Scottish Premiership: Dundee United 0, Celtic 0 – Full-Time Result
Cheeriopublished at 14:34 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
With the echoes of Tannadice still ringing, we’ll wrap up here as Hearts gear up to face St Johnstone in a crucial clash.
For those keen to follow the action from the pitch where relegation battles unfold, click here for live updates.
Postpublished at 14:30 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
In an intriguing post-match discussion, Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers confirmed that he expects the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty to return to fitness ahead of their Boxing Day clash after battling illness.
‘We didn’t work the keeper enough’published at 14:29 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Celtic’s gaffer Brendan Rodgers articulated his frustrations to BBC Scotland: “It’s always disappointing to draw a game we were expected to win.
“While we didn’t work the keeper enough, it’s important to note the players poured their hearts into this. In such matches, failing to secure an early goal can be pivotal, granting the opposition confidence.”
“We were forced to shuffle the pack, but the substitutes came in and showed remarkable stability.”
“The teams adapted admirably to the windy conditions, which were a true test of character.”
“We’re always hungry for victory, but with a nine-point gap, a trophy secured, and solid performances in the Champions League, we can still regard this period as quite fruitful.”
Image source, SNS
‘Celtic can afford off day’published at 14:24 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Radio Scotland
Celtic have laid the groundwork early in the season to allow a day like this to happen.
Postpublished at 14:22 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
With Christmas around the corner, there’s little time for the players to unwind.
Celtic are set to host Motherwell while Dundee United looks to the challenge of a short trip to St Johnstone on Boxing Day.
Postpublished at 14:18 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
In terms of statistics, Celtic commanded possession, boasting a staggering 77.6% and unleashing 17 shots, yet only three were on target—a stark reminder of their inefficiency today.
‘A really well earned point’published at 14:13 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Dundee United’s manager Jim Goodwin praised his team’s efforts, stating to BBC Scotland: “It’s a truly well earned point from our perspective.
“Pre-game, I would have eagerly accepted a clean sheet. Our defense was exemplary, showcasing great discipline and concentration. The determination and resilience shown by this group were crucial.”
“While we don’t intend to play this way every time, you must respect the quality of the opponents.”
“We had a few scrambles and a couple of breakaways, but ultimately we didn’t do enough to capitalize on those moments.”
United frustrate Celtic to earn excellent pointpublished at 14:08 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Tannadice
A commendable result for Jim Goodwin’s side. Despite being under intense pressure for the majority of the game, they stood resilient, skillfully thwarting Celtic’s onslaught as the champions searched desperately for a breakthrough.
Dropped points for Celtic are a rarity; however, they remain nine points ahead of their nearest rivals, Rangers, a position Brendan Rodgers must find reassuring as the season approaches its halfway mark.
While setbacks caused by injuries and illness were evident, credit is due to the home side for their dogged determination and discipline in keeping Celtic at bay.
Image source, SNSKevin Holt carefully monitors Celtic’s Kyogo as the match unfolds
‘Celtic did not create enough’published at 14:04 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Radio Scotland
Celtic will undoubtedly feel the sting of frustration today; they simply did not create enough opportunities throughout the match. The right flank was noticeably quiet, offering little to unsettle the United defense.
‘United defenders excel’published at 14:03 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Ian McCall
Former Dundee United manager on BBC Radio Scotland
The steely resolve of Dundee United’s center-back duo shone brightly today, as they expertly safeguarded their box, denying Celtic any clear-cut chances.
Postpublished at 14:00 Greenwich Mean Time 22 December
FT: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Celtic’s lead at the Premiership summit remains a notable nine points.
Meanwhile, United solidifies their fifth-place standing, now just a single point adrift of Motherwell.
FULL-TIME Dundee United 0-0 Celticpublished at 90+6 mins
In a rare turn of events, Celtic dropped points for only the second time this season.
For Dundee United, this draw is a well-deserved reward. They withstood considerable pressure yet display an admirable work ethic, limiting Celtic to mere glimpses of glory.
Image source, SNSKyogo’s effort in the second half stands out as Celtic’s most promising opportunity
Postpublished at 90+5 mins
Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
One final push from Celtic, but United’s defense remains resolute as they hold their ground valiantly.
Postpublished at 90+3 mins
Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Down in the Celtic area, a chaotic scramble unfolds, bodies collide, and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel nearly misplaces possession—yet the whistle cuts through, signaling a potential offside infringement.
