Kelechi Iheanacho’s Crucial Goal Helps Celtic Narrow Gap in Scottish Premiership
Kelechi Iheanacho’s first goal in six months proved to be a pivotal moment for Celtic as they managed to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts to just three points. The victory at Dens Park, where they overcame Dundee 2-1, marked an end to their struggles in the city and provided a much-needed boost in the title race.
Iheanacho showcased his determination by out-muscling Ryan Astley to control a cross from fellow substitute Marcelo Saracchi and score the decisive goal from six yards in the 82nd minute. This goal ensured that the third-placed champions capitalized on Hearts’ failure to secure all three points against bottom club Livingston earlier in the day.
Celtic had struggled in their previous three visits to Dundee this season and appeared set for another setback when Simon Murray equalized with a penalty in the 57th minute. The goal came after a VAR-assisted decision saw Steven McLean point to the spot following Astley’s ball hitting the outstretched arm of Colby Donovan.
Dundee had not posed a significant threat before the equalizer, but they took the lead in the eighth minute when Yang Hyun-jun got the final touch in an early attack. Despite several missed chances before the break, Iheanacho’s long-awaited goal was soon followed by a red card for Astley, which tightened the three-way title battle.
Iheanacho’s return to scoring form, following a major hamstring injury, could prove crucial for manager Martin O’Neill. It has been 12 games since a starting centre-forward scored for Celtic, with Tomas Cvancara netting in a 2-0 win over Falkirk. Although Cvancara also scored off the bench against Motherwell, he failed to capitalize on several opportunities at Dens Park.
O’Neill has experimented with various front-line options, including Junior Adamu, Iheanacho, and Daizen Maeda. However, the Japanese forward has yet to find the back of the net since January 10 and also missed a key chance at Dens Park.
Celtic started strongly on the left flank, with Maeda and Kieran Tierney combining to create the opening goal. Cvancara forced a save from Tierney’s cross, and Yang followed up to knock the ball over Jon McCracken. Benjamin Nygren attempted to take the ball off his toes, but Yang secured the final touch.
Celtic dominated the first half, but Cvancara, in particular, was wasteful. The on-loan Borussia Monchengladbach striker hit the post with his best chance after being played through by Maeda’s pressing. He also fired a weak shot straight at McCracken and made poor decisions from other opportunities.
Maeda was also played through but could not beat McCracken, who also saved Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s volley. Maeda and Yang were inches away from connecting with Nygren’s ball across the face of goal, and Donovan came close from long range.
Viljami Sinisalo made a couple of routine saves from Cameron Congreve before facing Murray, who sent the Celtic goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot. O’Neill immediately replaced Cvancara with Iheanacho, but the visitors found it harder to break down Dundee after the equalizer.
Yang had a header tipped over, and substitute Luke McCowan shot wide from 20 yards, but clear chances were scarce before Iheanacho delivered what felt like a defining moment in Celtic’s season.
Astley was sent off two minutes later for fouling Yang as the winger broke onto a long ball towards goal.
