2021-09-26: Celtic 1-1 Dundee Utd, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 20212022


Trivia

  • KO: 15:00; Sunday
  • Game on Sunday due to League Cup game on Thursday past.
  • Dundee Utd take their first point at Celtic Park since 2013….
  • NO Away fans still allowed at Celtic Park due to logistics around covid reasons, disappointing.
  • StreamDigital Pay-Per-View available in UK & Ireland for #CelticFC v @dundeeunitedfc priced £12.99! First time Celtic have done this which means Celtic have finally caught up but don’t expect this to be the norm.
  • Poor refereeing today, question mark over Dundee Utd penalty not given but was it a foul on a Celtic player before even that incident? (again not give). Many argue Dundee Utd should have had 2-3 men sent off etc… Nobody was sent off.
  • Dundee United Ian Harkes played today, his wife (Sarah Harkes) plays for Celtic’s female side. Both scored a goal in their respective matches this day (Sarah v Hibs women side).
  • Kerr Smith: Dundee United playing a 16 year old at CB today.
  • Lots of injuries at present, Taylor, Jullien, Gio, Kyogo, Johnstone, Forrest, McGregor and so on!
  • Callum McGregor signs a 5 year contract extension.
  • Reports claim Celtic & others could be forced to drop main sponsorship deals as UK Govt looks set to ban betting companies from advertising on the front of football strips. 15 clubs in top two tiers in England have betting sponsors on their shirts.  Unlikely that changes to come in before 2023.
  • UK in shambles with lorry driver shortage, CO2 shortage and so on. Inflation rising and so on.
  • Out on loan Leigh Griffiths charged by police with “culpable and reckless conduct” after kicking a flare into the away end during the Dundee v St Johnstone match.
  • Boxing (Heavyweight division): – UK’s Anthony Joshua loses IBF, WBA, WBO titles to Oleksandr Usyk in a devastating & surprising defeat.

Summary

Ange Postecoglou: “We’re disappointed with the outcome obviously but in terms of our approach to the game and the way we played, the manner in which we took the game to them, I think it’s exactly what our supporters want to see.”

TCW: Every bit as bad as last season.

@TEnglishSport · Great attitude about Dundee United. Some swift attacking football, great work rate and really stout defending. Plus some luck. Should have had a penalty mind you. Celtic need Kyogo and McGregor like they need their next breath. Some decent stuff but lack ruthlessness

ETims:This is a game of end to end mediocrity so far. FT Celtic 1 Dun Utd 1 Really poor performance. Aye, had most of the chances but that was dire today. Passing way below par. Too many players not performing. Same tactics. No change to try something different. Ange has to at least try something different later on in the 2nd half. Go 3-5-2. Go 4-4-2. Put Abada or Jota in centrally & go with two forwards through the middle. Aye, best players injured but his squad’s worth a fortune compared to DU. To do nothing isn’t good enough from him.This Plan A or do Plan A better isn’t good enough. There should be two or three formations that the team should be able to switch to if the game isn’t going as planned. United squad cost a fraction of ours. The manager has to do better.

Anon: We don’t remember their keeper making a serious save. Only saw 2 thirds though. Ajeti missed a sitter that van vossen would’ve laughed at and we hit the bar 3 times. Problem is, if you’re going to be champions you have to find a winning goal in these games. We’ve thrashed three teams, lost to 3 and drawn with one. Anyone who digs in will get a result against us. We only beat teams who capitulate.


Teams

Celtic

Formation 4-3-3

  • 15Hart
  • 56Ralston
  • 20Carter-Vickers
  • 4Starfelt
  • 88Juranovic
  • Substituted forMontgomeryat 26′minutes
  • 18Rogic
  • 16McCarthy
  • Substituted forSoroat 45′minutes
  • 14Turnbull
  • 11Abada
  • 10Ajeti
  • 17Neves Filipe

Substitutes

  • 5Scales
  • 6Bitton
  • 12Soro
  • 29Bain
  • 54Montgomery
  • 57Welsh
  • 73Moffat

Goals:

  • Abada (16′ minutes)

Assists:

  • Neves Filipe (16′ minutes)

Dundee Utd

Formation 4-3-3

  • 1Siegrist
  • 22FreemanBooked at 90mins
  • 28Smith
  • 12Edwards
  • 33McMann
  • 66FuchsBooked at 15mins
  • 19Levitt
  • 23Harkes
  • 8Pawlett
  • Substituted forAppéréat 79′minutes
  • 10Clark
  • 7Niskanen
  • Substituted forSpörleat 62′minutes

