Neil Lennon’s homecoming falls flats as Hoops are held to goalless draw

Interim supervisor Neil Lennon endured a day of frustration on his return to Parkhead as Celtic had been held to a 0-Zero draw by Aberdeen.

The previous Hoops captain and boss returned after the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Leicester however, after wins at Hearts and Hibernian, his homecoming within the Ladbrokes Premiership was spoiled by an organised Dons aspect.

It was a surprisingly insipid efficiency from Celtic, who dropped factors at residence for the primary time this season.

However the Hoops did restore their eight-point lead over Rangers on the high of the desk as they bid for an eighth successive title and the unprecedented home treble treble.

Aberdeen, for his or her half, will take large confidence from their efficiency as they flip their consideration their William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final replay in opposition to Rangers at Ibrox on Tuesday.

Lennon, given an enormous ovation by the followers earlier than the sport, introduced again defender Jeremy Toljan for Mikael Lustig and Ewan Henderson for Odsonne Edouard whereas Dons striker James Wilson got here in for injured former Celt Gary Mackay-Steven.

The Dons would in all probability have anticipated extra stress than they needed to survive early on however they remained organised and disciplined, albeit rooted in their very own half.

On the half-hour mark Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer strode ahead to drill in a shot from the sting of the field which was tipped previous the submit by goalkeeper Joe Lewis for one more nook, which once more was handled by the Dons.

A minute earlier than half-time Ajer had the ball within the web from a Henderson free-kick with a robust header however the offside flag was up.

Lennon made interval adjustments, bringing on French striker Edouard and winger Mikey Johnston for Henderson and Scott Sinclair whereas the guests changed Wilson with Dean Campbell.

Oliver Burke was moved wide for Edouard to operate through the middle but it was Aberdeen who began to threaten.

In the 51st minute, just after midfielder Connor McLennan passed up a chance to shoot inside the Celtic penalty area, defender Dominic Ball weaved his way into the Hoops box but his angled drive was blocked by the feet of Parkhead keeper Scott Bain.

In the 58th minute a swift Celtic move involving Toljan and Burke ended with Lewis saving from Edouard’s drive from a tight angle.

The house aspect stepped up the tempo and Aberdeen’s defending turned extra determined.

Timothy Weah changed Burke within the 78th minute and the league leaders pushed for a late winner.

Two efforts from Johnston escaped the far submit whereas on the different finish Dons substitute Stevie Could, on for Greg Stewart, headed a Sam Cosgrove knock down over the bar within the remaining minute, earlier than Celtic ran out of time.