3 talking points as Celtic leave Aberdeen sickened after Jota grabs controversial winner

Jota was Celtic’s hero at Pittodrie for a second time this season as the Portuguese ended Aberdeen’s hopes of a stunning comeback to extend the leaders unbeaten run to 20 games.

The on-loan Benfica man- who netted the winner here back in October - bagged a double in the north east in a breathless encounter that had excitement and controversy in equal measure.

Ange Postecoglou’s men looked to be sailing to victory after Jota and Matt O’Riley netted inside three first half minutes to put them two up at the break.

But the Dons found their form after the restart and Christian Ramirez and Lewis Ferguson scored in quick succession to level.

It was astonishing stuff but that lasted for all of a minute as Jota grabbed his second to restore the lead for the visitors on a breathless night.

However, the home side were furious as Liel Abada looked to be in an offside position at the winner before the Dons were denied a penalty by Willie Collum when O’Riley appeared to foul Ferguson.

The defeat leaves Aberdeen without a win in five league games now but Celtic dug out another huge win.

Declan Gallagher was back in the side for a rare appearance following his injury problems as Glass set up to contain the swashbuckling Hoops with a three-man central defence.

And the Dons looked solid enough early on in that new system with Vicente Besuijen supporting Christian Ramirez in attack.

But the visitors did carve out a good chance before the quarter of an hour mark as Anthony Ralston delivered a deep cross only for Daizen Maeda to send his free header wide.

That was a warning for the Reds and they didn’t heed it as they fell behind shortly after that chance with some powderpuff defending.

O’Riley sent in a cross from the right and