Substitutes

  • 3Spörle
  • 6Reynolds
  • 11Chalmers
  • 14Hoti
  • 16Carson
  • 26Mochrie
  • 27Appéré

Goals:

  • Harkes (18′ minutes)

Assists:

  • Niskanen (18′ minutes)

Ref:Kevin Clancy
Att: est 58000 (no away fans)


Articles

  • Match Report (see below)

Pictures


Match Links

  • Prior
  • Match
  • Post
  • MoTM

Stats

CelticAway TeamDundee Utd
Possession
Home63%
Away37%
Shots
Home23
Away12
Shots on Target
Home7
Away5
Corners
Home9
Away2
Fouls
Home12
Away5

Articles

BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58613119
By Martin WattBBC Scotland

Last updated on

26 September 202126 September 2021.From the section Scottish Premiership
Ian Harkes’ terrific diving header hauled United level in the first half
Ian Harkes’ acrobatic diving header hauled United level in the first half

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou says the Scottish Premiership title is not an “insurmountable challenge” after his side’s troubled start continued with a draw against Dundee United.

A terrific Ian Harkes header quickly cancelled out Liel Abada’s opener to leave Celtic sixth, six points behind leaders Rangers.

The hosts hit the woodwork three times and Albian Ajeti astonishingly missed an open goal from three yards, while United had a strong penalty claim rejected when Nicky Clark was felled.

“It’s a weird league,” said Postecoglou. “You call things early here, don’t you? It’s quite remarkable that seven games in people are calling the title already.

“I’m not pulling up stumps after seven games just because other people seem to think there is some sort of insurmountable challenge out there for us.

“I know people are wanting to push me on some kind of edge of the ledge somewhere. It’s just not going to happen.”

Thomas Courts’ youthful United showed impressive composure and withstood a late barrage in a breathless contest to collect their first point at Celtic Park in eight years.

They are a point above Celtic in fifth, while Postecoglou’s already lengthy injury list claimed another victim in Josip Juranovic.

Reaction & as it happened

While Celtic have made their worst start to a league season in 23 years, they had been flawless at home with three straight wins in sharp contrast to three away defeats.

United halted that record and seized on Celtic’s sloppiness. The hosts Celtic built early momentum – Juranovic had a shot batted away by keeper Benjamin Siegrist and Ajeti headed too high – before their wingers combined for the breakthrough. Jota jinked down the left and cut in to swing over a cross met with a thumping Abada header at the back post.

The setback galvanised United and they were level within two minutes. Finnish winger Ilmari Niskanen outmuscled Anthony Ralston down the left and his whipped delivery was brilliantly converted by Harkes with a diving header.

Both sides had reason to feel aggrieved not have a half-time lead. United, whose high press unsettled Celtic’s defence throughout, were bemused by referee Kevin Clancy’s decision not to award a penalty when Cameron Carter-Vickers sent Clark sprawling.

At the other end, Ajeti inexplicably blazed over an unguarded net and David Turnbull sent a 20-yard strike against the bar. Ajeti would be guilty of another glaring miss late in the second half, heading wide from six yards.

Postecoglou’s men piled on the pressure after the break, but lacked conviction in the final third.

Jota looked their best hope of a winner, and almost got it with a dipping drive off the bar in the final few minutes. Tom Rogic also shook the frame of the goal with a header from Jota’s knockdown as Celtic’s late rally fell short.

United, though, defended diligently and remained a danger on the counter-attack. Niskanen was inches away from finding the far corner of the net with a curling strike, and the the visitors could have snatched a dramatic victory when substitute Louis Appere had a near-post drive saved by Joe Hart.

It then took a superb Carl Starfelt tackle to halt Appere in a two-on-one breakaway as the end-to-end action continued until the final seconds.
Man of the match – Ian Harkes
Brilliant goal and outstanding performance from the midfielder helped United take a point
Brilliant goal and outstanding performance from the midfielder helped United take a point
What did we learn?

Celtic can’t get some of their key men back quickly enough. The leadership of Callum McGregor and finishing prowess of Kyogo Furuhashi were badly missed in a haphazard display.

