2014-04-05: Dundee United 0-2 Celtic, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2013 – 2014 | 2013-14 Pictures

Trivia

• Celtic on 88pts, league already won.
• Mouyokolo gets his first game since start of season (injuries killed his season), token late substitute on.
• League split after this match.
• SFA disciplinary charge against Leigh Griffiths for mocking the financial plight of Premiership rivals Hearts (singing 'Hearts are going bust')[CelticFC: SFA today served a notice of complaint on Leigh Griffiths, alleging a breach of disciplinary rule 86 – not acting in the best interests of Association Football by singing in public about Heart of Midlothian FC in administration. Following the incident, the player publicly apologised for his actions. Celtic have fined the player and the Club has also apologised to Hearts, an apology which they have accepted.]
• Huddleboard.com rallied to raise funds to help buy a Celtic top for the late Johnny Doyle to present to his daughter (Joanna Doyle) who otherwise could not afford it at an auction. Much respect to them. She was very thankful, and touched.

Review

(Celticelvis of KDS forum)
Celtic were not good today :ph43r:

Celtic were great today, as solid as I have seen them away from home all season.
Ambrose head and shoulders the best performer on the park today, even VVD was trailing in his shadow.
Scott Brown put in a great shift at left back, worked incredibly hard.
Even Commons contributed without scoring 😆
Stokes intelligent use of the ball :thumbsup:
Sammy put in a good shift making good use of the ball.

Kudo's to NL for being pro active, removing young Henderson (for his own good).
I've seen us sleep walk to the end of the season in this situation many a time but in fairness to NL he has succeeded in keeping the team motivated.

Finally I hope the second half DU turn up to hunt some orcs next Saturday

Teams

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Stats

Dundee United Celtic
Possession
53% 47%
90mins

Shots
9 9

On target
5 6

Corners
8 7

Fouls
14 8

Articles

Celtic's Georgios Samaras scores to lay down a marker to Dundee United
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/05/dundee-united-celtic-scottish-premiership-match-report
The Guardian

Celtic showed why they are Scottish Premiership champions with a comfortable 2-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice.

Georgios Samaras gave the Hoops the lead with a well-taken volley after only five minutes with his fellow forward Anthony Stokes adding an even better second after 24 minutes as Neil Lennon's side dominated. The home side rallied in the second half but the Parkhead men always looked as they had enough in reserve if needed and on this form Celtic – who have only lost to Aberdeen in the league this season – could easily remain unbeaten in the five post-split fixtures.

With an eye towards next week's Scottish Cup clash with Rangers at Ibrox, the Dundee United manager, Jackie McNamara, might be worried if his side replicate their insipid first-half performance although he will be happier with what they produced after the break even if it was not nearly enough to suggest they could even rescue a point.

Lennon kept his promise to tinker with his team selection in the final weeks of the season. The midfielder Beram Kayal replaced Eoghan O'Connell, with Samaras in for Leigh Griffiths and the defender Steven Mouyokolo on the bench, available for the first time after recovering from an achilles injury picked up last September.

United showed two changes, with the defender Andrew Robertson and the striker Nadir Ciftci back from suspension as John Souttar and Gary Mackay-Steven dropped to the bench but it made little difference as Celtic controlled most of the first half with some ease.

The visitors took the lead with the first effort on goal of the game after the home striker Brian Graham had clipped the heels of Kayal, preventing him burrowing towards the Dundee United penalty area. When Kris Commons curled the free‑kick into the area Samaras won the race to the ball with a clutch of other players and volleyed into the roof of the net from 10 yards, with the United keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak helpless.

The goal knocked the home side of their slumber and they began to make inroads into the game, with Gavin Gunning driving high over the bar from inside the penalty area.

However, Celtic asserted themselves and their second goal came after a spell of good possession ended with Stokes playing a one-two with Commons and driving into the area past weak United attempts to intervene before slamming his shot high past Cierzniak.

