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It was back to business for The Champions at Tannadice today, as Celtic strolled through a 3-0 victory against Dundee United.
After the disappointment of Wednesday’s defeat in Milan, questions were asked regarding Celtic’s ability to bounce back from such cruel blow midweek. The Bhoys answered three first half goals; Stan Petrov scoring in between two Chris Sutton goals – one from the penalty spot.
The only change made to the starting line-ups was the replacement of injured Alan Thompson with Juninho. Chris Sutton continued in midfield and David Marshall shook off an injury to make the game.
The setting could not have been any more different from our previous game. Stuck in the cramped hellhole that is the Shed, the ability to move my legs was lost. Compared to the wonderful San Siro stadium, it was somewhat poor.
John Hartson continues to fight for a new contract, and was unlucky with a headed chance in the opening minutes of the game. He should have directed more power into the header.
Celtic were cutting through the home side like a knife through butter in the early stages, and it wasn’t long before we took the lead. Stan Petrov, who set up Stan Varga’s goal in the San Siro during the week, was again the creator, this time it was Chris Sutton who found it all too easy, heading home from inside the six yard box.
United found themselves claiming for two penalties in the first half – and to be honest, they looked like stonewallers. Referee Hugh Dallas certainly let Celtic off the hook when he ignored the challenges inside the box made by Joos Valgaeren and Bobo Balde.
In between these incidents though, Celtic were going for the kill. On seventeen minutes, Stan Petrov latched onto Henri Camara’s neat pass to put The Hoops 2-0 up and effectively kill the game. The large away following were delighted.
Juninho missed a sitter and Henri Camara had a couple of chances, just before Celtic made it three. Camara was brought down inside the United area, and after a discussion between himself and Chris Sutton, it was decided that the Englishman was the best bet to take the spot kick. Sutton made no mistake of adding his second goal of the game.
Joos Valgaeren was replaced by Ulrik Laursen at the tail-end of the first period, but it is unknown the full extent of his injury. Prior to this, he had saved Celtic from conceding a goal with a fine goal-line clearance.
The Come On The Hoops banner was transferred from the back of the West Stand to the front at half time – thanks to the helpful Bhoys and Ghirls in Row A who let us hang it there.
The second half was merely a stroll in the Sunday sun for Celtic. Every pass was greeted with cheers from the travelling support, and the only sad point was that there was no goal to finish off some great football.
Dundee United look as though they will struggle for the remainder of the season. If Celtic steamroll to more away victories like today’s, we will have no problems at all.
Celtic:
Marshall – 8
Varga – 7
Balde – 8
Valgaeren – 6 (Laursen - 6)
Lennon – 8
Petrov – 9
Agathe – 7
Juninho – 7
Sutton – 8
Camara – 7 (Lambert - 6)
Hartson – 6 (Wallace - 6)
Come On The Hoops Man Of The Match: Stan Petrov
Come On The Hoops Moment To Remember: Shutting up Ian McCall after his pro-hun commentary from Thursday night.
Come On The Hoops Moment To Forget: No goals in the second half.
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