Ajeti again failed to convince up front. The striker will never offer the movement of Kyogo, but should have converted at least one of the glaring opportunities presented to him.

United, to a man, were superb. With a young side featuring 16-year-old Kerr Smith at centre-back, Thomas Courts’ men caused the hosts all sorts of problems.

Having now beaten Rangers and held Celtic this season, and a derby win over Dundee thrown in for good measure, Courts has the Tannadice men handily placed in fifth.
What did they say?

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou: “Obviously disappointed with the outcome but in terms of our approach I think it’s exactly what our supporters want to see.

“We created a lot of chances, we just didn’t take them. Sometimes football goes that way. On another day we score four or five.”

Dundee Utd head coach Thomas Courts: “It [the penalty claim] was very legitimate. We watched it back at half-time and it was bitterly disappointing.

“This was a big ask for my players – three games in seven days including the emotion of a Dundee derby – but they were outstanding. I feel really proud of them.”




Articles

BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58613119
By Martin WattBBC Scotland

Last updated on

26 September 202126 September 2021.From the section Scottish Premiership
Ian Harkes’ terrific diving header hauled United level in the first half
Ian Harkes’ acrobatic diving header hauled United level in the first half

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou says the Scottish Premiership title is not an “insurmountable challenge” after his side’s troubled start continued with a draw against Dundee United.

A terrific Ian Harkes header quickly cancelled out Liel Abada’s opener to leave Celtic sixth, six points behind leaders Rangers.

The hosts hit the woodwork three times and Albian Ajeti astonishingly missed an open goal from three yards, while United had a strong penalty claim rejected when Nicky Clark was felled.

“It’s a weird league,” said Postecoglou. “You call things early here, don’t you? It’s quite remarkable that seven games in people are calling the title already.

“I’m not pulling up stumps after seven games just because other people seem to think there is some sort of insurmountable challenge out there for us.

“I know people are wanting to push me on some kind of edge of the ledge somewhere. It’s just not going to happen.”

Thomas Courts’ youthful United showed impressive composure and withstood a late barrage in a breathless contest to collect their first point at Celtic Park in eight years.

They are a point above Celtic in fifth, while Postecoglou’s already lengthy injury list claimed another victim in Josip Juranovic.

Reaction & as it happened

While Celtic have made their worst start to a league season in 23 years, they had been flawless at home with three straight wins in sharp contrast to three away defeats.

United halted that record and seized on Celtic’s sloppiness. The hosts Celtic built early momentum – Juranovic had a shot batted away by keeper Benjamin Siegrist and Ajeti headed too high – before their wingers combined for the breakthrough. Jota jinked down the left and cut in to swing over a cross met with a thumping Abada header at the back post.

The setback galvanised United and they were level within two minutes. Finnish winger Ilmari Niskanen outmuscled Anthony Ralston down the left and his whipped delivery was brilliantly converted by Harkes with a diving header.

Both sides had reason to feel aggrieved not have a half-time lead. United, whose high press unsettled Celtic’s defence throughout, were bemused by referee Kevin Clancy’s decision not to award a penalty when Cameron Carter-Vickers sent Clark sprawling.

At the other end, Ajeti inexplicably blazed over an unguarded net and David Turnbull sent a 20-yard strike against the bar. Ajeti would be guilty of another glaring miss late in the second half, heading wide from six yards.

Postecoglou’s men piled on the pressure after the break, but lacked conviction in the final third.

Jota looked their best hope of a winner, and almost got it with a dipping drive off the bar in the final few minutes. Tom Rogic also shook the frame of the goal with a header from Jota’s knockdown as Celtic’s late rally fell short.

United, though, defended diligently and remained a danger on the counter-attack. Niskanen was inches away from finding the far corner of the net with a curling strike, and the the visitors could have snatched a dramatic victory when substitute Louis Appere had a near-post drive saved by Joe Hart.

It then took a superb Carl Starfelt tackle to halt Appere in a two-on-one breakaway as the end-to-end action continued until the final seconds.
Man of the match – Ian Harkes
Brilliant goal and outstanding performance from the midfielder helped United take a point
Brilliant goal and outstanding performance from the midfielder helped United take a point
What did we learn?

Celtic can’t get some of their key men back quickly enough. The leadership of Callum McGregor and finishing prowess of Kyogo Furuhashi were badly missed in a haphazard display.

