Glasgow | Celtic start another title defence with a win

Celtic 1 - 0 Dundee

Celtic began their Scottish Premiership title defence with a narrow home win as Benjamin Nygren’s header secured victory over Dundee.

Author | Sean M

Stadium | Celtic Park

After a drab opening 45 minutes, the Sweden midfielder met a superb cross from Kieran Tierney in the 52nd minute to score the only goal of the game.

Tierney was one of Celtic’s standout performers last season as they chased down Hearts in a thrilling finale, and he produced another moment of quality to help launch the new campaign.

It should have been a more straightforward night for Celtic 

The margin could have been more comfortable for Martin O’Neill’s side had Arne Engels and club-record signing Kasper Høgh not squandered excellent opportunities in the first half.

There was more wasteful finishing after the interval, with Høgh poking wide before substitute Sebastian Tounekti fired well over after some neat footwork had created the opening.

Callum McGregor looked to have added a deserved second when he curled a right-footed effort towards the top corner, only for the ball to rebound off the post and away to safety.

Dundee had their chances too. Charlie Reilly struck the side netting after a neat lay-off from Simon Murray in the first half, while Ashley Hay’s header late on forced an excellent save from Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.

Celtic, though, remained composed and saw out the game without serious alarm to collect all three points.