United 1 Celtic 4

United went down to a heavy 4-1 loss at the hands of Celtic at Tannadice tonight. By Gareth Scott Griffiths and Simunovic had the visitors ahead but a fine Simon Murray goal kept United in touch at half time. A killer third goal from Griffiths, his second of the night, just after the break and a Commons volley handed the visitors the three points on a very frustrating evening for the home supporters. United were dealt a blow prior to the match as Billy Mckay missed out due to being granted compassionate leave. That meant a further shake up to the side with Mixu Paatelainen making five changes to the team that defeated Airdrie. Ryan McGowan and Gavin Gunning returned from suspension and there was a recall for John Souttar and Simon Murray. New signing Riku Riski made his fir0st start for the Club whilst goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima played his first game at Tannadice. Coll Donaldson and Chris Erskine dropped to the bench with Guy Demel and Mark Durnan missing through suspension. There was also a welcome return to the match day squad for Ryan Dow. Stuart Armstrong returned to the visitors' line up with Nadir Ciftci and Scott Allan listed as substitutes. First Half In the opening minute Souttar and Riski combined but United's Finnish striker couldn't quite find Fraser who was in a dangerous position. Souttar then did manage to find Fraser but the United man shot well over. The visitors then began to make their mark and firstly Armstrong curled a shot wide and then Commons drilled a shot inches past the post. With 15 minutes gone Armstrong went close after capitalising on a loose pass from the home side. Souttar was very involved for United and he had chance when he gathered the ball at the edge of the box but he just failed to get a shot in. With 20 minutes gone the deadlock was broken. There was very little danger for United but Gavin Gunning unfortunately slipped on the 18 yard line and Griffiths took full advantage and fired home, through the legs of Kawashima. United looked to hit back and there was a shout for a penalty when Murray went down but play was waved on. Five minutes later the Champions doubled their lead. Armstrong went down after a challenge from McGowan. The free kick was swung into the United box and the unchallenged Simunovic headed into an empty net. However, four minutes later United were back in the game. Souttar made a great run and after exchanging passes with Riski he set up Murray who slotted past the helpless Gordon. Murray then tried his luck again after dispossessing Ambrose but he shot well wide of target. Spittal then did well to beat Armstrong and his low cross was unlucky not to find a tangerine shirt. On the stroke of half time United almost made it 2-2. Murray cut the ball back into the path of Fraser and his shot was well saved by Gordon. Fraser's corner caused chaos in the Celtic box but after a mad scramble McGowan fired just over for United. Second Half Within a minute of the restart United almost went further behind. Despitethe home side being on the attack the ball was won by the visitors who charged forward in numbers. Gunning was booked for pulling back Johansen. Commons took the resulting kick which was brilliantly tipped round the post by Kawashima. Two minutes later United did fall further behind. Again this came from United being in an attacking position. Murray went down in the box after a challenge from Gordon and, despite another penalty appeal, play was waved on. The visitors broke down the right and Rogic crossed low to the back post and he found a completely unmarked Griffiths who easily shot past Kawashima. United were not giving up though and Gavin Gunning was close with a shot but the score remained at 3-1. The visitors were certainly looking dangerous every time they went forward and twice Kawashima denied them extending their lead with fine saves from Griffiths and then McGregor. With 56 minutes on the clock the game was put out of reach of United. Fraser was wrestled off the ball by Armstrong who crossed and Commons spectacularly volleyed past Kawashima. United then brought on Dow to liven things up and despite being well behind they continued to have some decent moments. Souttar again broke from the half way line and Murray failed to take advantage of an inch perfect pass into the Celtic box. Celtic played out the remainder of the game in the knowledge that the points were safe but United did try to make the score more respectable. A good move near the end involving Erskine and Fraser set up Dow whose fine cross to the back post was turned away by Simunovic. In the dying moments Dixon charged down a Commons shot and then a shot from Fraser was easily taken by Gordon. Summing Up - In the end United were well beaten. On the night they had their moments, looked fairly lively and at half time were still well in the game. The loss of an early goal in the second half proved vital and in truth the goals United conceded were poor to say the least. Man of the match - John Souttar came in to replace Guy Demel and he played some decent football on a difficult night for United. Teams: United: Kawashima, Dillon, Dixon, Souttar (Paton 81), Rankin, McGowan, Murray (Erskine 75), Gunning, Spittal, Fraser, Riski (Dow 65) Subs : Zwick, Telfer, Spark, Donaldson Celtic: Gordon, Ambrose, Simunovic, Griffiths, Armstrong (Allan 70), Commons, Rogic (Forrest 59), Lustig, Johansen, McGregor, Tierney (Izaguirre 77) Subs : Bailly, Ciftci, Cole, O'Connell Referee : Bobby Madden Attendance : 10848