Ajeti again failed to convince up front. The striker will never offer the movement of Kyogo, but should have converted at least one of the glaring opportunities presented to him.

United, to a man, were superb. With a young side featuring 16-year-old Kerr Smith at centre-back, Thomas Courts’ men caused the hosts all sorts of problems.

Having now beaten Rangers and held Celtic this season, and a derby win over Dundee thrown in for good measure, Courts has the Tannadice men handily placed in fifth.
What did they say?

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou: “Obviously disappointed with the outcome but in terms of our approach I think it’s exactly what our supporters want to see.

“We created a lot of chances, we just didn’t take them. Sometimes football goes that way. On another day we score four or five.”

Dundee Utd head coach Thomas Courts: “It [the penalty claim] was very legitimate. We watched it back at half-time and it was bitterly disappointing.

“This was a big ask for my players – three games in seven days including the emotion of a Dundee derby – but they were outstanding. I feel really proud of them.”

  • Match ends, Celtic 1, Dundee United 1.

  • Full Time

    Second Half ends, Celtic 1, Dundee United 1.

  • Post update

    Attempt saved. Jota (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Adam Montgomery.

  • Post update

    Jota (Celtic) hits the bar with a right footed shot from outside the box.

  • Post update

    Anthony Ralston (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  • Post update

    Foul by Dylan Levitt (Dundee United).

  • Post update

    Attempt saved. Louis Appéré (Dundee United) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Adrián Spörle.

  • Post update

    Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Adrián Spörle.

  • Booking

    Kieran Freeman (Dundee United) is shown the yellow card.

  • Post update

    Foul by Ismaila Soro (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Louis Appéré (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Carl Starfelt (Celtic) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by David Turnbull with a cross following a corner.

  • Post update

    Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Adrián Spörle.

  • Post update

    Tomas Rogic (Celtic) hits the bar with a header from the centre of the box. Assisted by Jota with a headed pass.

  • Post update

    Jota (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  • Post update

    Foul by Kieran Freeman (Dundee United).

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Jota (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Tomas Rogic.

  • Post update

    Attempt saved. Adrián Spörle (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Dylan Levitt.

  • Substitution

    Substitution, Dundee United. Louis Appéré replaces Peter Pawlett.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Albian Ajeti (Celtic) header from very close range misses to the left. Assisted by Liel Abada with a cross.

  • Post update

    Attempt saved. Jota (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ismaila Soro.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Jota (Celtic) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Liel Abada with a cross.

  • Post update

    Foul by Ismaila Soro (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Adrián Spörle (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  • Post update

    Foul by Albian Ajeti (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Kerr Smith (Dundee United) wins a free kick on the right wing.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Adrián Spörle (Dundee United) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Nicky Clark.

  • Post update

    Foul by Albian Ajeti (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Scott McMann (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  • Post update

    Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Scott McMann.

  • Post update

    Attempt saved. Peter Pawlett (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Ian Harkes.

  • Post update

    Attempt blocked. David Turnbull (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Tomas Rogic.

  • Substitution

    Substitution, Dundee United. Adrián Spörle replaces Ilmari Niskanen.

  • Post update

    Foul by Adam Montgomery (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Peter Pawlett (Dundee United) wins a free kick on the right wing.

  • Post update

    Attempt blocked. Liel Abada (Celtic) header from very close range is blocked. Assisted by Jota.

  • Post update

    Foul by Ismaila Soro (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Ian Harkes (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  • Post update

    Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ryan Edwards.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Liel Abada (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Tomas Rogic following a fast break.

  • Post update

    Attempt saved. Dylan Levitt (Dundee United) right footed shot from more than 35 yards is saved in the centre of the goal.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Ilmari Niskanen (Dundee United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Ian Harkes.

  • Post update

    Offside, Dundee United. Kerr Smith tries a through ball, but Peter Pawlett is caught offside.

  • Post update

    Attempt blocked. Ilmari Niskanen (Dundee United) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Peter Pawlett.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Kerr Smith (Dundee United) header from very close range is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Peter Pawlett with a cross following a corner.

  • Post update

    Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Carl Starfelt.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Liel Abada (Celtic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Tomas Rogic following a fast break.

  • Substitution

    Substitution, Celtic. Ismaila Soro replaces James McCarthy.

  • Second Half

    Second Half begins Celtic 1, Dundee United 1.

