Martin O’Neill cut a relieved figure after Celtic battled to a crucial 2-1 victory over Dundee, a result that keeps their title charge firmly on track as the season heads into its decisive run-in.
In a game where momentum swung like a pendulum, Celtic struck through Yang and Kelechi Iheanacho to secure all three points at Dens Park.
However, despite the win, the Hoops were left reflecting on missed chances, particularly in a dominant first-half display that should have put the contest beyond doubt.
Nevertheless, as the final whistle blew, the focus quickly shifted from missed opportunities to the bigger picture: a vital victory that now leaves Celtic just three points off the summit with six matches remaining.
Reacting after the match, O’Neill acknowledged both the positives and the nervy moments that defined the encounter.
“I thought we should have been out of sight by half-time but we weren’t,” said O’Neill.
“We missed some glorious chances – really clear-cut chances – to go and get a second goal but it didn’t happen and you always fear the worst.
“At half-time I said to the team that this was far from over. Dundee would come into the game and were playing with the wind in the second-half.
“They got the penalty and that obviously gave them great confidence to continue on but we kept battling at it and battling it was at the end of it all.
“Iheanacho came on and scored the goal which wins the game for us. Naturally, we’re delighted and we’re still in the picture.
“I know he’s had a frustrating time, but he’s been a really fine player in his career and he can find the net.
“We played last and that is difficult. You’re trying not to think about what has happened either the previous day or a few hours earlier, but for us today we just had to win.
“There’s no room for error at all, and if we had dropped points today that would have been very difficult to fight back.”
As the title race gathers pace, Celtic now know that every fixture is a must-win encounter.
With pressure mounting and rivals closing in, O’Neill’s side must maintain their intensity and sharpen their finishing edge if they are to complete a successful push for the crown.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
