Callum McGregor labelled Celtic’s weekend defeat at Easter Road a ‘bad day at the office’.
But Brendan Rodgers’ champions-elect got straight back down to work as they dismantled Jimmy Thelin’s dopey Dons with a 5-1 drubbing. It wasn’t a flawless Hoops performance by any means but this Parkhead side know how to get the job done at the business end of the season.
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “Certainly not Celtic’s best performance but once again were clinical with their finishing, scoring some well worked goals even if 5-1 did flatter them a bit. And I thought they handled the extra pressure on them well following the appointment of Barry Ferguson at Rangers! Shame about losing the goal as they were heading for another record but we can’t argue Aberdeen deserved it. Three points closer to yet another title.”
John Caw said: “I am shocked at the way Celtic played. Auston Trusty must be the worst centre-back in Scotland and yet Rodgers plays him every week. Time to give Dane Murray a chance.” William Masson, Aboyne, said: “A predictably lame offering from the Dons at Parkhead, again! They really should save folk time and money by forfeiting these matches beforehand instead of doing it once they step on the pitch.”
Daizen Maeda hit the 25-goal mark after blasting a brilliant brace against Aberdeen, leaving Rodgers to admit rival suitors are bound to be sniffing about the Japanese ace.
But Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “Brendan Rodgers might have highlighted Maeda in Celtic’s win but the standout for me was Arne Engels. He is fast turning out to be Celtic’s very own version of countryman Kevin de Byrne in midfield. His two performances in the Bayern games have given him the extra confidence in his ability and Celtic fans now can see why top dollar was paid.”
Meanwhile, Barry Ferguson is set to take charge of Rangers for the first time this evening at Rugby Park after the former skipper was called in to take the team on an interim basis following Philippe Clement’s sacking. Willie Mercer, Dumfries, said: “I am at a loss as to what those writing in to criticise the appointment of the caretaker manager at Rangers expect from the board.
“With future investment in the club, the appointment of an interim manager was the only way to go. Therefore the credentials required of an interim manager under the current circumstances, 11 meaningless domestic games, albeit a European round still to play, differ greatly from those you would be looking for if it was a permanent manager.
“I for one will be fully behind the quartet as I know what they will bring with them for their short spell in charge, the same high standards, pride, drive, hunger and passion to succeed as they did when they wore the famous royal blue as players.”
Philip Borland said: “Barry Ferguson has said after been appointed interim manager at Rangers that people should judge him after 3 months. What has he got, a magic wand that is going to turn the rubbish we have playing for us into some sort of super stars? The full team is terrible if they let fans into Ibrox for free until the season I still wouldn’t go and watch them.”
Celtic fan Sean Dolan, Chicago, added: “About time Rangers pulled the trigger on big Phil. I’d hoped he’d be around for a few more seasons but the Rangers fans now have what they asked for – change.
“Will Ferguson turn it around this season? Unlikely. Will he claw back the gap on Celtic? Possibly. However, that’s not what matters right now. You have a man who knows what it means to play for the jersey. You haven’t had that in a long time. He can’t be any worse than Clement, so even if he gets a little more from that team, take it as a win.”
Alfie Mullin, London, emailed in: “I find it laughable that the Green Brigade are apologising to other Celtic fans about their behaviour. It makes as much sense as a sewer complaining for being smelly.”
Final word goes to Neil Renton, Leith, who said: “Hibs signing Jamie McGarth on a pre-contract is a cracking piece of business from the Easter Road side. Especially as he picked us over Aberdeen and some nonentity called Hearts. We’ll need a strong as squad as possible as we challenge Celtic for the league next term.”