Celtic delivered a memorable send-off for interim manager Martin O’Neill, defeating Dundee 1-0 at Celtic Park to keep their 100% domestic record under his charge. The victory moved them level on points with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, setting up a crucial top-of-the-table clash this Sunday under newly appointed manager Wilfried Nancy.

Daizen Maeda’s Early Goal Decides the Game

The match’s decisive moment came early, with Daizen Maeda rising highest to head home Reo Hatate’s first-time pass after a flowing build-up involving Hyun-jun Yang. Maeda’s goal not only secured the three points but gained additional value when Hearts dropped points late against Kilmarnock, keeping Celtic in contention for the Premiership summit.

Despite their early setback, Dundee came close to equalising just before half-time. A misjudged header from Liam Scales allowed Simon Murray to strike the crossbar, and Cameron Congreve’s follow-up effort was superbly saved by Kasper Schmeichel, keeping Celtic in the lead.

Second Half: Celtic Hold On

In the second half, Celtic looked to extend their advantage but were unable to break through Dundee’s defensive resilience. Maeda had another opportunity when he followed up Luke McCowan’s saved shot, but he failed to convert. Hatate was also denied by goalkeeper Jon McCracken, and Dundee’s Ashley Hay had a narrow-angle effort that went wide.

Ultimately, Maeda’s early header proved enough for victory, giving O’Neill a fitting final result as interim manager.

Martin O’Neill Signs Off with Legacy Enhanced

O’Neill’s impact on Celtic since taking over after Brendan Rodgers’ departure has been significant. He steadied a team eight points behind Hearts and brought cohesion amid tension between supporters and the board. His 100% record in the Premiership ensured Celtic closed the gap on the league leaders, giving Wilfried Nancy a strong platform for his debut.

O’Neill reflected on his time in charge, stating:
“To get a reception like that was pretty special. The bottom line is not only have the players done it, they’ve made me feel very young, which I’m not. Restoration of confidence was most important, and they really stepped up.”

Dundee’s Perspective: Positive Despite Defeat

For Dundee, the game was always going to be a tough challenge. Their manager, Steven Pressley, praised his team’s effort despite the loss. Dundee had shown promise in their previous fixture against St Mirren, but replicating that performance at Celtic Park proved difficult.

“It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was really positive,” Pressley said. “I’m really proud. I’ve seen a team that’s showing great bravery just now. In many ways, it was a win for us.”

Dundee will now look to build on their home performances in upcoming matches, starting with a fixture against Aberdeen.

Key Players and Ratings

• Player of the Match: Daizen Maeda – 8.28
• Celtic standout performers also included Ashley Engels (7.78), Reo Hatate (7.66), and Kasper Schmeichel (7.35).
• Dundee’s closest threats came from Simon Murray and Cameron Congreve, though both were unable to convert key opportunities.

What’s Next

• Celtic face a top-of-the-table clash against Hearts this Sunday (15:00 GMT), with Wilfried Nancy taking charge for the first time.
• Dundee host Aberdeen 24 hours earlier, aiming to continue their fight for league stability.

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Key Takeaways

• Celtic maintain a 100% domestic record under Martin O’Neill, moving level on points with Hearts.
• Daizen Maeda’s early header proves decisive in a 1-0 win over Dundee.
• Wilfried Nancy officially appointed and set to debut in the top-of-the-table clash against Hearts.
• Dundee show bravery but fail to find the net at Celtic Park.
• Celtic’s interim period under O’Neill closes with confidence restored and league ambitions alive.