Brendan Rodgers reckons it is “very early” to be branding Aberdeen as title challengers – as the Celtic boss named the “luxury” Jimmy Thelin has that he is missing.
The hosts raced into a first half lead thanks to goals from Reo Hatate and Kyogo, but the Hoops succumbed to the Dons in the second half as Ester Sokler pulled a goal back before Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie saw his effort deflect beyond Kasper Schmeichel and into the net. Both side saw their perfect records in the Scottish Premiership apart – and while it’s Celtic that hold onto top spot on goal difference it’s Jimmy Thelin’s men that will happier with the point as they travel back to the Granite City.
Speaking to BBC Sportsound after the game, Rodgers was reminded that he previously didn’t brand the Pittodrie side title contenders having not faced off against them so far this term. He was quizzed on if he had seen a “good team” battle back in Glasgow’s east end, responding: “Yeah, they are a good team. Well coached.
“They have got the luxury of having time because they have no European football. They can train, prepare and have good energy going into each game once a week.
“So, yeah they work it well. We should win the game today, there is absolutely no doubt about that. Once they get the goal it gives them a bit of belief and we just couldn’t find the killer instinct in the last 15 minutes or so. They are there, it’s still very early, but they did well today.”
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