Takeaways from Celtic’s chaotic 3-3 draw with Dundee

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The Celtic Star

·15 January 2025

Takeaways from Celtic’s chaotic 3-3 draw with Dundee

My takeaways from Celtic’s chaotic 3-3 draw with Dundee at Dens Park last night which saw Celtic concede three goals for the third time in a month…

Celtic supporters ahead of kick-off. Dens Park, Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Trusty’s worst game in a Celtic jersey

Dundee’s third goal. Dens Park, Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

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A horror show of a performance from to start to finish for Celtic’s £6m centre-back. Struggled to deal with the aggression and physicality of Simon Murray all evening. It culminated in Trusty being outmuscled by Murray for Dundee’s quick response in the second half after Cameron Carter-Vickers diverted the ball into his own net for the second time this season.

And for the Dundee’s third, I’m not quite sure how 6ft1 Aaron Donnelly can somehow manage to beat 6ft4 Auston Trusty in the air. A calamitous night for the American all round. Not dissimilar to the way Lyndon Dykes physically outdone Christoper Jullien a few years ago. Trusty will need to learn, because that was a concerning display from the 26 year-old.

Anonymous Adam Again

Adam Idah’s big chance at Dens Park, Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

It’s becoming more apparent by the day that signing Adam Idah for £9.5m was a complete blunder. 552 minutes without a goal in a Hoops jersey. Passed up a massive opportunity in the first half to extend Celtic’s advantage. No aggression or edge to his game and the Irishman should have no complaints about not starting when Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn are fully fit again.

It may be a confidence issue, but that should not be an excuse when Celtic are so far in front in the league and cruise majority of their domestic matches. Since arriving in the summer, Idah has made no impact – which is surprising given how well he performed in the second half of last season.

Complacency creeping in

Callum McGregor. Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Supporters feeling relaxed and joyful about the league position is fine, but the players and manager can’t. That is now the third time in Celtic’s last nine domestic games they have conceded three goals. There are glimpses of weakness and defensive deficiencies despite the fabulous clean sheet record.

Restoring confidence with a performance on Saturday in the Scottish Cup against Kilmarnock should be a priority before heading into the BSC Young Boys game a week today. Celtic must progress to the knockout playoffs of the Champions League; it would be a disaster if they did not considering the teams Brendan Rodgers’ side have faced in Europe’s elite club competition this season and the position they have put themselves in.

Last night is worrying given the lapses of concentration on several occasions. Celtic cannot afford to perform like that versus the Swiss champions or the chances of progression will become slim.

Conor Spence