Celtic have cemented their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership in dramatic circumstances this afternoon, with a brilliant hat-trick from striker Giorgos Giakoumakis leading them to a 3-2 victory over Dundee at Parkhead.
It is Celtic's eighth successive win in the league.
Giorgos Giakoumakis hat-trick leads Celtic to Dundee win
The game started poorly for the home side, who went behind in the 26th minute thanks to a strike from Danny Mullen.
However, Giakoumakis would get his team back on level terms a few minutes later.
The Greek striker swivelled beautifully after the ball broke to him in the box, turning to strike him his first of the game.
1-1 Giakoumakis 🍀🍀🍀 pic.twitter.com/v2IsKRYrgt
— Tim Trivia (@TriviaTim) February 20, 2022
He would have second only four minutes later.
This time he reacted quickest to a rebound from Dundee goalkeeper Ian Lawlor, poking home from close range.
A double from Giakoumakis turns the game around for The Bhoys in the first half! Let's wish the game ends with our victory. Hail Hail! 🍀🍀 #CelticFC💚 #CELDUN #cinchPrem #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/RJLS8mVWOs
— Ilir Meta (@ilirmetazyrtar) February 20, 2022
Celtic looked like strong favourites to go and win the game from here, although they were made to sweat after former Ireland U21 international Ryan Sweeney levelled the game once again on the hour mark.
However, Giakoumakis would go on to ensure that Ange Postecoglou's side secured all three points late on.
This time he connected with an Anthony Ralston cross at the near post, producing a smart diving header to leave Lawlor with no chance.
Big man shut a lot of people up after that.
Giakoumakis is on fire. pic.twitter.com/tlv7XGP4Uj— Big Ange (@ItsBigAngeMate) February 20, 2022
This proved to be the winner as Celtic restored their three point advantage at the summit of the division.
Having joined from Dutch club VVV-Venlo last year, Giakoumakis is now finding his feet in Glasgow. This hat-trick brings his tally to seven goals in all competitions this season, a decent tally when you consider many of his appearances have come off the bench and he has also struggled with injury at times.
Speaking after the game, the forward said he was delighted to help his side to the win on this occasion.
🗣️ "We showed our character."
On the match with hat-trick hero and #DafabetMOTM, Giorgos Giakoumakis!🎙️#CELDUN | #cinchPrem | @Dafabet🍀 pic.twitter.com/JqIZHjxJud— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 20, 2022
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