Derek McInnes admits Aberdeen taught a 'lesson' by Celtic in 3-0 defeat

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes (SNS Group / Craig Williamson)

ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes highlighted the gulf in class after the Dons were dismissed 3-0 by Celtic at Pittodrie on Wednesday night.

Both teams entered the top-of-the-table clash separated only on goal difference, but after 90 minutes the imperious Hoops were three points clear with their unbeaten domestic record extended to 61 games.

A Kieran Tierney strike and a Moussa Dembele double confirmed an easy win for the champions.

McInnes said: “Nobody is feeling good, it was a lesson, we can’t dress it up any other way.

“They enjoyed the game too much. You can see the quality of the bench and the players that came on.

“They took my best player last season (Jonny Hayes) and he gets a cameo role. My best player arguably this season Ryan Christie is a Celtic player (on loan) and we can’t play him.

“We know where we are in the pecking order in terms of the gulf but we aim to be as good and as competitive as we can be.

“Nobody will be judged from this game. When Celtic play like that, no one can go toe-to-toe with them. That is the harsh reality.”

Dejection for Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie after his side concede the third goal (SNS Group / Craig Williamson)

The Hoops moved to within 90 minutes of equalling their own British domestic unbeaten record of 62 games from Willie Maley’s side of 100 years ago, which can be achieved against Kilmarnock at home on Saturday.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers preferred to focus on his side’s prowess rather than Aberdeen’s weaknesses.

He said: “I hear a lot of that, the ease at which Celtic do it. But you have to give credit to our players, they have the courage to go into position to accept the ball.

“That can drag a team about. When you play to that speed and quality it’s very hard sometimes to get there.