Although unbeaten in their previous two league games, both had been 0-0 draws and there was a feeling something had to give.
Niall McGinn’s stunning 27th-minute free kick brought a wave of relief and Miles Storey’s first goal for the club seemed to have the Dons firmly in control.
Sean Welsh was sent off in the closing stages for Thistle – an indiscretion that is likely to earn him a fine – before substitute Chris Erskine netted a consolation and sparked a late surge that could have seen the visitors snatch a point.
“It was important we won,” McInnes said.
“I saw the first hour of the St Johnstone game and they [Celtic] were terrific, really difficult to contain.
“Brendan [Rodgers] has got their mojo back and they’re playing with a lot of confidence. I think they’ll take some stopping, but the challenge for us and every other team in the league is to try to do that.
“It’s been a flying start for them, but it is only a start.”
Source: The National