Celtic maintained their 11-point lead at the top of the Scottish premiership standings with a comfortable 2-1 win against Dundee FC at Parkhead on Saturday.
Leigh Griffiths smashed the post and Tom Rogic missed an absolute sitter in what was an utterly dominant first-half for Celtic. Just as it would seem that the half would end at 0-0, Leigh Griffiths struck home an absolutely cracking free-kick past Bain in stoppage time. The second half began in a similar fashion with Nir Bitton doubling Celtic’s advantage. Dundee, who hadn’t caused much problems on the attack for the better part of an hour, were handed a lifeline when slackness among the Celtic defence allowed Haber’s deflected effort beat Craig Gordon.
The win kept Celtic on course for another title triumph and kept intact a stunning unbeaten record in domestic competitions this season as the Hoops chase a historic invincible domestic treble.
Craig Gordon – 6/10
Didn’t have much work to do really. Couldn’t do much about Dundee’s deflected goal except pick the ball up from the net.
Cristian Gamboa – 7/10
A real attacking threat on the right flank. His dangerous crossing is a constant nuisance for the Dundee defence, his pace was too hot to handle for Danny Williams.
Erik Sviatchenko – 6/10
Celtic’s central defensive partnership looked comfortable and was looking all set for another clean sheet, until a moment of laziness allowed Dundee to pull one back. Will be disappointed to concede in that manner.
Jozo Simunovic – 6/10
Like Sviatchenko, Simunovic dealt well with whatever limited threat that Dundee offered. Was at the receiving end of an unfortunate deflection from a Marcus Haber shot that lead to the Dundee goal.
Emilio Izaguirre – 7/10
Was camped in the Dundee half with very little to do on the defensive side of things. Great run and cross down the left that led to Nir Bitton’s goal.
Stuart Armstrong – 7/10
Celtic’s skipper for the day tried to control the pace of the game from the midfield in the absence of Scott Brown. Pulled off an important goal-line clearance from a Craig Wighton rebounded shot.
Nir Bitton – 7/10
Scored from a magnificent effort in the second half to double Celtic’s lead. Lost possession carelessly and grew tired as the game stretched on, allowing Dundee one or two decent chances on the counter.
Gary Mackay-Steven – 6/10
Decent outing for GMS as he always looked bright when attacking, holding and distributing the possession well. Replaced by Scott Sinclair with 20 minutes left.
Tom Rogic – 5/10
An off day for the Aussie. Missed a sitter from 8 yards out with the second goal looming for Celtic. Fouled outside the box by Darren O’Dea just after the break causing him to limp off the field.
Ryan Christie – 7/10
Superb display from Ryan Christie. Effortless in possession and dangerous when in attack. Should’ve had an assist against his name if not for Rogic missing an absolute sitter.
Leigh Griffiths – 8/10
3 in 3 for Leigh Griffiths. Hit the post with a sweet volley in the first half just before curling home a stunning free-kick at the stroke of half-time. Could’ve had even more but a fine performance once again under pressure from the Scot.
Substitutes:
Callum McGregor – 5/10
Replaced Rogic when he went off injured early in the second half. Was a passenger for the rest of the half, having little impact on the game.
Scott Sinclair – 5/10
Scott Sinclair’s return was a welcome sight for the Celtic fans having not featured for the Hoops since their Champions League clash against Barcelona. Came on with 20 minutes to go but had a little impact on the proceedings as he looked to ease back into action.
Moussa Dembele – Not available
Was given 10 minutes of action, replacing Leigh Griffiths up front.