2022-05-11: Dundee Utd 1-1 Celtic, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2021 – 2022

---

Trivia

• Celtic seal the league title for 52nd time
• KO: 19:30; Wednesday match; on Sky TV; league match 37 of 38.
• Final midweek game of the season.
• Going into this game Celtic only needed one point to seal the league title. Although as goal difference already impossibly unsurmountable the league title was already effectively won in the last match with only 6pts left to play for and Celtic were already 6pts ahead.
• First Scottish league title for Postecoglu.
• Ex Celt Scott Brown retires from play. Reports: Scott Brown will take his first step into management next week when he is named the new boss at Fleetwood Town.
• Dundee relegated, Dundee Utd get European football.
• Reports: Bitton whose contract ends next close season reportedly to move on this summer after 9 years.
• Daizen Maeda reveals summer plans to rest & recover as he enjoys Celtic’s moment in the sun.
• Reports: Liverpool ‘win £4-6m race’ for Aberdeen player Calvin Ramsay. Liverpool currently going for the quadruple but Man City taken a lead now in the league.
• Postecoglou has revealed a deal to secure Jota on a permanent deal from Benfica has yet to be finalised. Reports in Portugal suggested the Parkhead side had all but sorted a £6.3m transfer. Postecoglu said: “He understands. He’s humble enough to know that he’s got the talent but he had the talent last year – you need the platform. This football club has given him that. In terms of next year, with him and Cameron (Carter-Vickers) we’re in a similar boat. If everyone wants something to happen it’ll happen.”
• The Scottish Football Writers’ Association apologised after keynote speaker (and Sevco fan) Bill Copeland was said to have made racist, sexist and homophobic comments at their awards ceremony – resulting in some people leaving the room. Included some racism aimed at Celtic’s Japanese players. “Never felt so unwelcome in the industry I work in”: TV presenter Eilidh Barbour who was one of the people who walked out.
• Former Celt Paddy Roberts sent Sunderland to Wembley for the English League one Play-Off Final. Scored a dramatic 93rd minute goal to secure victory over two legs.
• Former Celtic goalkeeper David Marshall looks set to return to Scottish football with move to Hibs.
• Reports: Celtic are in advanced talks with Hammarby over a deal to sign left-back Mohanad Jeahze. It’s understood the 25-year-old Iraq international told the Swedish club he wants to move to Scotland.A deal in the region of £2m is on the table & talks have progressed quickly today.
• Changes to Champions League to come have been revealed, increasing games from 6 to 8 in the group stages.
• Blackburn confirm ex Celt Tony Mowbray to step down as manager at end of the season.
• “There’s not this massive use for food banks in this country. We’ve got generation after generation who cannot cook properly… they cannot budget” Conservative MP Lee Anderson invites MPs to “come to a real food bank” in his constituency of Ashfield! Unbelievable.

---

Summary

“There’s this helicopter thing here in Scotland,” Ange

Postecoglou: “It’s probably the first time this year I’ve been lost for words. I’m really proud of the players. the staff and the supporters. Everyone. Nobody gave us much of a chance at the start of the year. To do what they’ve achieved this year, the ultimate, is unbelievable.”

“Our football has been outstanding. I couldn’t been more proud of them. It was a bit nervy, that’s only natural. We got the job done.”

Champion Celtic captain Callum McGregor: “We had a good run at being champions. You take a slap in the face. Then you’ve got to show your personality. You’ve got to come back. Show you’re made of strong stuff. These scenes tonight will live in my heart forever.”

Giakoumakis “These people (supporters) don’t deserve anything less than this. They never stop supporting us. They are amazing”. #Celtic

---

Joebloggscity of TheCelticWiki: Two points, one is on this match and the other on the league title win.

Firstly on the league title win, the others comments here cover is well and it has been another great emotional year of deserved triumph, against the odds despite what anyone says otherwise.

Second on this match alone, despite the need to get only a point to wrap up the league title, Celtic had a very attacking game. Yet despite that, there was a general failure to convert the possession and dominance, with fewer real chances than expected. Some good but sometimes unconvincing play. However Dundee Utd must be given credit for their performance and after some good defending & under pressure play, it was punch to the solar plexus when MOTM Ralston put through a cracking cross to Giakoumaksis to score Celtic’s goal. However, Dundee Utd hit back with an admittedly excellent goal, and Celtic seemed to be nervous for the remainder of the match. Maybe the pressure of the season had taken its toll but Celtic held out for the single point that was all that was needed.

Not a great match to rewatch for Celtic fans, but job done, and lots of celebrations to come.

---

Chris Sutton

‘Celtic’s league win is down to Postecoglou’

Twitter:

Journo Tom English: Ange Postecoglou is a magician. A huge achievement for the manager and his brand new team. Congrats Celtic. Richly deserved

A few words on Callum McGregor. Just a class player, an excellent leader and a top bloke. Led a newly constructed team in the post-Scott Brown age and did it brilliantly

HP: Anyone who has followed me knows my mantra over the past few months , another game less to play  Once the fans were allowed back in fully , you could feel something was happening. We could see the improvement. Well done to Ange , the staff and the players. We Don’t Stop

CU: Nobody deserves it more than McGregor. A modern day McStay.

