2012-09-22: Celtic 2-0 Dundee, SPL

Match Pictures | Matches: 2012 – 2013 | 2012-13 Pictures

Trivia

• Celtic move upto 3rd, 1pt behind M'well who have same games (M'Well play on Sunday and Celtic will have one game in hand).
• Celtic win in league after couple of poor performances domestically.
• Brown playing in domestic games despite fears he'll only be considered for Europe due to his injury condition.
• Celtic up on SFA charges after Green Brigade banner about zombie huns! Plenty of piss taking banners at the ground today.
• Plenty of charity volunteers raising funds at Celtic for brave young boy Oscar Knox who is suffering from a debilitating illness, huge funds needed for his treatment.
• Stories that a European set up is being looked at. Possible?
• Ricky Burns, Celtic fan from Coatbridge, retains his WBO Lightweight World champion title in style by KO in the 4th in SECC stadium in Glasgow.

Review

(TimWaits of KDS)
We started a bit slowly and I thought we might be in for a long grind. Hooper's goal (good feet for that one, and a great pass from Brown) changed that, then it was just a question of keeping the pressure on.

Wanyama's goal was a bit lucky but not any less wonderful for that.

Poor penalty from Brown, but the brickie was having a pretty good game and kept Dundee from getting thrashed.

Dundee invited us to take our chances and we could have been a bit more direct with them, but maybe it's hard to change the internal settings from Champions League to SPL that quickly.

Anyway, three points and by the end we were cruising. Hope we stay in that gear for the next few domestic games.

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Stats

Celtic v Dundee

Possession
33% v 67%
90mins

Shots
23 v 6

On target
11 v 2

Corners
8 v 0

Fouls
6 v 9

Articles

Celtic 2 – 0 Dundee: Robert Douglas heroics save Dundee from thrashing

Scotland on Sunday

Published on Saturday 22 September 2012 17:47

IT’S HARD to know what the equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer is at Celtic, but whatever it is Neil Lennon unloaded with it last week when the champions fell tamely to St Johnstone, then the SPL’s bottom club. Here, again, Lennon’s team met the side at the ***-end of the division, but this was an altogether more straightforward afternoon.

Scorers: Celtic – Hooper (43), Wanyama (49)

Bookings: Dundee – Benedictus, McAlister

A goal just before the break and another just after spared Celtic’s players a second dose of Lennon’s caustic tongue. They won as they pleased, even affording the luxury of a missed Scott Brown penalty.

Dundee came to harry and hassle and frustrate in the hope that, 90 minutes later, they might have a point to show for their hard work.

It’s easy to beat them over the head for a lack of ambition but what’s a team to do? They have played eight games in all competitions, Dundee. And they’ve won just one of them.

Reality bites. Their only hope was to pack the midfield, tackle like tigers and pray like hell. In the end, nothing they did was going to be enough.

The visitors will take the crumbs on offer. They weren’t battered. Their spirit was good. They kept their heads.

That’s about as much as they could have hoped for. For Celtic, it was a stroll. There was a touch of the training session about it. In the minds of the champions, it was one of those that you get out of the way. A professional enough job and three important points, but one of those displays where by the time you got to the car park the memory of it was beginning to fade.

Celtic were better than last week. Not massively better, not as clinical as they ought to be, but better.

It helped that they were up against a team with precious little firepower and what firepower they did have went flat. To be fair, they had their moments in the opening minutes. They might have had a penalty when Gary Irvine went down under a challenge from Emilio Izaguirre, but nothing was given.

The first big chance of the game was theirs, too – a breakaway that saw John Baird and Ryan Conroy tearing away downfield, the latter benefitting from a slip by Kelvin Wilson that made his job of delivering the ball into the danger zone a whole lot easier.

In it came to the feet of Colin Nish, who couldn’t beat Fraser Forster. Out it came to Baird, who couldn’t beat him either. One of them should have done it, that is for sure. Neither did and in that instant you worried what state they might be in when they got another chance. If they got another chance.

