Brendan Rodgers opted to bring Greg Taylor for Celtic against Aberdeen, which he has since earned praise for after the full-back assisted Reo Hatate for the Bhoys’ winner at Pittodrie.
On a night where clearcut chances were few and far between, the Japanese midfielder tucked away after being threaded through by Taylor to send the travelling support home delighted.
After Celtic edged out Aberdeen, they now hold a seven-point advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership, providing plenty of motivation for their home clash against Hibernian on Saturday.
In a result that could have significant permutations, Lee Miller believes the title race is over and Celtic will claim another title. Whether that is true or not remains to be discovered, but this is a group firmly in the groove looking to build the foundations for success.
With the Bhoys in a favourable position, Gordon Dalziel has pointed out where Brendan Rodgers deserved credit for his role in the triumph at Pittodrie.
Gordon Dalziel is loving what Brendan Rodgers did at Aberdeen
Speaking on Open Goal, Dalziel identified Rodgers’ decision to keep Reo Hatate on the pitch as a savvy choice from the Irishman that led to his side taking all three points against their closest challengers.
He stated: “It was one of those performances where see, if you’re Brendan Rodgers, you’re probably going , as much as we go and horse Ross County and the football we play, that would’ve been a real good one for him.
“He’s looked at that and thought, they’ve stepped up.” Later, he continued: “See to be fair to Brendan Rodgers, you talk about the substitutions. I’m looking at Hatate; as much as I didn’t think he was great, all of a sudden, he keeps Hatate on.
Maeda has not played very well and he makes that substitution at half-time with Taylor; we probably all think now in hindsight at Taylor would’ve been better suited. I like the boy, Valle; I think he’s superb.
“But, I though Brendan Rodgers, sometimes as the manager you’ve got to take a wee bit of credit, I think he deserves a bit of credit.”
Brendan Rodgers shows why he is paid to make big decisions
Admittedly, Hatate didn’t have his best night before scoring the winning goal, but realising that a player can still contribute in decisive fashion is a skill that cannot be faulted.
Rodgers did similar with Nicolas Kuhn away to Ross County earlier this campaign, ensuring the German stayed on the pitch before his moment of magic claimed all three points for the Bhoys in Dingwall.
More than anything, the squad have demonstrated time and time that they are able to go to the well and not come back empty-handed.
Character is seeping out of this group, who will aim to continue their dazzling domestic form over the festivities.
