SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE Celtic 4 Dundee Utd 1:ONLY A Johnny Russell goal for Dundee United prevented a flawless weekend for the Old Firm. Celtic's victory was not quite a case of "anything you can do, we can do better" after Rangers cantered to a 5-0 win at Motherwell on Saturday.
Nonetheless, Neil Lennon’s players emphatically displayed why nerves do not seem to be playing a part in their bid to win the championship.
“We played with freedom,” Lennon said. “There was a real intensity about us, we know what is at stake so it is not easy to play like that.” If Celtic win their game in hand, at Inverness on Wednesday, they will return to the summit of the league. Only three matches remain for Celtic and Rangers after that; with the race as closely fought as this, it is difficult to imagine the title being claimed before the final weekend of the season.
Everton’s David Moyes became the latest manager from England to travel to Celtic Park to inspect some impressive players. Two of Celtic’s star turns of this campaign, Beram Kayal and Emilio Izaguirre – who last night was named Scottish PFA Player of the Year – duly excelled against United.
It was Gary Hooper who shot Celtic in front, connecting with an Anthony Stokes pass at the back post after the visiting defender Garry Kenneth blundered on the ball. In an open contest, further goals were inevitable.
Celtic had a reasonable penalty claim denied only moments before Kayal shot home, powerfully, from 20 yards for the home side’s second.
Goal difference may yet play a part in where the league flag heads. With that in mind, Celtic pressed home their advantage. They were fortunate not to concede, though, as Russell shot against a post.
Kris Commons scored Celtic’s third – and his 11th goal since moving north from Derby County in late January – after a Shaun Maloney cut-back broke into his path.
Russell claimed United’s consolation from fine buildup play by David Goodwillie. The Celtic substitute Daryl Murphy instantly replied with a terrific run and shot which belied his status as a bit-part player under Lennon.
Guardian Service
