Celtic, the reigning champions and current table toppers took on Dundee who sit at the bottom in the Premiership, and the Hoops secured a comfortable three points by winning 3-0.
Dundee managed to ride out the first half hour without conceding, but they were living on the edge as Celtic created waves of attacks. Michael Johnston hit the bar, and Scott Sinclair’s effort was brilliantly cleared off the line. The away side would have been hoping to go in at halftime with the scores level, but Johnston’s perseverance paid off and he finished brilliantly after turning smartly to give the home side a lead at halftime.
The second half was more of the same and Johnston added his second to give Celtic some breathing room. Filip Bemkovic lashed on a rebound to put them three clear. On another day it could have been 6 or 7 as there was a lot of goalmouth action.
Here is how Rodgers’ men fared.
Scott Bain 6
Got a rare start and was a spectator for the most parts.
Filip Benkovic 7.5
Took a decent long-range effort in the first half and recycled the ball well to build up the attack. Scored from a rebound. Hardly broke a sweat on the day.
Jozo Simunovic 7
Didn’t have much to do but applied pressure well when the Hoops lost the ball and helped in regaining back the possession quickly.
Emilio Izaguirre 7
Was a constant threat while going forward and combined well with Scott Sinclair.
Anthony Ralston 8
His intent and desire to run forward was there for everyone to see and the youngster is showing that he can fill in for Lustig when required. Unlucky to not score as he hit the post and had various other close encounters in front of goal.
Olivier Ntcham 7
A dynamic display from the Frenchman as he often moved up forward and made late runs into the box. Was decent on the day.
Callum McGregor 8
Always keen to move the ball forward and created some brilliant chances from the deep areas. Assisted the first goal and once again an assured outing from the midfield maestro.
Tom Rogic 7
Called the shots in the attacking third and like many others, had a chance to score. Linked up play well with the young striker.
Scott Sinclair 8.5
His direct style of play and pace was too much for the away team’s defence to handle. Came close to scoring but was denied brilliantly on the line by the Dundee defender. Continued to get in dangerous positions and his crosses were pinpoint.
James Forrest 7
Was good in his display but didn’t carry the same amount of threat which he has shown in the past.
Michael Johnston 8.5
Scored two and we wouldn’t be wrong in saying that the hattrick was there for the taking. Johnston’s movement and runs from the shoulder of the defenders were too much for the away side to handle. Finished smartly for both the goals.
Substitutes
Ryan Christie 6.5
Good to see him back on the pitch after the injury. Created a few chances as well in limited time.
Jonny Hayes N/A
Wasn’t involved much.
Kristoffer Ajer 6
Wasn’t troubled much after coming on at the back.
