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes said his side took “a sore one”, although he refused to be too critical. “Celtic showed exactly why they’re top of the league because they’ve got players who can exploit those moments of lacks in concentration,” he said.

“There is an acceptance that maybe we are not quite ready to go and take them on. But there is the feeling we can improve and that’s the target for any team.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in