CHAMPIONSHIP trophies have never been handed out on the basis of artistic merit. Which in Scotland is probably just as well. A day after Rangers toiled in defeating Dunfermline at Ibrox, Celtic ground out a 1-0 victory at Tannadice yesterday.
To the visitors’ credit here, there never seemed any genuine likelihood of Dundee United clawing their way back into the game. Still, the second half in particular was grim, with both sides lacking inspiration. Neil Lennon, the Celtic manager, admitted his team became “sloppy in the final third”. Unsurprisingly, it was two defensive players – Daniel Majstorovic and Victor Wanyama – whom Lennon heaped praise upon.
“Our back four and our midfield gave us a great platform today,” Celtic’s manager said. In the league, Celtic have now kept four clean sheets in their last six matches, with the improved form of Majstorovic a key factor.
The last time Gary Hooper scored a Celtic winner at Tannadice, in October last year, the controversial fall-out from the reversal of a penalty award dominated Scottish football’s news agenda for months.
Celtic’s start was brisk. Hooper collected a James Forrest pass before sending a fierce, low shot into the United net.
Lennon introduced Scott Brown, his captain, with 23 minutes to play. The midfielder had ended a protracted contract saga by signing a new deal to remain at Parkhead on Saturday.
Guardian Service
