Celtic secures win against Dundee as title defense begins

Celtic secures win against Dundee as title defense begins
Benjamin Nygren was quickly back on the goal trail as Celtic began the defence of their Premiership title with a 1-0 home win over Dundee. Before the game, Celtic fans cheered as the captain, Callum McGregor, unfurled the flag which confirmed again a 14th title win in 15 seasons.
The first half presented a flat performance with Martin O’Neill’s side struggling to hit their stride as the visitors posed intermittent problems. However, Sweden midfielder Nygren, who had a prolific last season with 21 goals, struck with a close-range header in the 52nd minute, and this goal proved sufficient to secure the three points in Glasgow as the new season commenced for the champions.
Celtic supporters continued to express their calls for new recruits, although Camilo Durán, a Colombian striker newly signed from Qarabag reportedly for £5.5m, and Kasper Høgh, a Denmark forward who arrived for a club-record £11m plus add-ons from Bodø/Glimt, made their debuts. Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels, both attracting transfer interest, also started for the champions while Dundee’s goalkeeper Owen Goodman made his debut.
Høgh fired wide in the ninth minute after being set up by Nygren, while the Dane redirected an effort from Nygren past a post soon after. At the other end, Dundee’s Charlie Reilly hit the side netting from 12 yards as the ball bounced around Celtic’s penalty area.
Steven Pressley’s well-drilled team found joy with high balls, and in the 33rd minute, defender Owen Bevan headed the ball but it was gathered comfortably by Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo. Five minutes later, Engels missed a prime chance, heading a cross from Kieran Tierney past a post while Tierney drew a fine save from Goodman with a close-range effort.
The home side initially faltered at the start of the second half, but when Tierney curled in a cross from the left, Nygren headed past Goodman from inside the box, easing growing anxiety among the fans.
O’Neill’s side began to probe with more purpose, boosting the fans’ excitement while Dundee’s attacks became sporadic. Goodman saved a long-distance shot from Yang Hyun-jun in the 67th minute, and while Celtic maintained control, anxiety rose as the second goal eluded them.
Goodman saved a glancing header from Dundee substitute Ashley Hay in the 82nd minute, and Høgh missed another chance, sliding a shot wide from six yards. McGregor hit the upright from inside Dundee’s penalty area, with James Forrest bent the rebound wide.