2013-02-16: Celtic 6-2 Dundee Utd, SPL

Match Pictures | Matches: 2012 – 2013 | 2012-13 Pictures

Trivia

• Celtic top of the league by by 18pts from Motherwell, league effectively over! We've won… mathematically possible for others etc etc but nah!
• Ex Celtic player Jackie McNamara's first game at Celtic as new Dundee Utd manager, and after tanking Sevco in the cup.
• Both Ambrose and Commons on score sheet. Comes after minor spat between two after Commons criticised Ambrose for conceded goals v Juventus. Easily quietly sorted.
• Ambrose executed another trademark somersault after his goal.
• Green Brigade protested outside the ground because apparently the Police refused entry for a Zombie banner.
  • "First off there was nothing planned about this. It was totally off the cuff and forced upon us. We turned up today like everyone else, only we were met with a welcoming committe at the turnstyles. We had one banner confiscated by police and lads threatened to hand over their details or face arrest.

    The polis had a sheet with names and mugshots, as these lads entered the ground they were immediately removed and told they were banned. This is despite having no prior warning from the club about being banned and have no banning order. Honestly couldn't tell you why this was happening but it certainly looks as if they're upping their ante for some reason.

    It looked as if the polis were directing things from outside but them and stewards were saying they were following club orders re bans. One steward also gave a heads up that the polis were after 3 arrests.

    Even in spite of this most still went into the ground wanting to support the team, however after seeing bodies being pulled as soon as they got through the tunrstiles then why even bother?

    Honestly scunnered. 500 a year for this?

    Well the club/polis look to be winning anyway, I'd be surprised if the gb are still there next season."

• First match after heavy defeat in the Champions League v Juventus.
• Channel 4 expose blog by Alex Thompson reveals the extent of the succulent lamb deals between Rangers OldCo and certain members of the media, in this case James Traynor with his snout in the trough.
• Celtic fan John Savage went onto Mastermind (BBC quiz show) with Celtic as his special subject and won the show to get to the semi-finals! Congratulations.

Review

(behan of KDS forum)
Celtic were fantastic today, best domestic performance in months.

Forster – Some fantastic saves, had the penalty gone in the game may have been very different. Good to have him back.
Matthews – Wasn't really troubled in defence, great going forward as per usual.
Wilson – Absolutely strolled it. Turning into a really good centre back.
Ambrose – I gave him absolute pelters midweek. Hopefully the goal will get him back on track. Celtic's greatest all time celebration?
Izaguirre – Has been shaky at times this season but looking back to his POTY-winning best today.
Commons – Always a goal threat when on good form, played well today and took his penalty brilliantly.
Wanyama – A warrior, as per usual. Bossed the midfield.
Ledley – Played really, really well, linked up with the front two nicely.
Mulgrew – Quiet. Not sure what the point of him in midfield is for games like this. Made an arse of himself for Russell's consolation.
Stokes – Man of the match. Great movement, unlucky not to have three today. Great to see him back.
Hooper – Played brilliantly. Like Stokes, his movement and work-rate was fantastic today. They have a great understanding.

All in all, absolutely delighted. Great birthday present Celtic, ta

(Neil Jung of KDS forum)
What a great performance. Brilliant from the first whistle to the last with only a couple of lapses which cause concern. But enough of the slightly negative how good was it to see Izzy back to his best? I know we've had a few false dawns with the wee man but this past week has got a different feel to it. Not only does he look confident again he looks a lot sharper both over short anfpd long distances and in the mind as well. The coolness when he chested the ball on the line to Forster sealed it for me I think.

Unlike most I'm not a massive Ledley fan. I do rate him but don't think he does enough often enough. Today's performance is what he is capable of and something I'd like to see him replicate more often. It's alright being a steady Eddie but this guy should be taking the initiative on himself to effect games more positively. If he did he wouldn't be finding himself dropped for the big games for someone who isn't as good a player in his position.

