Derek McInnes had no choice but to applaud a “moment of brilliance” from Ryan Christie in Celtic’s 2-0 Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Aberdeen on Sunday, speaking to Premier Sports.
After the week from hell, it’s fair to say Neil Lennon needed that win.
Celtic have been a million miles from their brilliant best in recent games but, just seven days after that thrilling 3-3 draw at Pittodrie, the Glasgow giants swept aside the same opposition thanks to a sensational effort from their left-footed wizard.
Drifting inside from the right in the first half, Christie channelled his inner-Arjen Robben with a stunning 25-yard strike that flew into Joe Lewis’s net.
Five minutes later, Moi Elyounoussi stabbed home a second from a looping Tom Rogic cross as Celtic took a two-goal lead they never relinquished.
“Celtic managed to see it out. Plenty of effort from the players but a moment of brilliance from Christie and us being a wee bit spooked and not brave enough in our starting positions defensively have cost us today,” McInnes said after the Dons lost to Celtic in a cup competition once again.
“I think from the opposition’s point of view (it’s) a fantastic finish from Christie. He’s stepping into the pitch but I think he’s got to be stepping on to a body there – but we were too deep
“I thought we lost a wee bit of confidence. I thought (Odsonne) Edouard and Elyounoussi’s movement spooked us a wee bit. We needed to be braver with our starting positions.”
It’s no coincidence Norway international Elyounoussi has produced his best football of the season since Lennon reverted from a 3-5-2 formation back to 4-2-3-1.
A natural left-winger, Elyounoussi thrives in the latter and followed up his stunning double away at Lille on Thursday with another crucial strike in the semi-final.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
