It was certainly nothing to write home about for Celtic fans this evening.
The Hoops struggled to break down opponents Dundee at Parkhead in the first-half despite having numerous opportunities
Things would change after the restart – eventually – when Alistair Johnston came off the bench to replace the sturdy Anthony Ralston and poke home with one of his first touches of the ball.
The unexpected starter Yang Hyun-jun might not have had his best game in green and white but it was him down the right-flank who played the ball to his Canadian teammate who nicked in front of his marker to score.
Celts made it two when Arne Engels threaded a ball into Kyogo who was felled inside the area by Antonio Portales.
The Belgian would step up himself and send the ball down the middle beyond the diving Jon McCracken between the Dees’ sticks.
Overall the match could perhaps be accused of lacking quality for the most part. But when it mattered it was the league leaders who stood up to be counted as they so often do for the three points.
67 Hail Hail has the player ratings for this evening’s hosts…
Celtic vs Dundee player ratings
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
Superb stop in the first-half to keep out Antonio Portales but had very little else to do.
Anthony Ralston – 5
Was his usual full-blooded self and kept the ball moving when he got possession. Deliveries left a lot to be desired and was brought off less than an hour in.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6
The defender wasn’t tested too much by Simon Murray on his first start back from injury. Had a relatively comfortable evening and looked fine beside his countryman. Wasn’t risked for the full 90.
Auston Trusty – 6
Shuffled over to the left-hand side of the centre and looked happy to be beside CCV. Won his duels but, honestly, didn’t have too much to do.
Greg Taylor – 6
Will have been pleased to be back involved from the start and had a fine game. Put a few crosses in to no avail but was steady.
Arne Engels – 7
Showed composure on the ball and his forward passing is clearly an asset. Decent set-piece delivery with a conscious decision not to go short too often this evening. Slotted home the penalty for the second.
Luke McCowan – 7
Another performance where he showed his capabilities as a Celtic player. Dictated the play in the midfield in the absence of Callum McGregor, pulled some strings and wasn’t afraid to let fly.
Paulo Bernardo – 5
Most of his evening was recycling possession and looking to move it back to front, side to side. Didn’t have his best performance and was subbed.
Celtic beat Dundee 2-0 at Parkhead as Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels scored
Luis Palma – 5
Too little came off for the Honduran attacker. Definitely off the boil with his lack of minutes showing. Had one effort kept out but faded. Subbed.
Yang Hyun-jun – 6
Was a surprise inclusion from the start and was industrious for the hour he got. Had a few assist opportunities and might’ve had more had Kyogo been on form. His last involvement was to tee up the opener.
Kyogo – 6
Missed two big chances in the first-half and then was kept out by Jon McCracken in the second. On another night could’ve had a hattrick but struggled this evening. Won the penalty for 2-0.
Alistair Johnston (sub) – 6
Made an instant impact with his fourth goal of the season and he offered a different attacking dimension from Ralston.
Reo Hatate (sub) – 4
Did what he had to when he replaced Bernardo. Kept the ball moving without really standing out.
Daizen Maeda (sub) – 4
Dundee must have been gutted to see the Duracell Bunny spring from the bench and his work ethic showed in the latter stages.
James Forrest (sub) – 3
Didn’t ask much of the Dundee defence after he came on.
Liam Scales (sub) – 3
Was brought on to give CCV a rest.
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