  • Half Time

    First Half ends, Celtic 1, Dundee United 1.

  • Post update

    Foul by Albian Ajeti (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Ryan Edwards (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  • Post update

    David Turnbull (Celtic) hits the bar with a left footed shot from outside the box.

  • Post update

    Foul by James McCarthy (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Ian Harkes (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  • Post update

    Offside, Dundee United. Benjamin Siegrist tries a through ball, but Scott McMann is caught offside.

  • Post update

    Adam Montgomery (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  • Post update

    Foul by Peter Pawlett (Dundee United).

  • Post update

    Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Jeando Fuchs.

  • Post update

    Attempt blocked. Albian Ajeti (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by David Turnbull with a cross.

  • Post update

    Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Scott McMann.

  • Post update

    Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ryan Edwards.

  • Post update

    Attempt blocked. Jota (Celtic) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is blocked. Assisted by David Turnbull.

  • Post update

    James McCarthy (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  • Post update

    Foul by Dylan Levitt (Dundee United).

  • Post update

    Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Scott McMann.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. David Turnbull (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.

  • Post update

    Foul by David Turnbull (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Peter Pawlett (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  • Post update

    Offside, Dundee United. Dylan Levitt tries a through ball, but Jeando Fuchs is caught offside.

  • Post update

    Corner, Dundee United. Conceded by Carl Starfelt.

  • Post update

    Foul by David Turnbull (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Peter Pawlett (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Anthony Ralston (Celtic) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by David Turnbull with a cross following a corner.

  • Post update

    Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Benjamin Siegrist.

  • Post update

    Attempt saved. Jota (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Adam Montgomery.

  • Substitution

    Substitution, Celtic. Adam Montgomery replaces Josip Juranovic because of an injury.

  • Post update

    Offside, Celtic. Josip Juranovic tries a through ball, but Jota is caught offside.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Albian Ajeti (Celtic) right footed shot from very close range is too high. Assisted by Liel Abada.

Goal!

Goal! Celtic 1, Dundee United 1. Ian Harkes (Dundee United) header from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ilmari Niskanen with a cross.

  • Goal!

    Goal! Celtic 1, Dundee United 0. Liel Abada (Celtic) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Jota with a cross.

  • Booking

    Jeando Fuchs (Dundee United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

  • Post update

    James McCarthy (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  • Post update

    Foul by Jeando Fuchs (Dundee United).

  • Post update

    Offside, Celtic. David Turnbull tries a through ball, but Jota is caught offside.

  • Post update

    Offside, Dundee United. Benjamin Siegrist tries a through ball, but Scott McMann is caught offside.

  • Post update

    Foul by Liel Abada (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Scott McMann (Dundee United) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Ian Harkes (Dundee United) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Kieran Freeman with a cross.

  • Post update

    Attempt blocked. Tomas Rogic (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked.

  • Post update

    Attempt saved. Josip Juranovic (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Dylan Levitt (Dundee United) right footed shot from more than 35 yards is close, but misses to the left.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Albian Ajeti (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Anthony Ralston.

  • Post update

    Offside, Dundee United. Benjamin Siegrist tries a through ball, but Peter Pawlett is caught offside.

  • Post update

    Attempt missed. Nicky Clark (Dundee United) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the right from a direct free kick.

  • Post update

    Foul by James McCarthy (Celtic).

  • Post update

    Peter Pawlett (Dundee United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  • Kick Off

    First Half begins.

  • Post update

    Lineups are announced and players are warming up.


The story of Celtic 1 Dundee United 1: Final crutch kicked away for Ange Postecoglou and his players as home comforts ended
The final crutch for Celtic and Ange Postecoglou was kicked away with the 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United.
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/the-story-of-celtic-1-dundee-united-1-final-crutch-kicked-away-for-ange-postecoglou-and-his-players-as-home-comforts-ended-3397103

By Andrew Smith
Sunday, 26th September 2021, 5:52 pm
Updated
12 hours ago
Liel Abada celebrates after scoring after giving Celtic a lead they could only hold for three minutes in the 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Liel Abada celebrates after scoring after giving Celtic a lead they could only hold for three minutes in the 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
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HAVE YOUR SAY

No longer can they point to an unblemished home league record, or say that, whatever their profound failings on the road, they can be trusted to produce within their own environs. In their current incarnation, Celtic are a team that can prove fragile whatever the circumstances – which must give the fear to their supporters with Bayer Leverkusen, presently second in the Bundesliga, coming to Glasgow’s east end on Thursday in the Europa League.