---

Teams

Celtic:

Formation 4-3-3

• 15Hart
• 56Ralston
• 20Carter-Vickers
• 4Starfelt
• 3TaylorBooked at 57mins
• 33O’Riley
• Substituted forTurnbullat 63′minutes
• 42McGregor
• 41Hatate
• Substituted forRogicat 63′minutes
• 11Abada
• Substituted forMaedaat 70′minutes
• 7Giakoumakis
• Substituted forFuruhashiat 90+2′minutes
• 49Forrest

• Substituted forNeves Filipeat 62′minutes

Substitutes

• 8Furuhashi
• 14Turnbull
• 16McCarthy
• 17Neves Filipe
• 18Rogic
• 21Ideguchi
• 29Bain
• 38Maeda
• 57Welsh

Goals:

• Levitt (72′ minutes)

Assists:

• Mulgrew (72′ minutes)

Dundee Utd

Formation 3-5-2

• 1Siegrist
• 2Smith
• 12Edwards
• 33McMann
• 22Freeman
• 17Meekison
• Substituted forMochrieat 70′minutes
• 6McDonald
• Substituted forMulgrewat 58′minutes
• 19Levitt
• 7Niskanen
• 10Clark
• 53Macleod

• Substituted forWattat 58′minutes

Substitutes

• 3Spörle
• 4Mulgrew
• 13Eriksson
• 20Neilson
• 26Mochrie
• 29Graham
• 32Watt
• 50O’Donnell
• 58Anim Cudjoe

 

Goals:

• Giakoumakis (53′ minutes)

Assists:

• Ralston (53′ minutes)

---

Articles

• Match Report (see below)

Pictures

• Match Pictures

---

Match Links

• Prior
• Match
• Post
• MoTM

---

Stats

Possession

Home29%

Away71%

Shots

Home10

Away12

Shots on Target

Home2

Away2

Corners

Home1

Away10

Fouls

Home3

Away11

---

Articles

Celtic player ratings: How the men who regained the championship fared on famous night Tannadice
Celtic clinched their 52nd league championship with a 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Tannadice. It is the club’s 10th league title in eleven years.Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis headed in the opener shortly after half-time but on-loan Manchester United midfielder Dylan Levitt equalised for the hosts. The point was still enough to crown Celtic champions in Ange Postecoglou’s maiden season in charge.
By Alan Pattullo
Wednesday, 11th May 2022, 10:00 pm
Updated
25 minutes ago
Anthony Ralston – No 56 – was the standout performer as a 1-1 draw against Dundee United saw Celtic regain the league title (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group) (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
Anthony Ralston – No 56 – was the standout performer as a 1-1 draw against Dundee United saw Celtic regain the league title (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group) (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)
0

comments

HAVE YOUR SAY

Joe Hart: Didn’t have a lot to do and when he was called into action, he didn’t have an earthly. Dylan Levitt’s dipping, swerving effort beat him all ends up and he was also helped by a post on a couple of occasions. Went walkabout twice but that’s his way. 6

Anthony Ralston: A strong contender for the man of the match. Never stopped running from the first minute to last. Shot just over early on and then set up the opener for Giakoumakis with a hanging cross. 8
Sign up to our Football newsletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Notice and Terms of Service apply.

Cameron Carter-Vickers: Another comfortable evening for the on-loan Spurs defender. Never seems flustered. Always makes it seem easier than it is. 7

Carl Starfelt: Like his centre-half partner, was mostly in control. Now a title winner. Has overcome a difficult start to become a fans’ favourite. 6

Greg Taylor: Strong running as ever. Good movement. Booked. Might see his opportunities restricted next season if Celtic can bring in left-back Mohanad Jeahze from Hammarby. But can be pleased with his efforts this season when called upon. This was his 35th appearance of the campaign. Deserves his medal. 6

Reo Hatate: Wasteful with a couple of opportunities including when he took the ball off Abada’s toes in the first half but fired high over. But always available. Made way for Jota after 62 minutes. 6

Callum McGregor: A first title as skipper. No one deserves it more. Controlled play and was as tidy as ever with his distribution. 7

Matt O’Riley: Caught the eye at the start as he made his presence felt. One of the acquisitions of the season. Silky nutmeg in first half. Subbed after 63 mins for Jota 7

James Forrest: Still fighting to regain form and fitness. Looked rusty at times but so nearly put Celtic ahead in the first half when he just failed to reach Giakoumakis’ cross. 6

Giorgos Giakoumakis: A very good centre-forward’s performance. Strong running throughout. And scored Celtic’s goal with a fine header after beating Liam Smith to a Ralston cross. Almost turned provider with cross for Forrest in the first half. A very healthy 15 goals for the season. Dragged another effort just wide. 8

Liel Abada: Linked up well with Ralston in first half. Always looked likely to cause United’s defence problems but an ultimately frustrating outing on a personal level for the winger. Replaced by Maeda with 20 minutes left. 6

SUBS

Jota: Almost scored a thrilling goal shortly after coming on but was denied by a one-handed save by Benjamin Siegrist. 6

David Turnbull: On for O’Riley, slotted into midfield for the last half an hour. Couldn’t get in the way of Levitt’s equaliser. 4

Daizen Maeda: Wild shot wide after coming on for Abada with 20 minutes left but did not stop running. 4