Mackay-Steven replaced Graham for the start of the second half, which was only seconds old when the United defender Keith Watson headed over the Celtic goal from 10 yards out.

Griffiths replaced Liam Henderson in the 52nd minute but it was the vastly improved Taysiders who came close to reducing the deficit when Watson's left‑footed shot from 14 yards slipped past the far post. On the hour mark the United captain, Sean Dillon, failed to control a pass back from Dow, allowing Griffiths to pounce and fire in a low drive from 16 yards but Cierzniak pushed the ball out for a corner, which the home side defended successfully.

Griffiths had another effort from just outside the box moments later which escaped the far post, before Cierzniak denied Commons who had been slipped in by Virgil van Dijk. It was another indication that Celtic were just as likely as United to get the next goal.

Forster had saves from Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong in the final stages but Celtic were far from hanging on and the three points they collected were well deserved.

BBC
By Roddie McVake BBC Scotland

Georgios Samaras and Anthony Stokes scored first-half goals as Scottish Premiership champions Celtic ran out comfortable winners over Dundee United.

Samaras gave the visitors an early lead with a superb volley from a Kris Commons free-kick.

And strike partner Stokes finished a fine team move to double the lead before the break.
Play media

United improved after half-time but Celtic had the better chances and could have added to their tally.

Defeat dents the hosts' European ambitions with Jackie McNamara's side still six points behind Motherwell and Aberdeen, who occupy the third and second places, respectively.

The Tangerines had gone into this one in good form, having lost only once in their previous nine league games.

But the visitors started brightly and, after popping the ball around at pace in the early stages, they were soon rewarded.

Beram Kayal won a free-kick inside the United half and Commons' angled delivery was perfect for Samaras, who beat Gavin Gunning to the ball and volleyed into the top corner from 12 yards.

Gunning had a great chance to level minutes later but the defender blazed over from 15 yards, following a cross from Ryan Dow.

Celtic began to dominate and duly doubled their advantage midway through the half with a wonderfully-executed team goal.
Dundee United defender Keith Watson

Watson tried to boost United's attack in the second but could not find the net

After an expansive passing move, Stokes played a one-two with Commons on the edge of the area and burst past two defenders before firing high past Radoslaw Cierzniak.

Nadir Ciftci's name was taken by referee Craig Thomson for a foul on Kayal, and SPFL young player of the month Liam Henderson quickly followed him into the book for a foul on the Turkish hitman.

Ciftci created a half-chance for the home side just before the break with a fine pass over the Celtic defence, but Dow could not sort his feet out on the edge of the area.

United made a change at the break with Gary Mackay-Steven coming on for Brian Graham.

The home side threatened early in the second half but Keith Watson failed to keep his header down when he found himself free in the box.

Dow then latched on to a delightful Mackay-Steven pass before finishing past Fraser Forster, but the flag was up for offside.
Play media

Leigh Griffiths came on for Celtic with Henderson making way, and the striker forced Cierzniak into a decent save minutes after his arrival.

Watson dragged an effort narrowly wide from inside the area and Griffiths went close for the visitors with a curling effort from 20 yards that dropped just wide.

Cierzniak then made a great stop with his feet as Commons found himself through on goal after great work by Virgil van Dijk.

Mackay-Steven tried his luck with a low drive that Forster turned away and the Celtic goalkeeper then saved from Stuart Armstrong's long-range effort, ending United's hopes of reducing their deficit.

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Dundee United 0, Celtic 2.
90:00 +2:12 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Dundee United 0, Celtic 2.
90:00 +1:59

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
90:00 +0:30 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Steven Mouyokolo replaces Stefan Johansen.
87:42 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Amido Baldé replaces Georgios Samaras because of an injury.
87:14

Foul by Farid El Alagui (Dundee United).
87:14

Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
83:26

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
82:58

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Keith Watson.
82:40

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Keith Watson.
82:27

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Andrew Robertson.
80:37 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Dundee United. Farid El Alagui replaces Nadir Ciftci.
80:18

Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Fraser Forster.
80:06

Attempt saved. Ryan Gauld (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner.
79:26

Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Fraser Forster.
78:59

Attempt saved. Andrew Robertson (Dundee United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner.
72:10

Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Efe Ambrose.
71:16

Delay in match Nadir Ciftci (Dundee United) because of an injury.
70:53

Attempt saved. Paul Paton (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
70:32

Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Scott Brown.
67:50

Attempt missed. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high.
67:39

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
67:39

Foul by Stuart Armstrong (Dundee United).
64:53 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Dundee United. Ryan Gauld replaces Ryan Dow.
64:28

Georgios Samaras (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
64:28

Foul by John Rankin (Dundee United).
63:57

Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Scott Brown.
62:29

Attempt missed. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
60:10

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Radoslaw Cierzniak.
59:41

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
57:33

Attempt missed. Keith Watson (Dundee United) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
56:48

Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Virgil van Dijk.
54:13 Booking

Booking Keith Watson (Dundee United) is shown the yellow card.
54:06

Georgios Samaras (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
54:06

Foul by Keith Watson (Dundee United).
53:00

Stuart Armstrong (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
52:58

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
51:27 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Leigh Griffiths replaces Liam Henderson.
48:58 Booking

Booking Stefan Johansen (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
48:54

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
48:54

Keith Watson (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
47:53

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Keith Watson.
45:33

Attempt missed. Keith Watson (Dundee United) header from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left.
45:00

Second Half begins Dundee United 0, Celtic 2.
45:00 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Dundee United. Gary Mackay-Steven replaces Brian Graham.
45:00 +0:04 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Dundee United 0, Celtic 2.
44:21

Attempt saved. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
44:11

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
44:11

Foul by John Rankin (Dundee United).
38:34

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ryan Dow.
34:48

Attempt missed. Georgios Samaras (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top right corner.
34:18

Liam Henderson (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
34:18

Foul by Stuart Armstrong (Dundee United).
34:00

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
33:57

Foul by Andrew Robertson (Dundee United).
33:46

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
33:46

Foul by Paul Paton (Dundee United).
32:00

Georgios Samaras (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
31:58

Foul by Paul Paton (Dundee United).
31:18

Attempt saved. Nadir Ciftci (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner.
30:21

Georgios Samaras (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
30:21

Foul by Sean Dillon (Dundee United).
29:29 Booking

Booking Liam Henderson (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
29:20

Foul by Liam Henderson (Celtic).
29:20

Ryan Dow (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
27:55 Booking

Booking Nadir Ciftci (Dundee United) is shown the yellow card.
27:43

Beram Kayal (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
27:43

Foul by Nadir Ciftci (Dundee United).
25:07

Attempt missed. Nadir Ciftci (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses the top right corner.
23:46 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Dundee United 0, Celtic 2. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Kris Commons.
22:01

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
22:01

Paul Paton (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
21:09

Attempt saved. Paul Paton (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
20:38

Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Efe Ambrose.
19:48

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
19:48

Stuart Armstrong (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
17:38

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by John Rankin.
12:25

Foul by Scott Brown (Celtic).
12:25

Nadir Ciftci (Dundee United) wins a free kick on the left wing.
10:34 Booking

Booking John Rankin (Dundee United) is shown the yellow card.
10:28

Georgios Samaras (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
10:28

Foul by John Rankin (Dundee United).
10:03

Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Stefan Johansen.
9:45

Attempt blocked. Nadir Ciftci (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
9:16

Foul by Virgil van Dijk (Celtic).
9:16

Brian Graham (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
7:32

Foul by Kris Commons (Celtic).
7:32

Nadir Ciftci (Dundee United) wins a free kick on the left wing.
4:52 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Dundee United 0, Celtic 1. Georgios Samaras (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the top left corner. Assisted by Kris Commons with a cross following a set piece situation.
4:11

Beram Kayal (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
4:11

Foul by Brian Graham (Dundee United).
1:45

Georgios Samaras (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
1:45

Foul by Stuart Armstrong (Dundee United).
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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