Dundee 2-4 Celtic: Jota leads Celtic back to second place in Premiership

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Jota's goal in the second period calmed Celtic nerves, and set the stage for victory

Celtic won comfortably at Dundee thanks to Jota, a Portuguese winger. They are now in second place in Scotland's Premiership.

Jota scored the first goal, and Kyogo doubled Celtic’s lead. Danny Mullen then brought Dundee back in the game just before the break.

The Benfica loanee scored a second goal two minutes after the restart. Kyogo was quick to set up Celtic's fourth goal three minutes later.

Lee Ashcroft was then in charge of a consolation.

This win places Celtic above Hearts, and within one point of Rangers, the leaders Rangers. Rangers host Ross County at 15:00 GMT. Dundee remains in 11th place.

A great game of football was interrupted by the interruption of the minute's silent to remember Remembrance Day.

After kick-off, the away support used the opportunity to protest the appointment of Bernard Higgins, former chief constable of Police Scotland, to a position at the club. They also threw tennis balls onto the pitch.

Ange Postecoglou, Celtic manager, picked the same team as that which won against Ferencvaros in which all three players Jota and Kyogo scored. Jota was the star of this forward trio, with her performance full of trickery and pace that culminated in goals.

Anthony Ralston, who was working space on the right-hand box side to drill a shot off of the post, was the beneficiary. The Portuguese winger was alert to scoop the rebound home despite the suggestion that he was offside when the original shot was struck.

It was a dominant opening spell and Celtic held over 80% possession at 19 minutes. Dundee tried to play, but their plan to frustrate was foiled when Ralston selected Kyogo to lead Celtic 2-0.

Dundee quickly shifted to plan B, which was much more adventurous. Paul McMullan was the spark that got them moving.

He drove down the right Celtic defenders and combined with Paul McGowan, he was able to swing an awkward crossover in. Mullen used this to get past Joe Hart.

While that goal was a boost for the home team as they held their ground to the break, they were overwhelmed by Celtic's quality in the first five minutes.

Charlie Adam was outclassed by First Ralston, who then whipped in a cross from right. Jota was again the sharpest player in the box as he ran across the marker and guided the ball into the net.

The Benfica loanee was an absolute joy to see. He then turned provider and did a few stepovers, before giving up on Kyogo to win a great fourth goal that effectively ended Dundee's challenge.

However, their defense has been improving steadily throughout the season. Celtic were once again defeated by a cross into a box. Ashcroft crossed well ahead Hart to score Dundee's second goal.

James McPake's team pushed forward, but Celtic could not keep up the pressure, especially when James Forrest round Dundee goalkeeper Adam Legzdins. He also teed up Giorgos Giakoumakis as a substitute, who scored.

Jota is the Man of Match

Jota was the top pitch player with two goals and an assist.

What have we learned?

The Celtic front three are unstoppable when they are at their peak. Jota is an example of a player who has the technical ability to play at the highest levels. It's been suggested that his inconsistency caused him not to make the breakthrough at Benfica.

He seems to love life in Glasgow and has scored six goals in the last 10 games. He was replaced by chants of "Celtic sign him up" and it is likely that the club will immediately activate their option to purchase.

Postecoglou will find it annoying to concede two soft goals after improving their defensive performance recently. It is also a reminder that they are far from being the perfect team.

Dundee's defensive record is the worst in the top flight, which can be a cause for concern when fighting relegation. They can be encouraged by their attacking moves, and they scored two well-worked goals.

They will not be the only ones who suffer from the League's Jota, Kyogo and Abada this season.

They said what?

James McPake, Dundee manager: "I thought that the starts to each halves we shot ourselves in our feet. They did a great job coming out of the blocks. We showed character to overcome a 2-0 deficit and get back into the game.

"At key stage against key players, they will punish you if you switch off.

"But we showed great character to dig and scrape right to the end. You can't fault their efforts when you look back.

Ange Postecoglou, Celtic manager: "I thought that the whole team were great at times today. We won the game and scored some fantastic goals.

"A little bit more sloppiness was seen for their goals, and that was disappointing. Although I was concerned that there may have been some fatigue, the players did a great job.

"[Jota] does really well, he has so much talent. My job is making him the best player possible. We'd be happy to keep him if he feels this is the right place for his future.

What's next?

Celtic will play St Johnstone, holders of the League Cup on 20 November (17.15), in the semi-final. Dundee will have to wait until next week before they face Motherwell.

Furuhashi Kyogo Furuhashi was the player of the match with an average 8.09 Dundee Dundee Dundee

Celtic Celtic Celtic Dundee Avg squad number 14 Player named Ashcroft Average ranking 6.07 Squad numbers 9 Player named McMullan Average Rating 5.69 Squad numbers 1 Player player name McMullan Average Rating 5.42 Squad numbers 35 Player play name McMullan Average rating 4.87 Squad Numbers 6 Player play name McMullan Average ratings 5.47 Squad numbers 6 Player play Jota Average rating 7.29 Squad Number 16 Player use Anderson Average rating rating 8.09 Squad #56 Player call Anderson Average rating rating 6.82 Squad No.