The link up play with Hooper and Stokes and at times Commons was a joy to watch. I read an article about how Rooney and Van Persie aren't a partnership. Barney Ronaythe guy who wrote it, was right. He also said you don't have as lot of the classic partnerships in football any more a la Yorke & Cole. Well if he is pining for the old days he could do worse than watch us when Stokes and Hooper both start. That was great.

I feel a wee bit happy clappy and no doubt my post reads like that but today is what football should all be about IMO. A real tonic after Tuesday nights kick in the teeth and post match analysing.

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Celtic v Dundee United

Articles

Efe Ambrose and Celtic recover from Juve to beat Dundee United

Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/feb/16/celtic-dundee-united-scottish-premier-league
Scottish Premier League
Celtic 6

Ambrose 11,
Commons 22,
Ledley 37,
Commons (pen) 55,
Stokes 70,
Stokes 82

Dundee United 2

Armstrong 10,
Russell 90+0

Ewan Murray at Celtic Park
The Observer, Saturday 16 February 2013 17.36 GMT
Jump to comments (…)

Celtic's Joe Ledley scores against Dundee United Scottish Premier League
Celtic's Joe Ledley scores against Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League at Celtic Park. Photograph: Russell Cheyne/Reuters

Mundane domestic outings in the immediate aftermath of European ties have historically caused problems for Scottish teams. Perhaps Celtic would have been grateful, then, for one of the most eventful and entertaining Scottish Premier League matches in their season falling four days after the Champions League loss to Juventus.

Celtic ultimately won this match handsomely against a Dundee United team who suffered their first setback since Jackie McNamara replaced Peter Houston as their manager. By full-time, it looked a heavy one.

Yet scorelines can belie drama; United took an early lead and were denied their chance to level the scores at 2-2 from a bizarre penalty award. In the first-half particularly, the visitors attacked Celtic impressively, if perhaps naively, while playing their part in an enthralling contest. Time will tell if McNamara's Tannadice outlook is altered on account of a drubbing, albeit they will face few teams with the conviction Celtic showed during these 90 minutes.

Routinely, Celtic and Neil Lennon would want to forget a 3-0 defeat. In the specific case of Juve, the SPL champions retain a grievance over the defending tactics of the Italian players at corner kicks. Lennon, having referred to it as "manhandling", will now compile a DVD in seeking Uefa's thoughts on the matter. Quite what that will achieve is open to debate but this is not an issue Celtic are of a mind to readily dismiss.

Before kick-off here, Lennon re-affirmed his stance. "All I want to know is what is legal and what is not," he said. "What went on the other night was not legal. My players did everything right in terms of pointing it out. It's not sour grapes. I just think the referee didn't do his job properly. "For me it's a form of cheating."

That use of the "c" word, at least, may raise eyebrows at the headquarters of European football's governing body. A response, of sorts, to Celtic is surely inevitable. Within 10 minutes, Lennon was more concerned about the concession of a United goal. Charlie Mulgrew was cheaply robbed of the ball by Gary Mackay-Steven, with United's clinical edge from there something Juventus would themselves be proud of. Mackay-Steven played in Stuart Armstrong, who beat Fraser Forster with a fierce, low shot.

Celtic's reply was instant, and offered a throwback to Tuesday evening. Then, the performance of Efe Ambrose was widely criticised and partly on account of a missed, headed opportunity when Celtic were a goal behind. From an almost identical spot on the Celtic Park pitch, the Nigeria international headed in Kris Commons' corner past Radoslaw Cierzniak.

Commons soon claimed a goal of his own, swivelling to meet an Emilio Izaguirre cross before offering a shot with which Cierzniak should have done better at his near post. A strange refereeing interlude was to follow. Bobby Madden somehow decreed that a straightforward challenge by Adam Matthews on Mackay-Steven was worthy of a penalty, despite neither the winger nor any of his United team-mates claiming for one. Madden, who had been perfectly positioned, signalled that Mackay-Steven had been pulled back, a view not vindicated by replays. Celtic, then, felt vindicated as Forster batted away Jon Daly's spot-kick.