Celtic took a tight hold of things after that. They had all the possession and as much territory as they liked.

The statistics would be interesting because for long periods it felt like Dundee didn’t have the ball for more than a few passes at a time.

What they did have, though, was aggression and organisation. Even still, the chinks of light started to appear for Celtic.

Lassad smacked one wide,

Charlie Mulgrew forced a save from Rab Douglas, James Forrest was denied by the keeper’s outstretched leg, a fine save that was soon topped when Kyle Benedictus tumbled Lassad in the box and a penalty was given.

Brown versus Douglas and, with a big, strong hand, Douglas won,

beating the ball over the crossbar.

But, if this was an escape act, you knew that it was a temporary one. This never had the feel of last weekend in Perth and the first major sign of that came minutes before the end of the first half when Brown linked with Gary Hooper, who took it round Iain Davidson – having a stormer up to then – before thumping it past Douglas.

It was Hooper’s first goal in the SPL this season and only his second in ten games in all competitions.

The goal calmed Celtic and, when it was added to by Victor Wanyama a few minutes into the new half, then the game was truly up.

Wanyama swept in a shot from outside the box that found the net via Douglas’ right-hand post for his third goal of the season. The Kenyan is a central midfielder who can play defensively, offensively, can do a shift at centre-half and who can score goals. He’s still only 21 years old – the man-child of Celtic Park.

There could have been more goals. No, make that should have been more. Commons rifled a shot just past a post, Lassad had a header tipped over by Douglas when he ought to have put it away. Hooper saw a shot slap off the woodwork.

If there was disappointment it was only because Celtic didn’t score more than two.

To be frank, it looked like a disappointment they weren’t going to dwell on for long.

BBC

By Chris McLaughlin Senior Football Reporter, BBC Scotland

Celtic recorded their third league win of the season in some style with a fairly emphatic win over Dundee.

Goals from Gary Hooper and Victor Wanyama made sure there was no slip up to follow last week's defeat in Perth.

The points were secured despite captain Scott Brown failing to score from the spot, but the save from Rab Douglas looked to be delaying the inevitable.

Hooper fired past Douglas four minutes later and Wanyama's powerful drive after the break secured the points.
Kyle Benedictus pulls down Lassad Nouioui to concede a penalty

Kyle Benedictus pulls down Lassad Nouioui to concede a penalty

Celtic had gone into the game on the back of their worst league start in 14 years and having been warned by manager Neil Lennon to kill the complacency that saw them fall to a surprise defeat by St Johnstone.

But two fresh faces – Tunisia striker Lassad Nouioui having been given his first start and partnering the returning Hooper after Miku and Mikael Lustig were ruled out through injury – played significant roles.

Dundee had to re-arrange their defence, with on-loan Lewis Toshney ineligible to play against his parent club and Neil McGregor being injured, with their places taken by Kyle Benedictus and Steven Milne.

The first real chance of the game came for the visitors after 15 minutes of pretty much constant Celtic pressure.

Kelvin Wilson slipped, allowing Ryan Conroy the chance to race in on the right and pick out Colin Nish, but the former Hibs striker fluffed his effort and John Baird blasted the re-bound high over the bar.
Play media

Home debut boy Lassad drilled a shot high and wide and Charlie Mulgrew's curling free kick was fisted away by Douglas as the onslaught resumed.

Douglas then blocked a low drive James Forrest after slack play from Matt Lockwood.

Celtic's frustration grew further when captain Brown watched his 39th-minute penalty superbly save by Douglas after Lassad was brought down by Benedictus.

The travelling support went wild, but minutes later they were silenced by Hooper.

Brown slipped the Englishman in on goal and from eight yards the striker fired low past Douglas into the net for his first league goal of the season.

With nerves settled just before the break, it was a goal that perhaps changed the Celtic manager's half-time team talk.
Play media

Just minutes after the restart, Gary Irvine chested the ball back to Douglas, but the ball bizarrely hit the post and rolled along the goal-line before the big goalkeeper pounced to smother.

