Celtic Triumph Over Dundee, Extend Lead in Scottish Premiership

In a thrilling encounter on Boxing Day, Celtic demonstrated their dominance over Dundee, securing a 3-0 victory that propelled them five points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership. Mikey Johnston was the hero of the day, scoring a late brace to seal the deal.

The first half was a display of profligacy from Celtic, as Liam Scales, Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley, and Luis Palma all came close to finding the net. Paulo Bernardo, a midfielder, broke the deadlock with a composed finish, marking his first Celtic goal.

Dundee, struggling to make an impact in attack, offered little resistance, and their woes continued after the break. Despite numerous opportunities, Celtic couldn’t extend their lead until the introduction of Mikey Johnston. The winger capitalized on his chances, striking twice to secure the victory.

While Celtic celebrates their triumph, second-placed Rangers have two games in hand and will aim to close the gap. The highly anticipated second Old Firm derby of the season is just around the corner.

The Game’s Key Moments

The match opened with an early threat from Dundee, as a Cameron Carter-Vickers header and a Bernardo shot gave the visitors cause for concern. Luis Palma also had his moments, attempting to curl the ball into the net.

Celtic’s dominance was evident as they created numerous opportunities. Scales and Kyogo both came close, and O’Riley narrowly missed the post with a powerful shot. Despite these efforts, the first half ended goalless.

The turning point came in the second half when Palma’s through ball found Bernardo, who calmly slotted the ball past Dundee’s Trevor Carson. Dundee tried to rally, with faint penalty appeals for handball, but Celtic’s defense held firm.

Mikey Johnston sealed the win with two late goals, showcasing his prowess. Although Carson managed to deny Johnston on one occasion, he couldn’t stop the winger from scoring Celtic’s third goal.

Player of the Match – Luis Palma

Luis Palma was instrumental in Celtic’s success, providing the assist for the opening goal and consistently threatening Dundee’s defense down the left flank.

Persistence Pays Off for Celtic

Celtic’s persistence in attack eventually paid dividends with Paulo Bernardo’s goal. However, an injury to Carter-Vickers in the second half may pose a concern as Rangers’ visit looms.

Dundee, on the other hand, struggled to create meaningful opportunities but showed defensive resilience with crucial blocks and tackles.

Managerial Reactions

Dundee manager Tony Docherty acknowledged Celtic’s quality and emphasized the importance of his team’s reaction to the defeat. He praised his players’ consistent performance throughout the season.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers lauded his team’s outstanding performance, controlling the game and maintaining a clean sheet.

What’s Next?

The excitement continues as Celtic hosts Rangers on Saturday, with the Old Firm derby set to be a crucial clash. Meanwhile, Dundee will face Kilmarnock later in the day.

The match statistics highlight Celtic’s dominance in possession, shots, and corners, underlining their authority in the game. Dundee, on the other hand, struggled to make an impact in attack, managing just one shot on target.

As the Scottish Premiership race intensifies, Celtic’s fans can relish their team’s impressive performance and hope for continued success in the season ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Boxing Day Victory

Q: Who scored the goals for Celtic in their victory over Dundee?

A: Paulo Bernardo opened the scoring for Celtic, and Mikey Johnston scored a late brace to seal the victory.

Q: How did Dundee perform in attack during the match?

A: Dundee struggled to make an impact in attack and offered little resistance against Celtic’s dominance.

Q: What was the turning point in the game?

A: The turning point came in the second half when Paulo Bernardo scored the opening goal for Celtic, breaking the deadlock.

Q: What is the significance of this victory for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership?

A: This victory extended Celtic’s lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership by five points, showcasing their dominance in the league.

Q: What’s next for Celtic and Dundee in terms of fixtures?

A: Celtic is set to host Rangers in the highly anticipated Old Firm derby, while Dundee will face Kilmarnock in their upcoming fixture.

More about Boxing Day Victory