Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring a goal against Dundee United, with Georgios Giakoumakis also finding the net in a 2-1 victory for the Hoops. Celtic returned to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dundee United at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon. New signing Matt O’Riley impressed on his debut, while Giorgos Giakoumakis and Kyogo Furuhashi grabbed the goals for the Hoops.
Giakoumakis opened the scoring in the 24th minute, heading home from close range after Jota’s cross was flicked on by Furuhashi. The Greek striker has now scored five goals in his last six appearances for Celtic, and his form will be key to their title challenge in the coming months.
Dundee United equalized in the 38th minute through Liam Smith, who fired a low shot past Joe Hart from the edge of the box. The Tangerines have been in fine form in recent weeks, and they looked threatening throughout the game. However, it was Celtic who ultimately took the three points thanks to Furuhashi’s strike in the 72nd minute. The Japanese forward latched onto a pass from O’Riley and slotted the ball home from close range. It was a clinical finish from Furuhashi, who has now scored 17 goals in all competitions for Celtic this season.
O’Riley, who signed for Celtic from MK Dons in the January transfer window, impressed on his debut in the middle of the park. The 21-year-old midfielder showed a good range of passing and looked comfortable on the ball. He is likely to be a key player for Celtic in the months ahead.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou was pleased with his team’s performance, although he admitted that they could have done better. Dundee United manager Tam Courts was disappointed with his team’s defeat, but he praised their effort. He mentioned that they gave a good account of themselves against a very good team. They created a few chances and could have easily got something from the game. However, Celtic are a quality side and they took their chances. “Overall, I’m happy with the performance. We showed that we can compete with the best teams in the country.”
Celtic’s win over Dundee United takes them three points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership table. The Hoops have now won their last three games in all competitions, and they will be looking to build on that momentum in the coming weeks.
Dundee United, meanwhile, remain in fourth place in the table. They are just two points behind third-placed Hibernian, and they will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on St Johnstone next weekend.
The match between Celtic and Dundee United was a close and exciting contest, and it was ultimately decided by the individual brilliance of Furuhashi and Giakoumakis. Celtic will be hoping that these two players can continue to fire goals in the coming weeks, as they look to win the Scottish Premiership title for the sixth time in seven years.