Dundee Utd 0
Celtic 1
League (Premiership)

Match Report

Dundee United welcomed a Celtic side who had not played for two weeks due to the Scottish government’s enforced lay off after the heavily reported COVID-19 protocol breach by their Belgian centre half Boli Bolingoli. United lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation with three changes from the win at Dingwall with Freeman, Sporle and Appere dropping to the bench. The impressive 17 year old Lewis Neilson came in at right back, Jamie Robson was back at left back after a serious head knock against Hibs and Nicky Clark was recalled up top looking to add to his early season two goal tally. In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic restrictions had forced all clubs to play games behind closed doors and there was an unusual early evening kick off on a dry but overcast day in the City of Discovery.

The Terrors had enjoyed a strong start to life back in the Premiership and showed up well in the early stages of the match. However it was Celtic who gradually started to build dominance through their experienced midfield and dangerous strike force in the first forty five minutes. United had to rely on a number of good Benji Siegrist saves to keep the first half goalless after decent efforts from Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie. United would have been encouraged by some quick counter attacks which looked dangerous although they couldn’t put any real pressure on Celtic’s new Greek goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas.

The second half continued along a similar pattern as the first with Celtic creating a number of half chances and Siegrist continuing to frustrate the champions attempts to open the scoring. Edouard and Christie again spurned the Hoops best opportunities as United’s counter attacks became less frequent and the home side were forced into doggedly defending their eighteen yard line. A flurry of substitutions after the hour mark from both sides included Celtic’s £4.5m summer signing from West Ham Albian Ajeti coming on for his debut to supplement the Celtic attack. Jamie Robson tested Barkas in the Celtic goal from twenty five yards after a sharp breakaway on sixty eight minutes but Celtic continued to dominate with sub James Forrest and Edouard both blasting just over from the edge of the box. As the game moved in to the last ten minutes those of a tangerine persuasion were cautiously starting to believe a creditable draw was within reach. Celtic continued to drive forward and on eighty three minutes the resilient United rearguard was finally breached. Albian Ajeti notched his first goal for his new club when he knocked in the loose ball after a great Siegrist save from another Ryan Christie effort. Celtic managed the game out and frustrated United as they struggled to create any late chances against a well organised Celtic side.

On the final whistle Micky Mellon looked visibly disappointed and post match interviews confirmed his frustration at the scoreline. A strong United showing and a man of the match performance from keeper Benji Siegrist had given them a chance to grab a draw but the late Celtic strike meant the champions left Tayside with all three points. United slipped down to fifth in the league but could still be satisfied with their position after the first five matches of the season had been played.

Match report written by Sam Grogan