Tom Rogic: Set up Abada, but unable to impose himself. 4

Kyogo Furuhashi: Late sub for Giakoumakis. Season-changer in many respects. Deserved some minutes on the pitch on such a significant night. 3

How Celtic wrapped up the Scottish title as Ange Postecoglou enjoys the fruits of his labours
Celtic confirming their cinch Premiership success with a 1-1 draw away to Dundee United hardly made for a title conclusion of the vintage kind.
By Andrew Smith
Wednesday, 11th May 2022, 10:02 pm
0

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/how-celtic-wrapped-up-the-scottish-title-as-ange-postecoglou-enjoys-the-fruits-of-his-labours-3690389

That, though, is by the by. The title triumph for Ange Postecoglou’s men will be like a fine wine – even if sealed when denied full points in a league encounter for only the third time across 2022. As it ages, it will be a top flight bouquet sure to be recognised for how rich and full it has been… when last summer all that was anticipated would be the fruits of the Australian’s labours when he took charge of a team that had dramatically withered the previous season would be grapes of wrath.

Instead, he pressed new players into a concoction that allowed Tannadice to witness their 31st league game without defeat – the third longest such run in a top flight campaign across 54 years. Indeed, the maturity of Postecoglou’s team has been so swift it perplexed seeing them so bitsy and blunt in what was set up to be a night for their supporters to drink in, and luxuriate in. They did, with their players cavorting in front of them following the full-time time whistle. These scenes of celebration, that unfolded amid a cacophony, will be what endures as the happenings of the 90 minutes beforehand fade.
Sign up to our Football newsletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Notice and Terms of Service apply.

Probably less so for the home team, curiously, with United refusing to roll over as they earned themselves Eurpoean football for the first time in a decade with the point that secured them a place in the Conference League qualifiers.

A smoking 25-yard hit of an equaliser from the prodigious talent and Manchester United loanee Dylan Levitt in the 72nd minute proved the spillage that prevented Celtic’s avoiding a slight stain on their evening. A night of deliverance from where they found themselves in being crushed last year as Rangers romped to the title by a 25-point winning margin.

Maybe there were nerves that oddly afflicted a Celtic that have been remarkably nerveless for so much of this campaign. They had to be when dropping 11 points in their first seven games and then at the winter shut-down staring at a six-point deficit. When it has counted, as it didn’t really at Tannadice, they have shown the command and the class to ensure they could snare the league crown with a game to spare.

After passing up a series of opportunities in a forceful opening on Tayside, Celtic seemed to tighten up as they struggled to test Benjamin Siegrist. None of that seemed as if it would matter to the aim of crossing the line with a win when Anthony Ralston proved nimble and adroit on the right eight minutes after the interval. The full-back twisting his marker one way and another to create the space that allowed him to send over a cross from the right that Giorgos Giakoumakis rose high above all others. The Greek symbolises what Postecoglou has pulled off. The striker was the subject of sneering, of rash judgements, in his early months subsequent to arriving on a £2.5m summer deal from VVV-Venlo. His goal that allowed the party to spark up at full-time was his 15th of the season, 14 of these since he shook off early injury problems and gained full fitness. No player has a better minutes-to-goals strike rate in the cinch Premiership than the 27-year-old. The Celtic manager, after being doubted, got it right with the forward as he did with the palate of a connoisseur to lead his team to the championship.

---

BBC

By Thomas DuncanBBC Scotland

Last updated on

11 May 202211 May 2022.From the section Scottish Premiership
Celtic celebrate clinching Scottish Premiership title

Celtic have won the Scottish Premiership title for the 10th time in 11 seasons after drawing with a gutsy Dundee United at Tannadice.

Giorgos Giakoumakis’ second-half header was cancelled out by a stunning Dylan Levitt goal, but a point is enough to reclaim the crown from Rangers, while United clinch European football.

Having built an almost completely new Celtic side, manager Ange Postecoglou has reversed a 25-point deficit to Rangers from last term to claim the league at his first attempt.

It has been a remarkable turnaround for the club as they restored themselves to the top of Scottish football on the same ground where they meekly ceded their 10-in-a-row hopes 14 months ago.

United head coach Tam Courts has also had an impressive debut season, with his side now assured of Europa Conference League football next season.

Title has ‘taken every ounce’ of Postecoglou
The seven victories that won the title
Podcast: ‘There’s so much for Celtic to look forward to’
Reaction & as it happened

But the most joyous celebrating was done by Celtic, who extended their unbeaten league run to 31 games and complete a relentless turnaround after trailing Rangers by six points in the title race on Boxing Day.

It was not clinched with their usual attacking verve and intensity as Postecoglou rotated his front three, but Giakoumakis rose to head home Anthony Ralston’s terrific cross and spark wild celebrations from the Celtic fans.

But whether through nerves, or relief at having the title in their grasp, Celtic were loose and United hit the woodwork twice through 16-year-old striker Rory MacLeod and Tony Watt, before Manchester United loanee Levitt smashed in a fantastic equaliser from 25 yards.

Ryan Edwards could have delayed the title party until Sunday but headed wide from just a few yards out in the closing stages, but Celtic had plenty of chances to win the game too.

Giakoumakis slid a shot past a post at 1-0, and Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, and Jota all went close.

