Celtic started well and pushed Dundee back and only good defending kept them from scoring, Dundee did little attacking wise but Haber was just offside in a flowing move.
As the first half came to a close Celtic won three corners in quick succession. From the second Paul McGowan stopped Boyata’s header on the goal-line. But when the third corner was cleared, Stuart Armstrong found James Forrest, wide on the right. Forrest recovered from Cammy Kerr’s challenge to cross for SIMUNOVIC, whose slightly mishit half volley from 12 yards deflected off Kevin Gomis and Scott Bain just couldn’t keep the ball out.
It was tough on Dundee as the players all worked hard to try and get to half-time still level.
Early in the second half Kevin Holt had a free kick saved by Gordon in the Celtic goal. But then Celtic went 2-0 up with a well worked goal, Forrest got to the byline and his cross was headed home by Armstrong to likely seal the three points.
Celtic was a bit slack n midfield and moments later Tierney gifted possession to Paul McGowan who raced forward and set up Marcus Haber, who had only Gordon to beat. From 16 yards the Canadian international sent his shot narrowly wide. It was a really good chance which we need to take.
After 74 minutes Faissal El Bakhtaoui replaced Henrik Ojamaa, and within a minute he scored a goal of stunning quality. Mark O’Hara took a quick free kick on the half way line. He played it short to EL BAKHTAOUI, who spun away from Boyata and raced for goal. Before the Celtic defence had the chance to close him down he hit an unstoppable shot over Gordon and into the top corner from 25 yards.
Dundee battled away to try and get a draw but Celtic played the ball into the corners to run down the clock.
The whole team battled well today and gave their best, best again for me was Cammy Kerr.
Dundee: Bain, Kerr, O’Dea, Gomis, Holt, O’Hara, McGowan, Vincent (Wighton 59), Hateley (Ross 68), Ojamaa (El Bakhtaoui 74). Haber. Unused Subs: Mitchell, Williams, Klok, Gadzhalov.
Att: 8,968
Ref: W Collum
