Celtic Remain Unbeaten

Celtic held on to secure three points at Dens Park against Dundee FC, winning the game 2-1, to move within one game of securing a sixth consecutive league title.

Brendan Rodgers’ side were frustrated for large parts of the first-half as they struggled to break down a compact Dundee side. However, with virtually the last kick of the ball before half-time, centre-back Jozo Simunovic managed to break the deadlock with a sliced volley that looped into the bottom corner.

James Forrest who set up the first goal, was on hand once again to set up Celtic’s second in the 51st minute after beating his man down the line and finding Stuart Armstrong inside the box, who made no mistake. Faissal El Bakhtaoui came off the bench for Dundee and scored a stunning goal from distance with 15 minutes remaining, but the Bhoys held on for three points.

Here is how the Celtic players fared on the day:

Player Ratings

Craig Gordon – 6/10

The shot-stopper was rarely called into action throughout the game. There was very little he could do about El Bakhtaoui’s strike.

Mikael Lustig – 5/10

Let his man get past him on plenty of occasions quite easily. Was beaten on a number of times down the line and on the inside as well.

Dedryck Boyata – 6/10

Was afforded plenty of time on the ball, but struggled in possession. He also had a headed effort on goal that was saved well. Was beaten way too easy by El Bakhtaoui in the lead up to the goal.

Jozo Simunovic – 8/10

Came into the line-up for Erik Sviatchenko and showed why he needs to feature regularly. Was solid defensively. Scored the opener from Forrest’s cross, which was his first strike of the season.

Kieran Tierney – 5/10

Did not get as forward as has been the case with him this season. Had some sloppy moments in defence as well.

Scott Brown – 7/10

Another dominant display in the middle of the park from the captain. Complemented his midfield partners Stuart Armstrong and Callum McGregor well.

Stuart Armstrong – 7.5/10

Dynamic presence in the midfield for Celtic. Great deliveries into the box, covered the ground to defend and support the attack. Great header to double his team’s lead.

Callum McGregor – 6.5/10

Made his 100th appearance and had a decent outing in the midfield. Got into space and looked to set his team on the front foot every time. A good cross into the box was completely misjudged by Scott Sinclair.

James Forrest – 8/10

Some great play to win the ball and skip past a defender before crossing it to Simunovic for the first goal. Beat his man once again and picked out Armstrong inside the box, leading to the second strike. He was excellent.

Scott Sinclair – 4/10

Had a great chance in the first-half, but fired over the bar from inside the box. Was ineffective from then on. Another poor display from the winger.

Moussa Dembele – 5/10

Another quiet night for the Frenchman, as he lacked the necessary service upfront.

Substitutes:

Eboue Kouassi – 6/10

Came on for McGregor in the 68th minute. Was strong in his tackles and eventually received a booking.

Patrick Roberts – 5/10

Replaced Forrest in the 71st minute, but struggled to have the desired impact. Conceded possession on quite a few occasions.

Erik Sviatchenko – N/A

Came on to replace Sinclair in the 83rd minute as Rodgers looked to protect the lead.