In the end, all that matters is they have got the job done and Postecoglou was visibly emotional at full-time, having come in to a club in turmoil and managed to overcome three defeats in their first six league games to become champions.
Man of the match – Callum McGregor
Callum McGregor
Callum McGregor gets it for being Celtic’s man of the season. The captain is simply irreplaceable for the champions.
What did we learn?

Postecoglou has completely transformed Celtic in less than a year. Last March, they lost their nine-year grip on the league trophy with a completely toothless display against United as Rangers disappeared over the hill.

Only McGregor was in the XI that day; the Australian has built a whole new team since. Almost every new signing has worked, and he has improved players such as Ralston and Greg Taylor, who were marked as surplus to requirements by many.

Much has been made of their relentless attacking play. But they have improved so much at the back, with centre-backs Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt – suspect at the start of the season – also transformed under Postecoglou’s guidance.

The fact Celtic have not conceded as late as they did at Tannadice in any league game since the first day of the season is testament to their resilience, and there have been a few late winners to get them over the line.

Even when the club was engulfed in crisis at the start of the season following their worst ever start to a campaign, Postecoglou stayed calm and guided them through without his own coaching staff and without a head of recruitment in place at the club.

With the League Cup won as well, it feels like the Celtic boss is just getting started, but he will know improvement is needed in the summer if they want to compete in the group stages of the Champions League next season.
Watch all of Wednesday’s Scottish Premiership goals

As for United, Courts can be mightily pleased with his first season’s work as a full-time manager. Guiding United to Europe for the first time in 10 years is no mean feat, and he has proved effective at setting up a team.

Their policy of playing youth – evidenced one against by a first start for striker MacLeod at Tannadice – is admirable and Courts’ willingness to give them a chance and help them improve has been clear.

They were fantastic in the second half here and deserved their point. However, they will also know they need to improve again, having won just four of their 23 league games since November. With one game left, they are only one point better off than at the end of last season, when they finished ninth under Micky Mellon.
What they said

Dundee United manager Tam Courts: “When you run with a small squad, thankfully we’ve got versatility and young players who are talented and hungry for the opportunity.

“For me, the medium- to long-term future of this club is really bright, and in the short term we secured top six and now Europe and we have a chance to finish it off and get fourth position.”

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou: “We’ve been focused all season, not getting distracted by anything. The players were really good at dealing with what was in front of them – and that’s not easy to do.”
What’s next?

Celtic will lift the Premiership trophy after their home game against Motherwell on Saturday (12:15 BST) while United will hope the champions win so they can leapfrog the Fir Park side into fourth with a draw or win against Ross County in Dingwall.

Match ends, Dundee United 1, Celtic 1.
90’+5′
Full Time

Second Half ends, Dundee United 1, Celtic 1.
90’+3′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ryan Edwards.
90’+2′
Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Kyogo Furuhashi replaces Giorgos Giakoumakis.
90’+2′
Post update

Attempt missed. Daizen Maeda (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Greg Taylor.
90’+1′
Post update

Attempt missed. Ryan Edwards (Dundee United) header from the right side of the six yard box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Scott McMann following a set piece situation.
90’+1′
Post update

Attempt missed. Scott McMann (Dundee United) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Nicky Clark with a headed pass following a set piece situation.
90′
Post update

Foul by Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic).
90′
Post update

Tony Watt (Dundee United) wins a free kick on the left wing.
88′
Post update

Foul by Tomas Rogic (Celtic).
88′
Post update

Dylan Levitt (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
87′
Post update

Jota (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
87′
Post update

Foul by Ilmari Niskanen (Dundee United).
85′
Post update

Attempt missed. Jota (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Tomas Rogic.
83′
Post update

Offside, Dundee United. Kieran Freeman tries a through ball, but Nicky Clark is caught offside.
82′
Post update

Attempt blocked. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.
79′
Post update

Attempt blocked. Charlie Mulgrew (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
78′
Post update

Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Anthony Ralston.
75′
Post update

Foul by Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic).
75′
Post update

Charlie Mulgrew (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
73′
Post update

Foul by Daizen Maeda (Celtic).
73′
Post update

Liam Smith (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
72′
Goal!

Goal! Dundee United 1, Celtic 1. Dylan Levitt (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Charlie Mulgrew.
71′
Post update

Attempt missed. Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Tomas Rogic.
70′
Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Daizen Maeda replaces Liel Abada because of an injury.
70′
Substitution

Substitution, Dundee United. Chris Mochrie replaces Archie Meekison.
67′
Post update

Attempt saved. Jota (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Greg Taylor.
64′
Post update

Offside, Dundee United. Kieran Freeman tries a through ball, but Nicky Clark is caught offside.
63′
Post update

Callum McGregor (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
63′
Post update

Foul by Dylan Levitt (Dundee United).
63′
Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Tomas Rogic replaces Reo Hatate.
63′
Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. David Turnbull replaces Matt O’Riley.
62′
Substitution

Substitution, Celtic. Jota replaces James Forrest.
62′
Post update

Tony Watt (Dundee United) hits the left post with a header from the centre of the box. Assisted by Kieran Freeman with a cross.
60′
Post update

Offside, Dundee United. Liam Smith tries a through ball, but Kieran Freeman is caught offside.
59′
Post update

Attempt saved. Charlie Mulgrew (Dundee United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner.
58′
Substitution

Substitution, Dundee United. Charlie Mulgrew replaces Kevin McDonald.
58′
Substitution

Substitution, Dundee United. Tony Watt replaces Rory Macleod.
57′
Booking

Greg Taylor (Celtic) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
57′
Post update

Foul by Greg Taylor (Celtic).
57′
Post update

Archie Meekison (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
56′
Post update

Offside, Dundee United. Rory Macleod tries a through ball, but Nicky Clark is caught offside.
56′
Post update

Rory Macleod (Dundee United) hits the right post with a left footed shot from outside the box. Assisted by Nicky Clark.
53′
Goal!

