Celtic Keep Hope Alive

By: Matt | May 12th, 2009

Celtic kept hopes for a come back title charge today when they beat Dundee United 2-1 today. It was Celtic’s first defeat of Dundee United after three previous draws earlier in the season. Celtic jumped out to a 2-0 lead early, but let United back into the game early in the second half with a goal. The visitors continued to push for an equalizer with great pressure, but Celtic was able to withstand the pressure to jump, at least for now, back into the top of the table while Rangers wait to play tomorrow. From the opening kick, Celtic seemed like a different club from Saturday’s defeat at Ibrox, creating numerous chances and enjoying possession and open play. Aiden McGeady, Georgios Samaras, and Scott Brown were added to the line up and the three seemed to bring an offensive spark for Celtic, creating numerous chances in the first half. In the 21st minute, Celtic got onto the board when Glenn Loovens got his head on a Shunsuke Nakamura front post corner kick and put it fast future Celtic keeper Lukasz Zaluska. In the 2nd half, Georgios Samaras fired a shot that deflected off United player Lee Wilkie and into the net. The comfort was short lived as United got a goal back just five minutes later. The Terrors continued to attack the Celtic goal but could not find an equalizer and Celtic got the much needed win. You know the drill by now, but if you don’t know, thoughts and opinions, highlights, and such after the jump.

-Georgios Samaras put in a good shift tonight. Samaras still struggled with his first touch every now and again, but he made some good passes and good moves towards goal. Who is paired with Scott McDonald seems to change from week to week this year, but hopefully Samaras can continue the performances the rest of the season. Gordon Strachan seems to have no problem with a 2nd striker by committee though, subbing Samaras out tonight even though he had a good game.
-Artur Boruc made a “Holy Goalie” save minutes before they got their first goal on a Francisco Sandaza header that was nothing short of amazing. Boruc was not at fault for the goal tonight nor on Saturday and seems to be rounding back into his typical form after some howlers earlier in the season and at just the right time as well.
-Glenn Loovens and Gary Caldwell seem to have a solid partnership in the back. With Captain Stephen McManus likely out for the rest of the season, the SPL player of the year in Caldwell and the big Dutchman Loovens have done well forming up a partnership in a short time.
-There has been a Lee Naylor sighting. Naylor played some pretty good crosses today from the much maligned leftback spot. Unfortunately, Naylor was caught napping too many times today defending. Celtic still NEED A FREAKING LEFT BACK this summer.
-Finally, what would a recap be without questioning Strachan. Some of his substitutions tonight were quite baffling. Paul Hartley for Marc Crosas was one of these. I love Hartley’s intensity and he is definitely Celtic mad, but he does not have the pace nor the touch anymore. He gave up the ball too easily, his passing was poor, and his tackling was mistimed in his substitute role. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was also brought in for Georgios Samaras. Samaras was having a great game running at Dundee United and causing problems, why take him off?

The pressure is now onto Rangers as the travel to the Capital to take on Hibs at Easter Road tomorrow. Hibs are coming off a win over rivals Hearts with a little bit of extracurricular activities after former Celtic player Derek Riordan scored for Hibs. Hopefully they can continue their winning ways tomorrow.

Keep the Faith!