They will find Celtic at their lowest ebb so early in a campaign in two decades, with a home winning run that stood at seven games brought to a halt after it had offered respite for away misadventures that have resulted in six defeats from seven outings. Against a Tannadice side that were structured and composed, and trusting of their system, they seemed a mirror image. Their jitters, skittishness, allow Thomas Courts’ men to scent blood. As was evidenced in them striking back through an Ian Harkes header only three minutes after they had gone behind courtesy of Liel Abada breaking the deadlock by popping in a header of his own.
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Of course, Celtic had opportunities to prevail. On the balance of them, they should have sealed full points. But despite David Turnbull, Tom Rogic and Jota all seeing efforts clatter off the goal frame – the latter two in the closing minutes of a scatty contest – while Albian Ajeti blazed over from two yards midway through the first period, there was always a sense that United would find a way to stand their ground.

The result leaves Celtic six points behind cinch Premiership leaders Rangers, in sixth place, one point and place behind the Tayside club. It means Postecoglou’s men have only one win in their past four league games, and have dropped an eye-watering 11 points out of a possible 21 in this championship. Last season under Neil Lennon, they took 25 points from a possible 27 before enduring a collapse from mid-October.

The debilitating injury problems that have beset Postecoglou have been endlessly documented and undoubtedly have offered a measure of justification for the slump threatening to sink Celtic’s title challenge rapidly. Yet, it should be remembered what the Australian said about having to do without crucial first-team quartet Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, James Forrest and Greg Taylor. He said such difficulties also presented an opportunity. An opportunity to build resilience within the reduced squad with which he has been left. Instead, what appears to be becoming baked in to under-strength teams he is having no option but to field is brittleness.

That was exposed in Celtic’s inability to build a platform from taking the lead after trickery from Jota down the left led to him to whipping over a cross that Harkes missed to allow Abada to dink in a header that secured the Israeli a sixth goal of the season. Rarely has atonement come more quickly for a player than that enjoyed by the United midfielder, though. He provided a bullet from his bonce at waist height to beat Joe Hart after Ilmari Niskanen had outmuscled Anthony Ralston down the Celtic right touchline and hammered over a cross.

Celtic’s predicament could have become all the graver three minutes later when they seemed fortunate referee Kevin Clancy was unmoved by Cameron Carter-Vickers appearing to bundle Nicky Clark off the ball when the striker was bearing down on the Celtic keeper. The disjointed nature of Celtic meant that they couldn’t exhibit control despite dominating possession, and despite their wingers Jota and Abada providing regular menace as they sailed above the torpor afflicting their team-mates. In contrast, Turnbull and Rogic became bogged down through the middle with their linkage with sitter James McCarthy never appearing in sync. Josip Juranovic being lost to a hamstring pull approaching the half hour – to be replaced by Adam Montgomery – was one more drag back that Postecoglou could have done without. However, more problematic was Ismaila Soro replacing McCarthy, who had come in for some heavy treatment, following the interval. The Ivorian midfielder is a man that seems at war with himself and his own form, and it was painful to watch so little coming off for a player who has lost his way as he has lost the trust of his manager in recent weeks.

The huff and puff nature of Celtic as they became increasingly frantic across the closing stages while United, with conviction, sat in and looked for all the world as if they trusted themselves to repel what Celtic could throw at them, engendered a wave of exasperation round the Parkhead stands. It was toe-curling to see the Celtic players sheepishly make their way round a near-deserted stadium at the conclusion of yet another morale-sapping encounter. It felt as if they didn’t know where to turn. Emblematic of their entire afternoon, it is becoming increasingly emblematic of a season that is fraying at every edge. How Postecoglou can stitch his hope for the campaign back together isn’t apparent from all the available evidence of the past month.

Celtic: Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Juranovic (Montgomery 26); Rogic, McCarthy (Soro 46), Turnbull; Abada, Ajeti, Jota. Subs: Bain, Scales, Bitton, Welsh, Moffat.

Dundee United: Siegrist; McMann, Edwards, Smith, Freeman; Fuchs, Pawlett (Appere 78), Harkes; Niskanen (Sporle 61), Clark, Levitt. Subs: Carson, Reynolds, Chambers, Hoti, Mochrie.