Goal! Dundee United 0, Celtic 1. Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic) header from very close range to the high centre of the goal. Assisted by Anthony Ralston with a cross.
49′
Post update

Attempt missed. Nicky Clark (Dundee United) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right following a set piece situation.
49′
Post update

Foul by Carl Starfelt (Celtic).
49′
Post update

Kieran Freeman (Dundee United) wins a free kick on the right wing.
48′
Post update

Foul by Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic).
48′
Post update

Ryan Edwards (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Second Half

Second Half begins Dundee United 0, Celtic 0.
45’+1′
Half Time

First Half ends, Dundee United 0, Celtic 0.
45’+1′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Kevin McDonald.
45’+1′
Post update

Attempt blocked. Reo Hatate (Celtic) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is blocked. Assisted by James Forrest.
45′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ryan Edwards.
44′
Post update

Liel Abada (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
44′
Post update

Foul by Scott McMann (Dundee United).
42′
Post update

Attempt missed. Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left.
41′
Post update

Attempt missed. Archie Meekison (Dundee United) left footed shot from the centre of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Kieran Freeman.
39′
Post update

Attempt blocked. Nicky Clark (Dundee United) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Rory Macleod.
35′
Post update

Foul by Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic).
35′
Post update

Kieran Freeman (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
33′
Post update

Foul by Giorgos Giakoumakis (Celtic).
33′
Post update

Ryan Edwards (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
30′
Post update

Attempt missed. Reo Hatate (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Giorgos Giakoumakis.
28′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Liam Smith.
28′
Post update

Offside, Dundee United. Archie Meekison tries a through ball, but Nicky Clark is caught offside.
25′
Post update

Offside, Celtic. Matt O’Riley tries a through ball, but Anthony Ralston is caught offside.
20′
Post update

Attempt missed. Reo Hatate (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Liel Abada.
16′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Liam Smith.
12′
Post update

Foul by Liel Abada (Celtic).
12′
Post update

Ilmari Niskanen (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
11′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ryan Edwards.
11′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Liam Smith.
8′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Scott McMann.
7′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Liam Smith.
7′
Post update

Attempt blocked. James Forrest (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Liel Abada.
6′
Post update

Offside, Dundee United. Liam Smith tries a through ball, but Rory Macleod is caught offside.
5′
Post update

Foul by Anthony Ralston (Celtic).
5′
Post update

Nicky Clark (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
3′
Post update

Attempt missed. Anthony Ralston (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the six yard box is too high. Assisted by Matt O’Riley following a corner.

3′
Post update

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ryan Edwards.
Kick Off

First Half begins.
Posted at 20:30 11 May20:30 11 May
Post update

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

Celtic: Seven key games that helped secure the Scottish Premiership title

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61235803
11 May 202211 May 2022.From the section Celtic
Celtic celebrate clinching Scottish Premiership title

Celtic are celebrating a 10th title in 11 seasons in what has been a remarkable debut campaign for manager Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian got off to a sticky start as he reshaped an ailing squad, but once they found a groove his side were unstoppable, going 31 matches unbeaten on their way to glory.

It wasn’t all plain sailing though, with a few close shaves here and there, along with crucial back-to-back derby wins.

Here we take a look at some of key matches en route to the Scottish Premiership crown.

Celtic clinch title with Tannadice draw
Title has ‘taken every ounce’ of Postecoglou
Podcast: ‘There’s so much for Celtic to look forward to’
Reaction & as it happened

Aberdeen 1-2 Celtic, 3 October

Celtic hadn’t won on the road in the Premiership since the previous February and were enduring a faltering start under Postecoglou when they headed to Pittodrie.

But Jota’s crucial 84th-minute goal secured thier first away points in the league following defeats at Hearts, Rangers and Livingston.

Kyogo Furuhashi chested in a deserved early opener before Aberdeen improved after the break and equalised when Lewis Ferguson diverted a corner in.

Jota’s close-range finish meant Celtic ended their travel sickness but still had plenty of catching up to do as they were in sixth place after eight matches.
Ross County 1-2 Celtic, 15 December
Last-gasp Celtic winner sparks pitch invasion

Anthony Ralston’s 97th-minute winner for 10-man Celtic brought visiting fans spilling onto the pitch in Dingwall.

With no fit centre-forward and two full-backs playing as wingers, the visitors led through stand-in striker Liel Abada, while Jack Baldwin levelled for County, who were 11th at the time.

Carl Starfelt was dismissed for a second booking, but Ralston’s header deep into stoppage-time made it a sixth straight league victory to keep Celtic within four points of leaders Rangers.
St Johnstone 1-3 Celtic, 26 December

Celtic were held to a goalless stalemate at Covid-depleted St Mirren a few days after lifting the League Cup and couldn’t afford to lose any more ground when they travelled to Perth minus more than a dozen players.

