Celtic player ratings vs Dundee: dazzling creativity of eight steals the show in Martin O'Neill's last hurrah
Here’s how we rated the Celtic starting XI and subs in their 1-0 win over Dundee.
As Martin O’Neill bids an emotional farewell, Celtic avenged October’s Dens Park defeat with a victory over Dundee at Parkhead.
Daizen Maeda gave the hosts an early lead with a brave header in what proved to be the winner. It wasn’t a vintage performance for O’Neill’s side in his last game in the Celtic Park dugout, but once again they got over winning line, something they have become accustomed to under the guidance of the 73-year old.
There may be a managerial switch up on the horizon at Celtic Park, however O’Neill made no changes to his starting XI from last weekend’s win over Hibs at Easter Road. As the hosts enjoyed a long period of early possession, Maeda gave them the lead after ten minutes. Reo Hatate picked up Yang Hyun-jun with a well-weighted left-footed through ball. The Korean winger’s shot was saved by Jon McCracken but Maeda showed bravery to attack the ball and head the rebound into the empty net.
For the next ten minutes Celtic were a man down as Maeda received treatment for his head knock, but returned to applause from the Parkhead faithful with a bandage around his head and a shiner on his face. Kasper Schmeichel showed his experience by going down injured while Dundee had the extra man, giving more time for Maeda to receive treatment knowing he wouldn’t need to go off himself.
Against a compact Dundee defence, Celtic enjoyed the majority of possession but weren’t able to create much in the first half. However, the sharp passing of Hatate continued to split the Dundee defence. On the half hour mark, the Japanese midfielder played through Marcelo Saracchi with another perfectly-weighted switch of the play, however McCracken was equal to his shot. Disaster struck on the stroke of half time for the Uruguayan left back when he went off holding his hamstring.
Dundee got their first chance of the game out of nowhere when Liam Scales failed to deal with a Yan Dhanda through ball and headed it straight in the path of Simon Murray, who hit the bar. The ball then landed at the feet of Drey Wright who forced Schmeichel into his first save of the game.
Hatate’s vision was becoming a recurring theme in the match as the second half got underway. This time he played through Luke McCowan who forced a save from his old Dundee teammate, McCracken. As usual, Maeda was alert to the rebound however this time the ball was just out of his reach. Hatate nearly got on the scoresheet himself on the hour mark when Arne Engels found him on the edge of the box with a tidy back-heel, however McCracken got down well to save his effort.
Dundee hardly got out their own half once again in the second half, but when they did the ball over the top looked dangerous. In the 68th minute, Scales again got caught out of position as the ball was played through to Ashley Hay. However, the Dees substitute was only able to force a corner from Schmeichel with his shot from a tight angle.
With ten minutes to go, as The Hoops searched for that all-important second goal, Martin O’Neill made his last ever substitution, bringing on Benjamin Nygren, Paulo Bernardo and Anthony Ralston. The home crowd grew more and more frustrated as their team lacked attacking threat at the death. Maeda hit the post just before the final whistle, before the name of Martin O’Neill echoed around the East End of Glasgow.
Here’s how we rated the Celtic starting XI and subs in their victory over Dundee:
Kasper Schmeichel - 6/10
The street-wise stopper showed his experience when going down while Maeda was off. Made a few comfortable saves but had very little to do.
Colby Donovan - 7/10
Another tidy performance. Made a good tackle on Joe Westley at the start of the second half and is slowly making the right back position his own.
Auston Trusty - 7/10
Was rarely tested defensively but never looked as if he got out of second gear. Has looked assured in the absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Liam Scales - 5/10
Very fortunate Murray didn’t capitalise on his first half error and found himself out of position on numerous occasions. Some old bad habits setting in for the Irishman.
Marcelo Saracchi - 7/10
Looked sharp going forward and showed he can play in a wing-back role under Nancy. Went off before half-time holding his hamstring again which is a big worry for Hoops fans.
Callum McGregor - 6/10
Not a vintage performance from the captain but helped control the tempo of the game in his usual style. Got a late yellow for a cynical foul on Tony Yogane as the visitors went on the counter attack.
Reo Hatate - 8/10
Superb through ball to Yang in the lead up to Maeda’s opener. Pulled the strings all evening and was Man of the Match by some distance.
Arne Engels - 6/10
Anonymous in the first half but found his way into the game in the second. Hoops fans are still asking for more from their most expensive player.
Luke McCowan - 6/10
Almost scored against his former club at the start of the second half after a quiet first. Got better as the game went on.
Yang Hyun-jun - 6/10
Lacked quality in the final third but done his bit off the ball. Made a superb tackle on Murray in the first half to stop a promising Dundee attack.
Daizen Maeda - 7/10
Showed bravery for the opener and as always chased every ball. If he goes in January Celtic will struggle to replace his tenaciousness and energy.
Kieran Tierney - 6/10
Brought on earlier than expected for Saracchi. Got forward well but lacked the attacking quality of the injured Uruguayan.
Sebastian Tounekti - 5/10
Came on for Yang around the hour mark. Has been left out of the starting XI in the last three games but didn’t do anything to stake his claim.
Benjamin Nygren, Paulo Bernardo and Anthony Ralston - N/A
None of them had a chance to make an impact after being subbed on with 10 minutes to go.