Celtic secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Dundee at Celtic Park, with Benjamin Nygren’s second-half header proving the difference
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is known for his cautious approach.
His pre-match worries ahead of his side’s 1-0 victory over Dundee proved well-founded, as the flag night celebrations were followed by a hard-fought win courtesy of Benjamin Nygren’s second-half header.
Heaping praise on the opposition is a tried-and-tested tactic the experienced Irishman has employed throughout a managerial career spanning 39 years.
His compliments towards Dundee seemed sincere and warranted. Steven Pressley’s squad exemplify sides who no longer roll over when up against the Premiership champions.
Celtic, despite the slender margin of victory, displayed numerous encouraging signs. We assesses how the Hoops performed.
VILJAMI SINISALO 7.
Dependable once more, producing an excellent stop to deny Ashley Hay late on. Sinisalo knows a new goalkeeper could arrive to compete with him, yet his leadership skills are hard to top.
A vocal leader between the sticks.
ALISTAIR JOHNSTON 7.
Everton scouts were present but Johnston must have felt transported back to 2024 as he combined effectively with Camilo Duran, reminiscent of his partnership with Nicolas Kuhn. The Canada international – who is craved by the Toffees – was able to showcase his trademark ‘underlap’ runs as he linked up impressively with the Colombian on the right flank.
CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS 7.
The Fridge was match-ready from kick-off. Following last season’s Achilles tendon rupture, he’s gradually returning to peak fitness.
His defensive work was solid and he showed ambition in his distribution.
AUSTON TRUSTY 8.
The American defender can struggle in routine domestic fixtures, but he was impressively focused on his comeback. From ceremonial duties stateside to dispossessing Dundee attackers – the commanding centre-back remains crucial.
KIERAN TIERNEY 8.
Tierney delivered an early cross to demonstrate his ambitions. A low delivery found Nygren whose effort was then turned wide by Kasper Hogh.
The left-back looked set for an attacking performance down his flank but, in truth, Celtic created more openings down the opposite wing throughout the opening period. Goodman made a fine save from his strike before he provided the ideal delivery for Nygren’s decisive goal.
ARNE ENGELS 6.
A reverse ball to find Tierney with his less favoured left foot was perfectly weighted, though beyond that moment, the Belgian didn’t produce his best performance. His delivery from wide areas was inconsistent and Engels’ renowned energy levels weren’t evident as he arrived late to multiple challenges.
Could potentially be his final appearance in the Hoops should West Ham increase their bid.
CALLUM MCGREGOR 7.
Turned back the clock with a threatening surge in the second period which resulted in him striking the woodwork. The captain was active and forward-thinking, though he requires support in midfield with Engels seemingly heading for the exit.
The skipper looked to be running at maximum capacity having nursed knocks throughout last campaign.
BENJAMIN NYGREN 8.
While it’s tempting to boost a match-winner’s rating, the Swedish forward demonstrated composure in possession from kick-off and posed a constant threat. His header found the back of the net with precision and was fully merited.
Celtic supporters have speculated about his potential departure this summer, though replacing his goals would prove challenging.
YANG 6.
The wide man appeared quicker and more powerful in the early stages but his influence diminished as proceedings continued. Celtic are aware he’ll be absent for some crucial fixtures ahead and his willingness to cover defensively and put in a shift deserves credit.
There were several instances in the latter stages where his decision-making let him down.
KASPER HOGH 6.
The towering Dane spurned numerous opportunities but O’Neill will take encouragement from the club’s record acquisition being well-positioned.
Celtic’s new number nine is evidently reliant on confidence, though no forward would prosper with the quality of delivery available during the second period. Hogh thrives on balls delivered into the penalty area and will net regularly.
CAMILO DURAN 7.
Celtic supporters are well aware the Colombian can perform centrally, but his deployment on the flank produced some promising moments. While he appears ready to flourish operating just behind Hogh, he maintained the width that enabled Johnstone to surge beyond him.
Clever touches and skills, plus a sharp turn inside the penalty area, suggest a player with considerable potential.
SUBS.
JAMES FORREST (YANG 79) 2.
Missed a trivela off of McGregor’s strike which cracked the post.
SEBASTIAN TOUNEKTI (DURAN 79) 3.
Lively after coming on, though his decision-making let him down at times. There’s a player there – he just might not show it every week.
LUKE MCCOWAN (NYGREN 83) 2.
Injected some vitality in the final moments.
COLBY DONOVAN (TIERNEY 83) 2.
Showed good commitment as Johnston moved across to left-back.
Unused subs: Doohan, Hatate, Osmand, Murray, Oxlade Chamberlain.
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