Celtic 6 – 0 Dundee
Celtic cruised to a 6-0 victory at home against Dundee to restore their 13-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
The Hoops barely got out of second gear in the first half but raced into a two-goal lead thanks to Arne Engel’s opener from the penalty spot and Adam Idah’s effort just before the break.
Jota looked lively throughout after being rewarded with a start following his goal against Motherwell, and he continued to show why securing his return from Rennes was such an exciting bit of business for the club.
It was his stunning cross that teed up Daizen Maeda for his first goal of the night, before the 27-year-old lifted the ball over Trevor Carson’s head to help himself to a second in the space of three minutes after the restart.
Celtic’s emphatic win was then capped off by two long-range efforts from Engels and substitute Nicolas Kuhn, which also allowed Jeffrey Schlupp to ease into his debut with the game comfortably out of reach for Dundee.
Tony Docherty’s side have now suffered back-to-back 6-0 defeats in the league but cannot dwell on another resounding defeat, with Airdrieonians in the Scottish Cup fast approaching on Saturday.
Rodgers: Our hunger was impressive
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers:
“It was right up there from minute one. The players were brilliant. The attitude and energy in the game.
“We played the system really well. Our goals were brilliant. So pleased after playing Sunday and going into Wednesday. The hunger in the team was impressive.
Celtic’s Arne Engels celebrates scoring to make it 5-0
“I said beforehand that they caught us out a few weeks ago but our defensive side was brilliant. We hunted in numbers and were really impressive.”
Asked to pick his goal of the night, Rodgers added: “Daez’s finish. The finish was sublime. There wasn’t a lot Trevor [Carson] could do about our goals.”
Rodgers: We wanted a striker but tonight showed we have enough
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers:
“It’s finished and we have a tight group of players. We wanted a striker but it wasn’t to be and there is an opportunity for someone else.
“We have two wingers on 17 or 18 goals between them and others contributing. You can see from tonight, they are really hungry and we have plenty of goals in the team.”
Maeda scores the first of his two goals
Celtic goalscorers on ‘amazing’ night vs Dundee
Celtic midfielder Arne Engels:
“Very pleased. I am always here to help the team but they were amazing. Creating chances and defending. Even the last minute we all went forward to get a goal! Brilliant night.
“Before the match we all said we needed to step up and that is what we did. It was an amazing night.”
Celtic’s Adam Idah celebrates scoring to make it 2-0 against Dundee
Celtic striker Adam Idah:
“I am enjoying it, it has been really good. I didn’t play great but still managed to get a goal. We have been brilliant so I am looking forward to more games.
“It makes my job easier when you have goals like this around you. Really good to have them around me and I am enjoying playing. Everyone wants to play and everyone wants to get the minutes.”
Docherty: First goal was not a penalty
Dundee manager Tony Docherty:
“I watched the penalty back and the referee was in a good position and gave a free-kick to us. I don’t think it was a penalty kick, not one Celtic player called for that.
“Our decision-making was poor and we are not giving ourselves the chance to win. We were too easy to score against. You get punished. We are conceding too many soft goals.”