However, Douglas had no chance with goal number two, which came two minutes later.

Wanyama found some space around 30 yards and unleashed a fierce shot with the outside of his right foot and Douglas could only watch helplessly as the ball pinged off the post and into the net.

The Celtic dominance continued and Hooper watched his close-range effort rebound off the post, but by then Celtic had already secured the points that cemented Dundee's place at the foot of the table.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +1:48 Full time

Full Time The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
90:00 +0:51

James Forrest has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand post.
89:54

Corner from the right by-line taken by Dylan McGeouch, clearance by James McAlister.
88:28

The ball is swung over by Adam Matthews, Iain Davidson manages to make a clearance.
86:24

Direct free kick taken by Charlie Mulgrew.
86:24 Booking

Booking James McAlister is cautioned by the ref for unsporting behaviour.
86:10

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Emilio Izaguirre by James McAlister.
85:59

A cross is delivered by Dylan McGeouch, save made by Rab Douglas.
85:47

The ball is crossed by Dylan McGeouch, blocked by Kyle Benedictus.
85:15

Corner taken by Dylan McGeouch from the right by-line, Iain Davidson makes a clearance.
85:06 Substitution

Substitution Efe Ambrose replaces Scott Brown.
83:50

James McAlister has an effort at goal from just outside the area which goes wide of the left-hand post.
82:09

Corner taken right-footed by Dylan McGeouch from the right by-line, Scott Brown takes a shot. Save by Rab Douglas.
80:36

Tony Watt has an effort at goal from just inside the box that misses to the right of the target.
79:46

The ball is delivered by Tony Watt, clearance by Gary Irvine.
77:55

James McAlister concedes a free kick for a foul on Emilio Izaguirre. Emilio Izaguirre restarts play with the free kick.
77:13

Tony Watt takes a shot. Save by Rab Douglas.
74:18

Shot by Gary Hooper from deep inside the penalty area bounces off the post.
72:52 Substitution

Substitution Dylan McGeouch replaces Kris Commons.
72:06

Effort from 20 yards by James McAlister. Save by Fraser Forster.
70:58 Substitution

Substitution John Baird goes off and Nicky Riley comes on.
70:28

Effort on goal by Charlie Mulgrew from outside the area goes harmlessly over the bar.
70:10

Centre by Emilio Izaguirre.
69:02

Centre by Emilio Izaguirre, Iain Davidson makes a clearance.
68:07

Free kick awarded for a foul by Gary Hooper on Mark Kerr. Kyle Benedictus takes the free kick.
65:13 Substitution

Substitution Martin Boyle on for Steven Milne.
64:54 Substitution

Substitution Tony Watt is brought on as a substitute for Lassad Nouioui.
64:20

Inswinging corner taken left-footed by Kris Commons played to the near post.
63:51

Kris Commons takes a shot. Rab Douglas makes a save.
63:00

Adam Matthews delivers the ball, Gary Irvine manages to make a clearance.
60:47

John Baird gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Charlie Mulgrew. Fraser Forster takes the direct free kick.
58:53

Corner from the left by-line taken by Kris Commons, clearance by Colin Nish.
58:31

Lassad Nouioui takes a shot. Rab Douglas makes a save.
57:20

Victor Wanyama challenges Gary Irvine unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Rab Douglas.
56:41

Short corner worked by Kris Commons.
55:25

Shot by James Forrest. Save by Rab Douglas.
54:51

Effort from outside the box by John Baird goes wide right of the target.
53:48

Kris Commons produces a drilled left-footed shot from deep inside the penalty box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
53:04

Centre by Kris Commons, Rab Douglas makes a save.
51:32

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Colin Nish by Charlie Mulgrew. Gary Irvine takes the direct free kick.
51:17

The official flags Gary Hooper offside. Free kick taken by Rab Douglas.
51:05

The ball is crossed by Emilio Izaguirre.
48:40

Assist by Emilio Izaguirre.
48:40 Goal scored

Goal – Victor Wanyama – Celtic 2 – 0 Dundee Victor Wanyama gets on the score sheet with a goal from long distance to the bottom right corner of the goal. Celtic 2-0 Dundee.
46:32

