Celtic extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to nine points despite being held to a goalless draw against Dundee United at Tannadice.
Brendan Rodgers made significant changes to his starting lineup, with injuries and illness hitting the squad just days after their League Cup final triumph over Rangers.
Missing key players such as Nicolas Kuhn and James Forrest, Celtic struggled to break down a resolute Dundee United defence.
Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United set up to frustrate the visitors, and they succeeded, particularly in the second half when Celtic piled on the pressure.
Despite dominating possession, the Hoops lacked the clinical edge to find a breakthrough.
Rodgers’ patched-up side, with three changes in defence, huffed and puffed but failed to create enough clear-cut chances to seal the win.
On the positive side, Celtic remain unbeaten in domestic competitions this season and sit firmly atop the league table. However, the dropped points will feel like a missed opportunity to build further momentum.
Player Ratings
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
Had nothing to do for the whole of the first half. Was called into action at the beginning of the second half but wasn’t made to work almost quite literally dropped the ball with a couple of minutes left to play but was saved by the referee’s whistle.
Anthony Ralston – 6
Made a couple of important interceptions in the first half to prevent a Dundee United counterattack. Couldn’t really forge an understanding with Yang on the right-hand side.
Stephen Welsh – 6
Was solid enough for his first Celtic start of the season. Made an interception in the first half to prevent a Dundee United breakaway.
Liam Scales – 6
Made a few striding runs through the heart of midfield as he tried to force a couple of Celtic attacks. Passing was solid enough and was strong in the challenge whenever United forced their way into the Hoops’ penalty box.
Greg Taylor – 6
Had a decent game but couldn’t find that penetration on the left with Daizen Maeda that has been so fruitful for Celtic this season.
Reo Hatate – 7
Had four shots on goal with just one on target. Could have put Kyogo through in the first half to open the scoring but decided to have a go. Wasn’t at his brilliant best but wasn’t the worst player on the park. Subbed for Paulo Bernardo in the 78th minute.
Callum McGregor – 8
Controlled the centre of midfield and never had a misplaced pass. Just couldn’t find the killer pass to unlock the Dundee United defence. Created three chances for Celtic in the 90 minutes.
Luke McCowan – 6
Was bright and always looking to get involved. Had a couple of misplaced passes in the first half and two shots on goal. Was replaced by Luis Palma in the 62nd minute.
Daizen Maeda – 6
Another Celtic player who was just off the boil as Maeda struggled to get in behind the Tannadice defence. Had a great chance in the 77th minute as United’s keeper pushed his headed effort over the bar. Subbed off in the 86th minute.
Hyunjun Yang – 5
Was largely anonymous and spurned a great chance in the first half as he flashed a poor ball across the face of goal.
Kyogo Furuhashi – 6
Was another who was largely anonymous. Had decent movement in the first half and a shot that went wide. Had a great chance to open the scoring in the 78th minute but forced a good save from the Dundee United goalkeeper.
Luis Palma (sub) – 5
Got his big chance and 30 minutes after being frozen out of the matchday squad for much of the season. Created one chance but couldn’t impose himself in the final third. Far too predictable as he ran out of ideas.
Adam Idah (sub) – 6
Made an impact with a shot on goal just a minute after coming on for Luke McCowan in the 62nd minute of the game.
Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 5
Did offer some attacking intent.
Arne Engels (sub) – 5
Almost became the Celtic hero after coming on in the 86th minute after his deft touch was kept out of the United goal by the Dundee United goalkeeper. Never really had much time to make a material impact apart from that.
Despite the dropped points, Celtic maintain a commanding lead in the title race. However, Rodgers will hope his side can rediscover their cutting edge as the busy schedule continues.