The hosts' lead stretched to two goals by the interval. Anthony Stokes, restored to the starting line-up, played the ball back to Celtic's captain for the day, Joe Ledley; the Welshman's shot was deflected beyond Cierzniak.

Commons' second of the day arrived from the penalty spot, after Barry Douglas had impeded Stokes, with Forster denying Mackay-Steven four minutes later. That was to prove United's last foray. Stokes lashed home from 20 yards and earned a brace from close-range, after Cierzniak's save from a Forrest header rebounded into his path. United's stoppage time consolation arrived via Johnny Russell. Long before then, Celtic were rampant; perhaps in demonstrating the release of some European anger.

BBC
By Chris McLaughlin BBC Scotland at Celtic Park
Comments (12)

Celtic's Champions League hopes may be hanging by the thinnest of threads but their domestic dominance was highlighted with a convincing and entertaining win over Dundee United in Glasgow.

Neil Lennon's side fought back from an early shock courtesy of a Stuart Armstrong strike, which was quickly cancelled out by Efe Ambrose's header.

Doubles from Kris Commons and Anthony Stokes as well as a first-half Joe Ledley strike left United licking their wounds.

Johnny Russell netted a consolation just on the final whistle but the rut was already well and truly complete as the hosts moved 18 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League.
Play media

The hosts enjoyed all the early possession but it was the visitors who started the goal rush. Gary Mackay-Steven broke free and found Armstrong, who skipped past Charlie Mulgrew to slot the ball under Fraser Forster.

United's lead lasted all of two minutes though and it was a man keen to make amends who pulled Celtic level.

Commons swung in a corner from the right-hand side and Ambrose out-jumped the visiting defence to bullet a header past Radoslaw Cierzniak.

The cheers that greeted his acrobatic celebration suggested all had been forgiven following his poor performance against Juventus in midweek.

Celtic were keen to kill off fears of a European hangover and Commons provided the tonic.
Anthony Stokes scores for Celtic against Dundee United

Stokes scored twice in the second half

The United defence failed to deal with Emilio Izaguirre's cross, and when the ball fell to Commons he slipped as he blasted it in off the bar.

Before the crowd had the chance to draw breath United had a great but controversial chance to pull level.

Adam Matthews challenged Mackay-Steven inside the box and a corner kick looked to be on the cards but the referee pointed to the spot and flashed a yellow card at the Celtic defender.

The home fans' fury turned to delight though as Forster guessed right and palmed away Jon Daly's penalty.

And Celtic turned the screw with Victor Wanyama and Stokes playing a couple of short passes inside the box before Joe Ledley curled a shot past Cierzniak, with more than a hint of deflection helping the ball on its way.

Gary Hooper could have hit a fourth 10 minutes after the break but he pulled his low drive just wide of Cierzniak's right-hand post.
Play media

And so it fell to Commons to end the game as a contest with the game's second spot-kick.

Celtic's penalty ratio has been far from clever this season but Commons' strike from 12 yards, awarded after Barry Douglas had fouled Stokes, almost burst the net.

What it did burst was United's bubble and it was damage limitation for most of the second half.

Stokes found his way through with a stunning strike for number five though and it was all falling apart for Jackie McNamara's side.

The United crumble was complete when the Irishman hammered in his second and Celtic's sixth after Cierzniak had saved James Forrest's initial close-range effort.

And though Russell beat Forster with a low shot in the last minute, it did little to take the shine of Celtic's impressive win.

