Celtic scored in both halves to beat a stubborn Dundee United and go 16 points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship.
Brendan Rodgers was keen to avoid a repeat of his goalless draw at Tannadice 17 days ago and stuck with the same starting line-up that eased to victory against St Mirren three days ago, with Hyun-Jun Young starting alongside Nicolas Kuhn. right before the game.
They dominated from the start and Daisen Maida fired in the opener on the rebound to warm the fans up on a chilly night at Parkhead.
The visitors, who had late chances, were well organized and frustrated the Hoops, but Hatte came off the bench to fire into the roof of the net to secure another home win.
Celtic are unbeaten at home this season, while Dundee United remain third.
The Hoops pushed United all the way.
All smiles as Celtic extend their lead at the top of the Premiership
Rodgers had urged some fans to be more patient after he was spotted moaning at back passes during his side’s 3-0 win over St Mirren.
He also accused fans in the leg section of disrespecting left-back Greg Taylor by chanting the name of transfer target Kieran Tierney.
The fans responded by belting out chants for former players and manager Martin O’Neill’s full squad.
Songs by Arthur Boruch, Michael Lustig, Billy McNeill, Charlie Mulgrew, Tommy Burns, Victor Wanyama, Jimmy Johnstone, Scott Sinclair, Jota, Odsson Eduard and Henrik Larsson all received airplay.
Brendan Rodgers has urged Celtic fans not to disrespect Greg Taylor
Fans rounded up their back catalog with their song breaks about Tierney, who is believed to be close to agreeing a pre-contract deal to return to Parkhead.
Jim Goodwin got very little attacking energy from his players in a fairly one-sided first half, but the visitors made a major defensive shift over 45 minutes that resembled an attack vs. defense drill.
The United boss would have been disappointed with the nature of the opener after his side looked to have cleared Alastair Johnston’s cross.
The ball fell for Luke McCowan just inside the box after Richard Odada latched on to a shin-high pass from Vicco Sewell, and the former Dundee midfielder’s shot broke for Maeda to slot home after being pushed back by Jack Walton.
Daisen Maeda opened the scoring for Celtic against Dundee United
Auston Trusty had earlier headed over the bar following one of Arne Engels’ 10 first-half corners.The Belgium midfielder was Celtic’s most dangerous player, also firing some tantalizing shots across the face of goal and going close on several occasions.
“United” finished the half without a shot, corner or cross. Celtic scored 27 points with just one touch in the home penalty area and 16 percent shooting.
There was a quick improvement after the break, although Kai Fotheringham and Glenn Middleton were a long way from getting their first goals.
Reo Hate doubled Celtic’s lead
Celtic had chances to put the game away earlier than they did, Maida deflecting Taylor’s shot wide and United goalkeeper Jack Walton saved substitute Kyogo Furuhashi’s header from another Engels corner.
Kasper Schmeichel was able to pull off his first save in the 70th minute, turning away Middleton’s powerful shot at the near post and soon after catching Fotheringham’s header.
The game remained in the balance until Hate curled the ball into the top corner after teammate Paulo Bernardo faked Maeda’s clearance.
Rodgers is delighted with the win as he awaits Kuhn’s prediction
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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers praised the support of the fans in their 2-0 win over Dundee United.
“Celtic” head coach Brendan Rodgers spoke to Sky Sports News.
“Good win for us. I thought we could dominate the game.
“In the first half we had more chances to score and then going into the second half we didn’t quite score the second goal. So you have to go through a bit of a spell where the direct balls and the long throws are what you have to deal with.
“There was a bit of pressure there but I thought the players handled it really well and got through it.
“Then we score the second goal and it eases any nerves that might be in the game. We fully deserved it, we worked very hard and got rewarded for it.
“I thought the atmosphere was great, whatever the temperature was, it was very, very cold, but they came out in their numbers, the Celtic fans.
“They are amazing and give the team that support and encouragement when they need it and that helps us get the result.”
He added about Nicholas Kuhn’s absence. “He just felt something in the warm-up so unfortunately he had to come off.
“He didn’t feel fit to play, so we’ll assess that tomorrow and see where it’s at.”
Goodwin. Really tough question
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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin says the club is
“Dundee United” head coach Jim Goodwin spoke to Sky Sports News.
“We knew tonight was always going to be tough given the amount of games we’ve had in recent weeks.
“Tonight is actually our sixth league game in 17 days, so we’re really asking the players to come here fresh. It’s hard enough at the best of times, but to come here two days after a Hearts game, it was always going to be difficult.
“The players gave everything, but unfortunately we didn’t do enough.
“We had chances with the ball in the box with a couple of deep free kicks and a couple of long throws and we won a couple of corners but unfortunately nothing went too kindly for us in and around the box.”
