Celtic on this Day…Two outstanding victories and nine goals against Dundee United in 1997 and then 2003 dominate today’s The Celtic Star ‘On This Day’ feature…
21 November 1997
Celtic 4-0 Dundee United. The 1-1 draw courtesy of Alan Stubbs’ last minute equaliser against Rangers was seemingly a turning point for the season and had firmly given belief that Celtic were capable of winning the league title.
This comfortable encounter versus Tommy McLean’s men would be an undercard to the main event that would occur nine days later in the Scottish League Cup final between the two sides.
Featuring in this Scottish Premier Division clash were names that hadn’t graced Paradise for a while. German forward Andreas Thom who would play a huge role in Celtic’s victory over Dundee United started his first game since October. Meanwhile, Italian full-back Enrico Annoni who had not been named in a lineup for the Hoops since March also started. Despite Tosh McKinlay being told by Wim Jansen that his services were no longer required at the club, he made a rare appearance from the bench with six minutes remaining.
Indeed, it was Andreas Thom’s double along with Henrik Larsson’s two efforts which made the scoreline look comprehensive. Ultimately, Celtic would have too much for Dundee United at the national stadium a week later with the Hoops triumphing their first piece of silverware in the memorable 1997/1998 campaign.
21 November 2003
21 years ago today, Dundee United 1-5 Celtic. Boss Martin O’Neill opted to bench a few first team regulars for a combination of factors. Rab Douglas, John Hartson, Jackie McNamara and Shaun Maloney had all suffered Euro 2004 qualification heartache during the international break with Scotland and Wales respectively.
Also, the Hoops management possibly had one eye on their upcoming Champions League group stage encounter with German champions Bayern Munich at Celtic Park three days later.
Interestingly, future Celts Mark Wilson and Barry Robson were in Dundee United’s starting XI versus Celtic, on this day in 2003.
The scintillating combination of Sutton and Larsson dismantled United, as Sutton grabbed a 48-minute hat-trick, whilst Henrik’s double compounded the agony for Paul Hegarty’s men.
The five goals at Tannadice via Celtic’s deadly striking duo meant that O’Neill’s side had scored 24 goals in five league matches consolidating their place at the foot of the table. Jim McIntyre’s consolation for the Tangerines in the second-half was the first goal Celtic had conceded in the league since late September.
Conor Spence
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