Postpublished at 90+2 mins
Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
The visitors earn a corner; however, Adam Idah finds himself defending rather than attacking, directing the ball over his own crossbar. United prepares for their next opportunity.
Postpublished at 90+1 mins
Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Kyogo attempts a strike but his shot is feeble, rolling harmlessly wide.
Postpublished at 90 mins
Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
As six additional minutes are announced, Arne Engels finds a close-range shot, but Jack Walton showcases his skills with a brilliant save.
Postpublished at 89 mins
Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Before Celtic could execute the free-kick, United made a tactical swap, substituting striker Sam Dalby for Richard Odada.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 88 mins
Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Celtic’s corner is contested in the air, but Dundee United manages to clear their lines effectively.
Kristijan Trapanovski finds himself in the referee’s book after recklessly colliding with Anthony Ralston.
Postpublished at 85 mins
Dundee United 0-0 Celtic
Daizen Maeda makes way as Celtic brings Arne Engels onto the pitch, intensifying their push for that elusive winner in the closing moments.
Celtic’s ambitions to extend their impressive run were thwarted as Dundee United subjected them to a frustrating stalemate under tough, windy conditions.
The outcome sees Jim Goodwin’s side now lose only once in their last seven league outings, highlighting their resilience since returning to the top flight.
Despite the deadlock, Brendan Rodgers’ men maintain a nine-point advantage over their rivals, Rangers, as the festive season approaches.
Rodgers faced injury woes missing key players like Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn, along with important center-backs Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty due to illness.
This led to rare starts for Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, and Hyun-jun Yang, while Luke McCowan also featured in the XI.
With United aiming for defensive solidity—a stark contrast to their previous outing’s chaos—Celtic struggled to break through their organized ranks despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession.
Brendan Rodgers summarized, “You’re always frustrated when a team draws that you expected to beat.
“Lack of shots on target hurt us, but full credit to the players for their effort. In such tightly contested games, if you can’t capitalize early, it hands the enemy a lifeline.”
McCowan and Kyogo Furuhashi had opportunities, but most were subdued efforts from range as the home side remained compact and broke forward when the chance arose.
Celtic’s Luka McCowan had flashes of brilliance, but his lack of power during breaks meant the match was more about defensive firefighting from Dundee United than attacking prowess from Celtic.
As substitutes came on, Celtic amped up their intensity and forged ahead.
Maeda nearly broke the deadlock with a towering header, and later, Kyogo seemed destined to score only to be thwarted at the last moment by a swift save from Walton.
Right at the death, Engels thought he had grabbed a winner, but Walton denied him with a superb save, further adding to Celtic’s build of frustration as they pressed on in search of glory.
United dogged and disciplined to earn draw
Jim Goodwin’s emphasis on defensive discipline shone through as his men starved Celtic of clear chances. The stress was palpable at times, showcasing a commendable effort to withstand intense pressure.
That Jack Walton had so little to deal with until late in the fixture speaks volumes about their disciplined performance.
While United conceded extensive possession, they executed their plan meticulously.
On the left, Glenn Middleton posed moments of concern for Celtic’s defense, although Schmeichel remained untroubled throughout the 90 minutes.
Nevertheless, Tannadice will erupt with joy at this display of steadfastness—another commendable performance from Goodwin’s resilient squad.
Celtic depth tested in challenging conditions
Celtic faced a true test of depth today, grappling with the absence of vital players. Their squad’s strength was on display, yet questions remain following a match that could have shifted momentum.
The noticeable gap left by Johnston and Kuhn along the right flank diminished Celtic’s attacking prowess, with Ralston and Yang unable to forge the same dynamic as usual.
Match fitness undoubtedly played a role in this, compounded by the unprecedented windy conditions that turned the match into a tactical battle.
However, the depth provided by Rodgers should have been sufficient to seize control. Their inability to break through was not due to a lack of effort.
While this result doesn’t signal a disaster for Celtic, it gives a flicker of hope to those in pursuit of the title.
What they said
Dundee United’s Jim Goodwin: “It’s a truly well-earned point from our perspective.
“If you’d had offered me a clean sheet pre-kick-off, I’d have grabbed it with both hands. Our defensive unit was superb today, exhibiting remarkable discipline and focus. The team’s determination and resilience were praiseworthy.”
Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers: “We are driven to win every fixture but holding a nine-point advantage, alongside having a trophy in our cabinet and doing well in the Champions League, underscores that we’re in a promising spell.”
