Celtic’s 2-0 win at Pittodrie not only opened up a four-point lead over Rangers just two games into the season, it also gave Brendan Rodgers the platform to deliver a pointed response to his critics.
The Hoops boss watched his side control proceedings in Aberdeen, scoring in each half and giving the hosts barely a sniff in front of goal. It was a display built on composure, possession and precision, with two well-taken goals securing the points.
Rodgers has long been known for measured analysis after matches, but this time he used his platform to address those who have doubted him. The win, coming off the back of another clean sheet on opening day, allowed him to make his point with the scoreboard in his favour.
While delighted with the three points, his tone in the post-match media suggested his message was aimed at sections of the Celtic support and perhaps some in the press who have questioned whether his football is good to watch.
He said: (Clyde 1 Superscoreboard), “Yeah, I thought we were excellent, with really good control and domination of the game. Scored two outstanding goals, could have had more. And when we had to be strong, we showed strength and power, keeping any efforts at all to a minimum.
“So yeah, really pleased for the players. Listen, there’ll always be an ‘R’ to my round. I told you the other day about the two years — oh, they don’t play good football, they don’t play that.
“We’ve never played that in the last two years. I think there are a number of people who really don’t like me here at Celtic. But for me, looking at the team, I’m really happy to see how the players are, the current players that we have.”
His comments leave little doubt about the intended audience. Rodgers’ reference to the “two years” and the suggestion that “a number of people… really don’t like me here” points towards ongoing scepticism from some supporters and pundits.
By pairing that with praise for his squad, he’s signalling that the football being played is exactly how he wants it, and that results like the one in Aberdeen are proof his approach works.
Celtic’s early four-point cushion is a strong position to be in, but Rodgers’ real victory on Saturday may have been in reminding detractors that he can deliver performances with both control and cutting edge.
Now, with two wins and two clean sheets, the challenge will be to turn this early-season statement into sustained dominance, while letting the football answer the questions.