Unfair challenge on Colin Nish by Emilio Izaguirre results in a free kick. Kyle Benedictus restarts play with the free kick.
45:09

James McAlister produces a left-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide left of the target.
45:01

The referee starts the second half.
45:00 +1:07 Half time

Half Time The first half comes to an end.
45:00 +0:54

The ball is swung over by Charlie Mulgrew, clearance by Kyle Benedictus.
44:37

The official flags Lassad Nouioui offside. Indirect free kick taken by Rab Douglas.
44:28

The ball is sent over by Kris Commons.
42:59

Assist on the goal came from Scott Brown.
42:59 Goal scored

Goal – Gary Hooper – Celtic 1 – 0 Dundee Gary Hooper gets on the score sheet with a goal from inside the box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Celtic 1-0 Dundee.
41:14

Kris Commons crosses the ball.
39:56

Adam Matthews has shot on goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
38:36

Shot from just outside the box by Kris Commons misses to the right of the goal.
38:14

Kris Commons takes a short corner.
38:06 Penalty

Placed penalty taken by Scott Brown saved by Rab Douglas. Celtic 0-0 Dundee.
37:15

A cross is delivered by Emilio Izaguirre, Kyle Benedictus challenges Lassad Nouioui unfairly and gives away a Penalty.
35:40

Kelvin Wilson challenges Colin Nish unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Iain Davidson.
32:55

The ball is swung over by Kris Commons, Iain Davidson makes a clearance.
32:15

The ball is swung over by Lassad Nouioui.
31:25

James Forrest takes a shot. Rab Douglas makes a save.
29:36

James Forrest takes a shot from 18 yards. Save by Rab Douglas.
28:20

The ball is delivered by Emilio Izaguirre, clearance made by Iain Davidson.
27:35

The ball is sent over by Kris Commons.
27:05

Kris Commons takes a short corner.
24:47

Effort on goal by Kris Commons from outside the box goes harmlessly over the bar.
22:17

Direct effort from the free kick comes in from Charlie Mulgrew, save made by Rab Douglas.
22:17 Booking

Booking Kyle Benedictus receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.
22:08

Victor Wanyama fouled by Kyle Benedictus, the ref awards a free kick.
20:38

Shot from deep inside the area by Lassad Nouioui goes over the bar.
20:01

John Baird concedes a free kick for a foul on Adam Matthews. Fraser Forster takes the direct free kick.
19:07

Gary Hooper challenges Mark Kerr unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Rab Douglas.
18:50

A cross is delivered by Victor Wanyama, Iain Davidson manages to make a clearance.
17:51

The ball is sent over by Kris Commons, drilled left-footed shot by Lassad Nouioui. Save made by Rab Douglas.
15:31

A cross is delivered by Kris Commons.
15:03

Shot by John Baird.
14:46

Colin Nish takes a shot. Blocked by Scott Brown.
13:51

Foul by Colin Nish on Kelvin Wilson, free kick awarded. Kris Commons restarts play with the free kick.
13:40

The ball is delivered by Emilio Izaguirre.
13:02

A cross is delivered by Charlie Mulgrew, Iain Davidson manages to make a clearance.
12:09

The ball is swung over by Emilio Izaguirre, clearance made by John Baird.
11:04

James Forrest has an effort at goal from outside the area missing to the wide right of the goal.
10:21

The ball is swung over by Emilio Izaguirre, clearance by Iain Davidson.
8:11

The ball is delivered by Emilio Izaguirre, clearance made by Iain Davidson.
7:23

Matthew Lockwood concedes a free kick for a foul on James Forrest. Adam Matthews takes the direct free kick.
4:56

James McAlister challenges Scott Brown unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct effort from the free kick comes in from Charlie Mulgrew.
1:42

Effort on goal by Gary Hooper from just inside the penalty area goes over the target.
0:00

The referee starts the match.