In a commanding display at Celtic Park, the Hoops restored their 13-point cushion atop the Scottish Premiership standings by thrashing Dundee 6-0. Although Celtic’s first half was cautious, the team quickly surged into the lead with two early goals that set the tone for the remainder of the match.

First Half Breakdown

• Penalty Success: Arne Engel converted a penalty, giving Celtic an early advantage.
• Adam Idah’s Strike: Just before halftime, Idah added a crucial goal to double the lead.

Jota, returning after his stint at Rennes and fresh off his goal against Motherwell, impressed by showcasing his renewed energy and purpose on the pitch.

Second Half Highlights

• Daizen Maeda’s Brilliance:
  • A precise cross from Jota found Maeda, who made no mistake by scoring his first of the night.
  • In a swift counter, Maeda extended his tally by lifting a shot over Dundee goalkeeper Trevor Carson, marking his second goal within three minutes of the restart.
• Long-Range Magic:
  • Two impressive strikes from Engels and substitute Nicolas Kuhn sealed the victory.
  • These additional goals allowed midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp to comfortably ease into his debut appearance as the game became a formality.

Post-Match Reactions

Brendan Rodgers (Celtic Manager) said:

“From the first minute, our players showed incredible determination. The energy on the field was superb and our system worked flawlessly. Our attacking play, particularly the goals, was simply brilliant. The hunger we witnessed today is exactly what we need.”

Rodgers also praised Daizen Maeda’s finish as his pick for the goal of the match, highlighting the inevitability of his strike and the helplessness of Dundee’s keeper in stopping it.

On Team Dynamics:

“While we originally sought a dedicated striker, tonight demonstrated the depth in our attacking options. With two wingers contributing significantly, it’s clear we have a diverse and motivated group.”

Celtic’s Arne Engels added:

“I’m always ready to support the team, but tonight was truly special. Every player stepped up—both in creating and defending—and even in the final moments, our commitment to score never wavered.”

Adam Idah reflected:

“I’m really enjoying the run of form we’re on. Even if I wasn’t at my best, the team’s overall performance made it easier to contribute. It’s fantastic to be part of such a collective effort where everyone is eager to perform.”

Dundee’s Perspective

Manager Tony Docherty was less than pleased, reflecting on missed opportunities and defensive lapses:

“After reviewing the penalty, I feel the call was fair since no one from Celtic appealed for it. Our performance was marred by poor decision-making and an inability to protect our goal. We conceded too many soft goals, and that is something we need to address quickly.”

Looking Ahead

Dundee now face the challenge of bouncing back after consecutive heavy defeats, with the Scottish Cup clash against Airdrieonians looming on Saturday. Meanwhile, Celtic continue to dominate the league, bolstered by their relentless attacking play and solid team spirit.