Celts held at Tannadice after goalless draw

Scottish Premiership
Sunday, December 22 2024
Tannadice Park, Dundee

DUNDEE UTD…0

CELTIC…0

Celtic were held to a goalless draw at Tannadice by a resilient Dundee United side in the final match before Christmas, as the Hoops’ dominant domestic run continued despite dropping points for only the second time this season.

Brendan Rodgers made five changes to the side that triumphed in last weekend’s League Cup final, with illness and injuries sidelining the likes of Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn.

This gave opportunities to Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh to step into the starting XI. Remarkably, this was Brendan Rodgers’ first visit to Tannadice as Celtic manager, a venue steeped in iconic Celtic moments over the years.

The match also marked 10 years since Dundee United last defeated Celtic, a victory that came courtesy of a Stuart Armstrong goal.

Since then, the Hoops have remained unbeaten in 19 encounters with the Tangerines, a record that has been extended further despite a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.

The opening exchanges were subdued as both sides acclimatised to the dry but chilly conditions in Dundee.

Celtic carved out their first chance in the ninth minute, with Callum McGregor picking out Daizen Maeda, but the Japanese forward couldn’t control his run, and the opportunity fizzled out.

Moments later, Reo Hatate had the game’s first major chance, but his low shot dragged wide of the near post.

Luke McCowan, making his return to Tannadice following his summer move from city rivals Dundee, also tested the United defence with a left-footed effort that zipped just wide.

Celtic’s best opportunity of the half came in the 27th minute, with Kyogo’s curling effort narrowly missing the far corner after an incisive pass from McGregor.

Despite Celtic’s increasing dominance, they lacked precision in the final third, and the first half ended goal-less, with neither side registering a shot on target.

Both teams resumed unchanged after the interval, and Dundee United had the first chance of the second half through Miller Thomson, whose tame effort was easily gathered by Kasper Schmeichel.

Celtic’s substitutions added fresh impetus, with Adam Idah and Luis Palma replacing McCowan and Yang on the hour mark.

And Idah’s introduction nearly paid dividends when his snapshot sailed just wide, momentarily lifting the travelling support.

Anthony Ralston’s pinpoint lofted pass to Daizen Maeda in the 76th minute almost broke the deadlock, but Jack Walton produced a fine save to tip Maeda’s looping header over the bar.

Celtic came close again when Kyogo found himself through on goal, only to see his shot smothered by the advancing Walton.

Late substitute Arne Engels also had a chance to snatch the win, but his toe-poked effort was well-saved by Walton.

Despite late pressure, Celtic couldn’t find the decisive moment, as Kyogo’s final attempt of the game drifted wide in stoppage time.

The draw means Celtic remain unbeaten domestically, extending their run to 32 games since their defeat to Hearts in March.

While the result sees them drop points for only the second time this season, Brendan Rodgers’ side continues to lead the Scottish Premiership table by nine points as they head into the festive period.