Abada scored two early goals, either side of an injury to Kyogo which would keep the Japanese striker sidelined until April, with Chris Kane reducing the deficit after the interval.

Nir Bitton lashed in a late third to send Celtic into the earlier than planned winter break six points adrift of leaders Rangers.
Celtic 1-0 Dundee United, 29 January

Three days on from a 2-1 success at Tynecastle, during which Liam Boyce scored and hit a post with a penalty for Hearts, Celtic were sweating again.

They passed the 90-minute mark against United with the game goalless and with 10 men after a second booking for Bitton. However, Postecoglou’s men finally found a way through when Abada knocked in from close range as the visiting defence failed to deal with a cross from Jota.

With Rangers drawing at Ross County on the same day after dropping points at Pittodrie earlier in the month, the gap was down to two points.
Celtic 3-0 Rangers, 2 February
Reo Hatate fires in the opening goal on a night to remember for Celtic fans
Reo Hatate fires in the opening goal on a night to remember for Celtic fans

Celtic stormed to the Premiership summit, blowing Rangers away with a sensational first-half display.

In just his fourth appearance for the club, Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate scored twice, with Abada also on target as the visitors fell to their first defeat under Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

A one-sided affair put an emphatic end to Celtic’s seven-game winless run in Old Firm derbies.
Livingston 1-3 Celtic, 6 March

The scene of an early-season defeat, the artificial turf in West Lothian had caused Celtic all sorts of problems in recent years.

Livingston had also drawn 0-0 at Celtic Park in October and were on a great run, second behind Celtic in the 2022 form table. However, a first win at the Tony Macaroni since 2007 was delivered without much fuss.

Captain Callum McGregor missed a penalty before a Daizen Maeda header, Nicky Devlin own goal and James Forrest’s fine finish delivered victory in what was Postecoglou’s 50th game in charge.
Rangers 1-2 Celtic, 3 April
Watch the best of Celtic’s win over Rangers

Celtic landed another heavy blow on the defending champions to all but wrest the Premiership trophy away from Ibrox.

Rangers raced into an early lead through Aaron Ramsey but Tom Rogic hit back straight away and Cameron Carter-Vickers was the match-winner, with the defender sweeping home a shot after challenging for a header from a free-kick.

Carter-Vickers and Starfelt then stood firm at the back to repel a series of Rangers crosses in the second half as the visitors opened up a six-point lead – and 16-goal advantage – at the top with just six goals left.

Ange Postecoglou: The story of Celtic’s ‘compelling, hilarious & hectic’ title-winning manager
By Nick McPheatBBC Scotland

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61277098
21 minutes ago21 minutes ago.From the section Celtic
Ange Postecoglou
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has now won top-flight titles in three continents

“We can now confirm Eddie Howe will not be joining the club for reasons outwith both his and Celtic’s control.”

It was a newsflash that triggered a collective outburst of laughter from Rangers fans already basking in glory after their team won by a 25-point chasm to crush Celtic’s bid for a historic 10th successive league title.

While the dust was settling on Howe’s change of heart, Celtic’s hierarchy cast their attention over 5,000 miles away to Japan. There was a brief pause in the chuckling in Govan as people asked: ‘Ange Postecog-who?’.

“This has got to be a wind-up,” former Scotland striker and lifelong Celtic fan Alan Brazil said on his talkSPORT show. “Where do they come up with these guys?”

Title ‘took every ounce out of me’ – Postecoglou
Celtic’s seven key title-winning games
Celtic clinch title with Tannadice draw

That view, which has since been laughed off by Postecoglou, was driven by ignorance, but it was an opinion initially shared by many, including some among a disillusioned Celtic fanbase.

“I laugh sometimes when I look back,” says Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic, who also played under Postecoglou for Australia. “Although I knew him quite well, there was a perception of: ‘Who’s this guy?’.

“People have found out pretty quickly he’s good at what he does. There’s a reason the club brought him here. I know it’s easy to say that now, but once you’ve experienced it, he’s a top manager.”

In under a year, Postecoglou has silenced doubters by revitalising a club in turmoil, winning the Premiership title and League Cup during his debut season.

Here, BBC Scotland documents the 56-year-old’s life in football, a career founded on the sacrifice of his immigrant parents and littered with success across three continents.
‘They sacrificed their life for me’

The hurdles Postecoglou has overcome in the past few months pale in comparison to the challenges his family faced to give him the “dream” life he has today.

Born in Nea Filadelfeia, an Athens suburb, young Postecoglou emigrated to Australia at the age of five after the 1967 Greek military coup resulted in the loss of his father’s business.

Half a century on, the Celtic boss still struggles to comprehend the sacrifices made by his parents, Jim and Voula, who took the 30-day boat trip from Greece without a job or home awaiting them.

“People say you go to another country for a better life,” Postecoglou says, reflecting on his family’s decision. “My parents didn’t have a better life – they went to Australia to provide opportunities for me to have a better life.

“I understand what sacrifice is about, I understand what being in a privileged position like I am now is about. I’m not going to take this for granted because I know how hard my mum and dad worked.

“They sacrificed their whole life for me to be here. I don’t feel like I’m working every day, I feel like I’m living a dream that was founded by other people’s sacrifice.”

