Celtic 2-1 Dundee United

Last updated : 16 May 2004 By Kevin Smith
Henrik Larsson stole the show on an emotional day at Celtic Park today; the Super Swede bagged Celtic's two goals in a 2-1 victory over Dundee United. As the final whistle blew, the tears fell from Larsson's eyes, as he bidded farewell to competitive action at Paradise.

The sun was shining and it was a full house at Parkhead - it was a perfect day for football. Martin O'Neill fielded his strongest eleven, the same team which should start the Cup Final next week. From the back: Marshall, Varga, Balde, McNamara, Lennon, Petrov, Agathe, Thompson, Pearson, Larsson and Sutton.

From the beginning, the game had a kind of Barrowfield look about it. Celtic players were understandably not commiting 100% to challenges, in a bid to avoid injury for next week's cup final.

It was clear that Henrik Larsson was desperate to score on his last SPL match. His header after 13 minutes was well saved by Dundee United goalkeeper Paul Gallagher.

Celtic were playing some nice stuff, and Gallagher was in fine form, it looked as though nothing would get past him all day.

Charlie Miller displayed some downright hunnery just before the interval, leathering the ball towards the Celtic support in the North Stand, but unbelievably escaped a booking. There has been talk of him joining Rangers next season - I am sure he will fit right in.

It was nice to see John Kennedy picking up his SPL winners' medal at half time, as the Under 19's and Under 21's showed off their SPL trophies.

As we have seen in recent weeks, the second half brought out an attacking display from Celtic. It was evident The Bhoys wanted goals ahead of next week, and there was only one man who was going to get them.

Henrik Larsson pased up many chances to get the opener, and for some it looked like it wouldn't come. He eventually looked frustrated and angry, but he would onlu bide his time.

A fine cross by Alan Thompson was headed home from about 9 yards out by Larsson, to put Celtic in-front on 81 minutes. Celtic Park went wild, but there was more to come.

This time it was Didier Agathe's cross, and an acrobatic finish by Larsson doubled Celtic's lead.

Celtic Park was a cauldron of noise, every Larsson song was being sung. With a few minutes from time, Dundee United attempted to spoil the party, scoring a penalty, but nothing would upset Henrik's day today.

The players left the field and Larsson returned on his own, tears flowing from his eyes. There was not a dry eye in the house, as he took one of his final bows, the crowd, players and his family were all seen chanting his name as The King of Kings stood in tears on the Celtic Park turf. It was also great to see the majority of Dundee United fans staying back to applaud Scotland's greatest ever import.

Today was a sign of things to come; with the Scottish Cup Final and the Sevilla game, it is going to be an emotional week for all associated with Celtic. Henrik Larsson will bow out, hopefully in the best possible way.

The man is a legend - one of the greatest ever. Today was his day, and hopefully he will have two more to celebrate before his time at Celtic is up.

Celtic:
Marshall - 8
Varga - 7
Balde - 7
McNamara - 8
Lennon - 8
Pearson - 6
Agathe - 8
Thompson - 7 (Wallace - 7)
Petrov - 8
Sutton - 8
Larsson - 9

Celtic-Mad Man of the Match: Henrik Larsson

Celtic-Mad Moment to Remember: The tears of joy from Henrik Larsson.

Celtic-Mad Moment to Forget: The handful of idiots who ran onto the pitch.