Live Text Commentary
90:00 +0:04 Full time

Full Time The referee signals the end of the game.
89:06 Goal scored

Goal – Johnny Russell – Celtic 6 – 2 Dundee U A goal is scored by Johnny Russell from inside the box low into the middle of the goal. Celtic 6-2 Dundee Utd.
88:15

Emilio Izaguirre produces a cross.
87:06

Shot by James Forrest. Save by Radoslaw Cierzniak.
86:41

Emilio Izaguirre sends in a cross, clearance by Sean Dillon.
85:18

Effort from outside the penalty area by Anthony Stokes goes wide left of the goal.
84:40

Emilio Izaguirre delivers the ball, save by Radoslaw Cierzniak.
83:34

Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Charlie Mulgrew, save made by Radoslaw Cierzniak.
81:05

Assist on the goal came from James Forrest.
81:05 Goal scored

Goal – Anthony Stokes – Celtic 6 – 1 Dundee U A goal is scored by Anthony Stokes from deep inside the penalty box low into the middle of the goal. Celtic 6-1 Dundee Utd.
80:32

Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Charlie Mulgrew.
79:06

Free kick awarded for a foul by Gary Mackay-Steven on James Forrest. Kelvin Wilson takes the direct free kick.
78:39

Joe Ledley concedes a free kick for a foul on Stuart Armstrong. Free kick taken by Stuart Armstrong.
77:36 Substitution

Substitution Michael Gardyne replaces Jon Daly.
77:26

Adam Matthews crosses the ball.
75:48 Substitution

Substitution James Forrest replaces Victor Wanyama.
75:30

Effort from just outside the area by Anthony Stokes goes over the target.
72:58 Substitution

Substitution (Celtic) makes a substitution, with Tom Rogic coming on for Kris Commons.
71:27

Header from close in by Anthony Stokes misses to the left of the goal.
70:23 Substitution

Substitution Beram Kayal comes on in place of Efe Ambrose.
69:35

Assist on the goal came from Victor Wanyama.
69:35 Goal scored

Goal – Anthony Stokes – Celtic 5 – 1 Dundee U Goal scored by Anthony Stokes from just outside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Celtic 5-1 Dundee Utd.
67:46

Header by Anthony Stokes from deep inside the penalty area misses to the left of the goal.
66:58

The offside flag is raised against Gary Hooper. Radoslaw Cierzniak restarts play with the free kick.
65:49

The ball is swung over by Emilio Izaguirre, save made by Radoslaw Cierzniak.
65:24

Free kick awarded for a foul by Stuart Armstrong on Gary Hooper. Charlie Mulgrew takes the free kick.
63:42

Corner taken by Barry Douglas from the right by-line, clearance by Efe Ambrose.
62:46

Shot from deep inside the area by Charlie Mulgrew clears the crossbar.
61:05

John Rankin produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that goes wide right of the target.
60:33

Free kick awarded for a foul by Victor Wanyama on Richie Ryan. Direct free kick taken by Richie Ryan.
59:04

Kris Commons takes the outswinging corner, clearance made by Sean Dillon.
57:38

Gary Mackay-Steven takes a shot. Save by Fraser Forster.
57:02

Kris Commons takes a short corner.
56:52

Emilio Izaguirre sends in a cross, Keith Watson gets a block in.
55:25

Victor Wanyama concedes a free kick for a foul on Johnny Russell. Shot on goal comes in from Barry Douglas from the free kick.
54:37 Goal scored

Goal – Kris Commons – Celtic 4 – 1 Dundee U Penalty taken left-footed by Kris Commons and scored. Celtic 4-1 Dundee Utd.
53:31

Barry Douglas concedes a Penalty for a foul on Anthony Stokes.
51:54

Effort from inside the area by Gary Hooper misses to the left of the goal.
50:44

The referee blows for offside against Johnny Russell. Indirect free kick taken by Fraser Forster.
49:42

Corner from left by-line taken by Barry Douglas.
49:28

The ball is crossed by Gary Mackay-Steven, Kelvin Wilson manages to make a clearance.
48:39

