Are big-game players keeping Celtic in title hunt?

"After Wednesday's 2-0 win at Pittodrie, O'Neill again hailed the "resilience" and "fight" that secured a narrow but "big win" over Aberdeen. The Northern Irishman would again admit that the free-flowing, dominating football of recent seasons is still missing, so what might make the difference for Celtic as they chase leaders Heart of Midlothian and attempt to hold off Rangers and Motherwell?"

"Left-back Kieran Tierney suggested in midweek that the trophy winning experience of their players and team boss could give Celtic the edge in a four-horse race for the Scottish title. The 28-year-old left-back's game time has been carefully managed since he returned from an injury plagued spell with Arsenal last summer. However, Tierney was back to something like his best at Pittodrie, with more goal attempts than anyone else on the pitch and winning every duel in which he competed."

"O'Neill called for Celtic to avoid the slow starts that have left them facing uphill tasks in recent weeks. And Tierney responded with their fastest Premiership goal of the season after less than five minutes gone at Pittodrie. After his goal in Sunday's derby draw with Rangers, he has found the net twice and provided two assists in his latest four Premiership games and taken his personal tally to five for the season."

Celtic defeated Aberdeen 2-0 in a match that interim manager Martin O'Neill described as keeping them in the title race. Left-back Kieran Tierney scored early, demonstrating the impact of avoiding slow starts. Despite lacking the free-flowing football of previous seasons, Celtic relied on resilience and fighting spirit to secure the victory. Tierney performed exceptionally, winning every duel and creating multiple chances. Substitute James Forrest provided the assist for Benjamin Nygren's winning goal. The win maintains Celtic's pursuit of leaders Hearts while competing against Rangers and Motherwell in a four-horse title race. Trophy-winning experience and squad depth appear crucial factors in Celtic's championship challenge.

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