Normal service resumed at Celtic Park as Celtic delivered a dominant 4-0 victory against Dundee United, marking Martin O'Neill's return to the dugout in style. This win also secured Celtic's first clean sheet since O'Neill's previous tenure. The goals came from Yang Hyun-jun, Arne Engels, Benjamin Nygren, and Daizen Maeda, equalling Celtic's biggest league win of the season.
O'Neill's return followed the termination of Wilfried Nancy's contract after a series of six defeats in eight matches. The team seemed revitalized under O'Neill, returning to a long-standing 4-3-3 formation and displaying a renewed sense of normalcy. Liam Scales, Callum McGregor, Yang, and Sebastian Tounekti, all returned to form.
Celtic dominated the match with 78% possession and 22 shots at goal, while Dundee United only managed three. This was a stark contrast to Dundee United's 17 shots in their 2-1 victory over Celtic less than four weeks prior.
In other Scottish Premiership action, Kieron Bowie scored an equaliser for Hibernian in a 1-1 draw with Motherwell. Tawanda Maswanhise had put Motherwell ahead earlier in the game.
Looking ahead, Hearts are set to face Dundee, while Aberdeen will host Rangers. Aberdeen is hoping for a better outcome against Rangers after their recent 2-0 defeat. Defender Mats Knoester believes there were encouraging signs in the loss and that a more favorable result is within reach.
In transfer news, Falkirk has signed Ben Parkinson from Newcastle on a two-and-a-half-year deal. St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has also extended his contract with the club until 2029.
The SPFL has charged Aberdeen, Hibernian, Motherwell, and Rangers for the behavior of supporters at matches, specifically regarding pyrotechnic displays.