Postecoglou acknowledges his relationship with his father, who died in 2018, was far from perfect. He recalls his dad working an endless cycle, leaving before the Melbourne sunrise before returning home to collapse on the couch.

But every Sunday brought a chance to wind down as Jim would swap his relentless work life for a day on the terraces. It was there young Ange would see his real father – and where his love affair with football began.

“I made a quick connection that football’s something that makes him happy,” he says. “So, if I love this like he does, it will get me close to him.

“My childhood was sitting next to him at three o’clock in the morning, watching football from this side of the world. He would always point out the entertainers and the teams that were scoring goals.

“That got into my subconscious. When I became a manager, that’s the kind of teams I wanted to produce.”
The ‘significant influence’ of Puskas
Ferenc Puskas
Football icon Ferenc Puskas, who coached Postecoglou at South Melbourne, is a hugely influential figure in the Celtic manager’s career

An initial passion for Australian rules football was knocked down Postecoglou’s list of priorities after spending Sundays in the stands with his father.

He joined South Melbourne – a club formed by Greek immigrants – as a nine-year-old, starting an affiliation spanning over two decades as a player and manager.

Postecoglou would spend 10 years working his way up the ranks before becoming an established first-team full-back, winning two National Soccer League Championship titles in 1984 and 1991, the latter as captain.

“Ange was one of the great players who starred in that team,” former team-mate Kimon Taliadoros tells BBC Scotland. “Ange absolutely worshipped the club, he lived it.

“He was an overlapping, attacking left-back, more consistent with the modern game. He had extraordinary pace, aggression and a beautiful left foot. He always had such high expectations regardless of who he played with.

“In training, we would play small-sided games. Even in those, the result mattered. His demands were to win.”

The name of Ferenc Puskas would often come up when father Jim was educating his son on the game’s entertainers. What neither knew back then was the Real Madrid icon would go on to manage Postecoglou years later at South Melbourne.

Postecoglou, who would drive Puskas to and from training, enjoyed a close relationship with the three-times European Cup winner. He cites the Hungarian, who led the club to the 1991 NSL title, as “one of the most significant influences” in his career.

“At training sessions, Ange would take a leadership role,” Taliadoros says. “That developed more under Puskas. He set expectations for the group and he would make sure the tempo was at the right level.

“Puskas played with a 4-3-3 – remember this was in the 1980s. He insisted on having the wingers high and wide and he expected the full-backs to attack, reminiscent of the way Ange’s teams play.”
From ‘unemployable’ to transformational

After a nine-year playing career, Postecoglou repeated his feat by managing South Melbourne to two NSL Championships in 1998 and 1999, cementing his legendary status by becoming the only figure to be involved in all four title-winning teams.

His success alerted the national set-up, where he spent seven years coaching Australia’s Under-17 and Under-20 teams.

But his spell ended in disappointment after failing to guide his side to the 2007 Under-20 World Cup, resulting in a heated on-air debate with former Australia international Craig Foster, who questioned Postecoglou’s coaching credentials.

Postecoglou said recently he felt the interview made him “unemployable”, with short stints at third-tier Greek club Panachaiki and Whittlesea Zebras bookending a period of running coaching clinics across Melbourne.
Ange Postecoglou
Postecoglou’s Brisbane Roar went on a 36-game unbeaten run, breaking the previous Australian record

After a challenging period, his next move to Brisbane Roar in the rebranded A-League would prove to be career defining.

Doubts were raised over the appointment as not only did the incoming manager have glaring on-field issues to resolve but the club were in disarray off the pitch.

Postecoglou oversaw a huge rebuild in his first season before guiding the side to back-to-back A-League crowns, the first titles in the club’s history, while playing a brand of football that transformed the perception of the sport across the nation.

“Ange would talk about his failures being part of his success,” Taliadoros adds. “He would talk about his experience coaching the Australian youth teams and the issues he had there. He’s had a challenging route.

“When the A-League was created in 2005, there was a view that Australian football wasn’t where it needed to be, so they looked overseas for coaches.

“Roar were in crisis. Not only did Ange drive the on-field outcomes but he had a significant influence on the strategy and approach off the pitch. I attribute that to his intellect and his knowledge. He’s always been a student of the game.”
‘Quick-witted, hilarious & hectic’ – the real Ange

Taliadoros recalls that, as well as being “highly intelligent” and “extremely analytical” as a manager, his former team-mate was “the master” of “hilarious wit” and “cutting sarcasm”.

On the training pitch, however, time for joking is parked at the dressing-room door. “Hectic,” is how Australia midfielder Jackson Irvine described Postecoglou’s coaching style on Open Goal. “But, oh my God, he was top notch.”

And former Australia defender Ryan McGowan tells BBC Scotland: “It’s his way or the highway. There’s no in-between. Unless you buy into it, you’ll be out the door.”

After a move to Melbourne City in 2012, Postecoglou saw out half of a three-year contract before the lure of becoming national team manager was too good to turn down.
Ange Postecoglou

The Celtic boss – who was ridiculed and chased out Australia’s youth set-up six years prior – rejuvenated the nation despite an early exit from the 2014 World Cup, where the Socceroos were drawn alongside holders Spain, the Netherlands and Chile.

“He reminded Australian football that we can be world class,” Taliadoros says. “With Ange at the helm, we felt anything was possible. Man for man, we were disadvantaged, but he made us believe we could beat any team.”

