Neil Lennon praises "outstanding" Celtic despite defeat

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has described his side's performance as being "outstanding", despite losing 2-1 against Aberdeen.

The defeat at Pittodrie Stadium ended the Hoops' 26-game unbeaten run in the league, though the visitors faced an uphill battle from the 13th minute when defender Virgil van Dijk was dismissed.

"I thought we were outstanding," Lennon told reporters following the Scottish Premiership clash. "The sending-off changed the game, I didn't think it was a sending-off. Our performance was magnificent.

"It's a shame that the run has ended. We deserved to get something out the game. I thought we should have had a penalty for a handball in the second half. Being down to men didn't faze us. We dominated the second half."

Despite the defeat, league leaders Celtic remain 21 points clear of their opponents who occupy second spot.