Celtic remain three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after a 2-1 victory away to Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday.
James Forrest was the hero of the day for the Bhoys. First, he scored a beautiful volley from a Kyogo Furuhashi layup to blast Celtic into the lead after 30 minutes.
Then, in the 67th minute, he showed great tenacity to rob the Dundee defence of possession and smash a low drive through the legs of Jon McCracken.
The Dees did give a good account of themselves in the match and had moments of pressure. They even pulled a goal back after Adam Idah netted an own goal. But Celtic managed to see out a big victory that edges them a step closer to the league title.
What are the big talking points coming out of the match? Here are three of ours.
Celtic ‘answer the question’ after Rangers win
Much of the discussion on Sky Sports today centred around Rangers ‘asking a question’ of Celtic with their victory over St Mirren earlier in the day. The Bhoys answered it.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were far from their best. Some of the passing was sloppy and the team invited far too much Dundee pressure in several stages of the match.
But win at all costs was the job today and Celtic have delivered. With tension rising in the title race, that’s just about good enough, for now. But performances could do with improving over the coming weeks against better opposition.
Brendan Rodgers selection call pays off big
The manager made just one change from his team that came through a penalty shoot-out against Aberdeen last weekend – James Forrest in for Hyunjun Yang.
It was the veteran winger’s first start since November and, apparently, the perfect time to unleash him on a Premiership defence once again.
He was the difference-maker today with two excellently taken goals. It’s notable that he is sparking into form just after Rodgers has spoken so highly of him in the media. The Bhoys boss suspected he would need Forrest firing and he’s managed to get that out of him at a great stage of the season.
Callum McGregor fitness concerns continue
The captain started today’s match but he still doesn’t look quite like himself. He’s less mobile, he’s making safe passes and isn’t making the impact of games you would expect from a player of his quality.
Returning early from injury, that’s not too much of a surprise. But if he isn’t fully fit, it’s perhaps best that he attempts to establish himself as a substitute in matches.
He’s such an important part of this team at his best but this is a fraught, physical end to the season and nobody wants to see McGregor struggling with a fitness problem.