Celtic won their first game of Martin O’Neill’s second interim spell in charge this season, defeating Dundee United 4-0 at Celtic Park.
Two goals in each half were enough for the Northern Irishman’s side, with Hyun-jun Yang and Arne Engels netting in the first period, before Benjamin Nygren and Daizen Maeda completed the rout in the final half hour.
It was Celtic’s first match since sacking Wilfried Nancy after 33 days, and they Hoops were able to keep a clean sheet for the first time since what we thought was Martin’s O’Neill’s last game as manager, when the defending champions eked out a 1-0 win over the over side of Dundee at Parkhead.
The result temporarily lifts Celtic back into second place, three points behind leaders Hearts and ahead of rivals Rangers on goal difference. Both sides are in action tomorrow, away to Dundee and Aberdeen respectively.
The hosts dominated proceedings from the referee’s whistle at kick-off, with he majority of play prevented Dundee United from escaping their own half as their resolute defence eventually caved 27 minutes in. Liam Scales picked out Yang on the edge of the area, and the South Korean’s low rocket flew beyond Dave Richards in the United net to open proceedings.
And five minutes later Celtic were two in front. Kieran Tierney delivered a ball from the left flank and Belgian midfielder Arne Engels got first to it, putting daylight between the sides after his left-foot effort sailed into the goal.
The Terrors had a glorious opportunity to get themselves back into the game which went begging just a couple of minutes before the half-time break. Teenage forward Owen Stirton took advantage of a slack pass from Austin Trusty, but the American was bailed out by an excellent recovery from his centre-half partner Liam Scales who got in the way of the 18-year-old’s attempt.
Celtic were able to equal the intensity on the first half in the second, something they were unable to do in many games throughout Nancy’s forgetful tenure. Benjamin Nygren found himself with space on the six-yard line as the ball broke out to him, and the Swede’s fired home to convert for the 9th time in the league so far this campaign.
And the Celtic fans would have to wait an extra minute between goals this time. Daizen Maeda got in on the act six minutes after Nygren, with the Japanese attacker reacting first to a parried effort from Sebastian Tounekti. Richard’s save fell straight to the 28-year-old, who put the ball out of reach to put a ribbon on a heavily sought after three points for Celtic.
Dundee United remain outside the top six, sitting seventh in the table with only two wins from their last thirteen games. They host Scott Brown’s Ayr United in the Scottish Cup next Saturday.
As for today’s winners, a much welcomed result and performance for Martin O’Neill on his return cuts the gap on Hearts at least until they play Dundee tomorrow. The Bhoys have a game in hand of the capital side, which takes place this Wednesday away to sixth placed Falkirk.
CELTIC: Schmeichel 5, Araujo 5 (Donovan 61′ 2), Trusty 5, Scales 7, Tierney 7, Hatate 5 (Nygren 61′ 5), McGregor 6, Engels 7, Tounekti 6 (Forrest 72′ 2), Yang 8 (McCowan 72′ 1) Maeda 6 (Kenny 72′ 1)
DUNDEE UNITED: Richards 4, Naamo 4, Sevelj 5 (Eskesen 78′ 1), Graham 5, Keresztes 4, Ferry 3, Stephenson 4, Sibbald 5, Camara 2 (Fatah 46′ 2), Stirton 2 (Strain 61′ 1), Sapsford 3 (Moller 79′ 1)