Centre by Emilio Izaguirre.
46:40

Keith Watson crosses the ball, Kelvin Wilson manages to make a clearance.
45:01

The game restarts for the second half.
45:00 +0:06 Half time

Half Time The first half comes to an end.
44:52

The ball is sent over by Adam Matthews, blocked by Barry Douglas.
44:25

Emilio Izaguirre crosses the ball, clearance by Sean Dillon.
40:15

Effort on goal by Kris Commons from deep inside the area goes harmlessly over the bar.
37:24 Substitution

Substitution Richie Ryan comes on in place of Willo Flood.
36:19

The assist for the goal came from Anthony Stokes.
36:19 Goal scored

Goal – Joe Ledley – Celtic 3 – 1 Dundee U Joe Ledley finds the back of the net with a goal from the edge of the penalty area to the top right corner of the goal. Celtic 3-1 Dundee Utd.
34:52

The ball is delivered by Adam Matthews, clearance made by Brian McLean.
34:24

Unfair challenge on Kris Commons by Keith Watson results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Emilio Izaguirre.
33:42

Inswinging corner taken by Willo Flood, Fraser Forster makes a save.
31:23

Kris Commons has an effort at goal from outside the box which goes wide left of the target.
30:34

The ball is swung over by Emilio Izaguirre, Radoslaw Cierzniak makes a save.
29:25

Shot from long range by Gary Hooper misses to the left of the target.
29:14

Centre by Gary Mackay-Steven, Kelvin Wilson manages to make a clearance.
27:48

The ball is sent over by Emilio Izaguirre, clearance by Brian McLean.
26:32

Willo Flood decides to take the corner short.
25:47 Penalty

Penalty taken by Jon Daly is saved by Fraser Forster. Celtic 2-1 Dundee Utd.
25:22 Booking

Booking The referee shows Fraser Forster a yellow card for dissent.
25:03 Booking

Booking Booking for Adam Matthews for unsporting behaviour.
24:47

Penalty awarded for an unfair challenge on Gary Mackay-Steven by Adam Matthews.
22:43

The ball is sent over by Emilio Izaguirre.
21:06

Assist by Emilio Izaguirre.
21:06 Goal scored

Goal – Kris Commons – Celtic 2 – 1 Dundee U Kris Commons finds the back of the net with a goal from close in to the top right corner of the goal. Celtic 2-1 Dundee Utd.
20:50

Emilio Izaguirre produces a cross,
17:17

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Brian McLean by Gary Hooper. Radoslaw Cierzniak restarts play with the free kick.
14:49

Effort on goal by Victor Wanyama from deep inside the area goes harmlessly over the bar.
13:36

Long range shot by Joe Ledley goes wide right of the goal.
10:49

Assist on the goal came from Kris Commons.
10:49 Goal scored

Goal – Efe Ambrose – Celtic 1 – 1 Dundee U Efe Ambrose grabs a headed goal from close in. Celtic 1-1 Dundee Utd.
10:19

Kris Commons takes the inswinging corner,
9:13

The assist for the goal came from Gary Mackay-Steven.
9:13 Goal scored

Goal – Stuart Armstrong – Celtic 0 – 1 Dundee U Stuart Armstrong finds the net with a goal from inside the penalty area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Celtic 0-1 Dundee Utd.
8:48

Adam Matthews crosses the ball.
7:15

Anthony Stokes challenges Keith Watson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Radoslaw Cierzniak.
7:00

Emilio Izaguirre crosses the ball, Radoslaw Cierzniak makes a save.
6:46

Victor Wanyama takes a shot. Blocked by Keith Watson.
5:22

Shot by Adam Matthews from outside the area goes high over the crossbar.
5:09

Centre by Anthony Stokes, Willo Flood gets a block in.
4:15

Centre by Johnny Russell.
3:02

Gary Mackay-Steven crosses the ball, Efe Ambrose manages to make a clearance.
1:46

Adam Matthews crosses the ball.
0:42

Victor Wanyama produces a header from deep inside the six-yard box that clears the crossbar.
0:10

Unfair challenge on Joe Ledley by Stuart Armstrong results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Kris Commons.
0:00

The match has kicked off.

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