The spirit Postecoglou instilled drove the team on to win their first Asian Cup in 2015. Qualification for the 2018 World Cup followed, but the nation was rocked by the news of his resignation just two weeks later.

“He’s definitely not a yes man,” McGowan adds. “He wasn’t happy with some decisions taken above him, so he walked away.”
‘He’s made an old donkey feel young again’

After a month out of management, Postecoglou swapped Oceania for Asia and J-League club Yokohama F Marinos in late 2017.

In a testing first season, Marinos still reached the J-League Cup final despite finishing in the bottom half of the top flight.

Postecoglou was then linked with a return to international management with Greece, but he committed his future to Yokohama, a decision that paid off for both parties as he led the team to their first J-League title in 15 years.

An underwhelming mid-table finish in the 2020 followed before Celtic made their move halfway through the 2021 season.

A sense of scepticism may have lingered in Glasgow, but delirium was the feeling on the opposite side of the globe as Postecoglou became the first Australian to manage in Europe.

“It was surreal,” Taliadoros says. “Even almost a year on, the sense of disbelief, but also immense pride, reflects the mood of a nation.

“These things don’t happen to Australian coaches. We’ve had great players, but never a manager. Right from the outset, we saw a lot of negativity, but we knew what he was capable of.”
‘It’ll be the experience of a lifetime’ – Postecoglou’s first words to Celtic fans

That pessimism took its time in dispersing. While the Australian’s imprint on the pitch was almost instant, a high turnover of players, plus failure to reach the Champions League group stage, left question marks.

Form was stuttering domestically, too, with three losses in Celtic’s first six Premiership games consigning the club to their worst league start in 23 years.

But the last of those three defeats, at Livingston in September, would prove a turning point as Celtic racked up a relentless 30-game unbeaten run to displace Rangers at the summit.

With the League Cup secured in December, Postecoglou’s side blitzed their way to an insurmountable advantage, earning a sixth top-flight crown across three continents for the Greek-born manager.

With a double secured in the 56-year-old’s debut season, plus Champions League group-stage football to come next term, this might be only the beginning.

“I’m 35, but I’m like a young kid coming into training every day,” Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart told beIN Sports. “The biggest compliment I can pay him is he’s made an old donkey like me feel young again.”

Callum McGregor, appointed captain by Postecoglou last summer, adds: “The job he’s done has been outstanding. Where the club was and where he’s taken it to, it was an enormous task. There’s still more to come from him and this team.”

Ange Postecoglou: Celtic title win has ‘taken every ounce of me’
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61417043
Last updated on

11 May 202211 May 2022.From the section Celtic
‘It was my dream to make an impact at a famous club’

Manager Ange Postecoglou says Celtic’s “overwhelming” Scottish Premiership title triumph has “taken every ounce of him” this season.

A draw at Dundee United was enough to reclaim the crown from Rangers and secure a 10th championship in 11 years.

It capped an impressive turnaround in the Australian’s first season in charge, after Celtic finished 25 points behind their city rivals last term.

“It’s been a hell of a season,” Postecoglou told BBC Scotland.

Celtic secure title with Dundee Utd draw
Podcast: ‘There’s so much for Celtic to look forward to’
How Celtic clinched the championship
The seven victories that won the title

“Our starting point was a fair way back and the way this group of players and staff has risen to the challenge – I couldn’t be more proud. What it means for our supporters is unbelievable.

“It’s fairly overwhelming. It’s taken every ounce of me to get us where we are and when you get to the finish line, you just want to collapse. You realise just how much everyone has put into it.”

Postecoglou arrived in Scotland last summer having managed mainly in his native Australia and Japan, after Eddie Howe turned down the Celtic job.

After losing three of their first six league games and falling six points behind Rangers by the winter break, Celtic are now 31 games unbeaten in the league, having also won the League Cup.

Postecoglou said the achievement is “hard for me to comprehend”.

“If you had told me 12 months ago I’d be standing here – I wasn’t even sure I’d be on this continent let alone be manager of this football club,” the 56-year-old said.

“The dream was always to manage a famous club and try to make an impact. When something is almost a lifelong obsession and you finally get there, it’s hard to put into words.

“It almost feels like two seasons in one. We’ve jammed in a rebuilding season and a season to win. We had a lot of work to do, and with the support of everyone at the club, we got there.”
Watch all of Wednesday’s Scottish Premiership goals
Postecoglou has done ‘massive’ job – analysis

Former Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart on Sportscene

It has been relentless. It makes it all the more impressive when you think about the difficult start they had to the season and the pressure that was beginning to mount on the team and Ange Postecoglou.

I’m pretty sure when he walked in he would have sensed how downbeat the place was. So to turn that around so quickly and create such a positive atmosphere, it’s a massive job he’s done.

Former Hibernian manager Jack Ross on Sportscene

When you look at how his team plays – it’s pretty prescribed. By that I mean you know what to expect in terms of the inverted full-backs and the starting position of his wide players is so high and aggressive.

It’s really difficult to play against and it was a challenge for a lot of Premiership managers to deal with. And you look at how he has recruited – he went to a different market and recruited Japanese players because he knew them and he backed them to provide him with what he needed.

It’s been intriguing to see a manager from a different background come in and put his own stamp on it.

---