Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis today delivered the performance his Hoops career was in desperate need of as we overcame Dundee at Parkhead.
It was a topsy-turvy clash for the Bhoys as we were forced to dig deep to secure a priceless 3 points that extends our lead at the top of the Premiership to 3.
In recent weeks, it’s been differing heroes coming to the fore for Ange Postecoglou. It was Liel Abada against Dundee United. Reo Hatate vs Rangers. Jota at Pittodrie. Today, it was Giakoumakis’ time to shine.
The Greek striker, who’s been the subject of plenty of criticism since his summer arrival from VVV-Venlo, produced the goods in both halves just when it looked like being a frustrating afternoon in Glasgow’s East End.
Minutes after Dundee took a shock lead at Parkhead, the powerful frontman delivered a superb finish on the turn that flew beyond the Dundee goalkeeper and into the net. And not long after he was in the box to slot home after the goalkeeper had spilled a Daizen Maeda cross.
Giakoumakis was given the full 90 minutes this afternoon, and thank goodness that was the case. With Just 4 minutes remaining, the towering striker threw his head onto a terrific cross from Jota to glance home the winner after Dundee had previously hauled themselves level once more.
Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis announces himself with stunning display
It’s not that Giakoumakis has hardly been seen this year. Anything but. Since 2022, you could argue that he’s been Celtic’s main striker.
However, despite some promising performances and goals against the likes of Alloa, Hearts, and Raith Rovers respectively, there was something missing from all of those displays.
Sometimes it was his finishing ability. Other times it was his hold-up play being off. Or perhaps he was too often breaking the play up with some needless fouls. Today, he was the complete package.
He was brilliant with his hold-up play and tidy when in possession. He didn’t give anything away and bullied the Dundee defence in the penalty area. And for perhaps the first time in his Celtic career, his finishing was top-notch.
You always felt this was coming from Giakoumakis. He’s shown those signs of promise in 2022. But today it all came together for him, and now he’s contributing massively to our title charge.
If he hadn’t won the Celtic support over before this afternoon, he certainly has done now. Today was the performance Giakoumakis’ Celtic career needed.
In other news, Celtic have the bottle, Gladiator Giaky; 3 things we learned as Bhoys extend lead on rivals
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