Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Who can step goal machine
AN opportunity missed is the overwhelming feeling coming from Dundee after their 1-0 defeat at champions Celtic.
And that feeling stems from coming so close to grabbing a point late in the game when both Paul McGowan and Roarie Deacon had chances to level the score.
Not for the first time this season — Aberdeen away and for a spell against Rangers are games that spring to mind — the ability to take chances at key moments has let Dundee down.
Two seasons ago, the difference that makes showed as Greg Stewart and Kane Hemmings fired the Dark Blues into the top six.
Having goalscorers can be the difference between a relegation scrap and safety in the top half — just ask Motherwell with Louis Moult & Co. right now.
Tele Sport takes a look at how the Dens men have been faring so far:
SOFIEN MOUSSA (Nine appearances, six goals)
Tunisian Moussa is Dundee’s top scorer this season.
Five of those, however, came in the Betfred Cup group stage, with three against lowly Cowdenbeath and one each versus Buckie Thistle and Raith.
His sole league strike came from the penalty spot against St Johnstone.
The big striker is yet to show he can really cut it in the Premiership — the way to turn that around is with goals.
FAISSAL EL BAKHTAOUI (14 appearances, four goals)
This is a big season for El Bakhtaoui after arriving from Dunfermline last summer.
He’s yet to really catch fire despite a screamer in a 2-1 Betfred Cup derby victory at Dens Park, although it has to be said he has been operating from wide at times this campaign. He has the ability but a lack of important goals, or any goals really, has been apparent.
A-JAY LEITCH-SMITH (Six appearances, two goals)
The man on loan from Shrewsbury made his home debut with a double to see off St Johnstone for Dundee’s first league win of the season. That’s been it so far, though. He’s shown plenty outside the box as well as a couple of thankless tasks leading the line against Celtic in the past few weeks. Plenty effort but not a prolific return as yet.
JACK HENDRY (14 appearances, two goals)
Centre-half Hendry has impressed