Celtic manager Martin O’Neill expressed satisfaction with his team’s second-half response after they secured a 2-2 draw against Dundee United at Celtic Park. Despite the dropped points at home, Celtic managed to maintain their four-point advantage at the top of the table.
The match did not start according to plan for the hosts. Camilo Duran opened the scoring early for Celtic, but Dundee United responded strongly with first-half goals from Zac Sapsford and Neil Farrugia. Celtic fought back after the interval, and Liam Scales leveled the score in the 65th minute. Although Celtic dominated possession and territory during the second half, they were unable to find a winner and nearly suffered a defeat on the counterattack late in the game.
Reflecting on the match, O’Neill noted that his side was very strong after the break but conceded poor goals. He acknowledged that while the team wanted all three points, the final result leaves them still four points clear because second-placed Rangers also drew 2-2 against Hearts at Tynecastle. O’Neill suggested that this single point could prove crucial by the end of the league campaign.
During the interval, O’Neill made tactical changes, replacing Kasper Hogh with Jota. Hogh has now gone 13 games without finding the back of the net, but the manager defended the striker’s performance. O’Neill pointed out that Hogh worked hard throughout the first half and provided the assist for Celtic’s opening goal. He explained that the substitution was made to introduce wide players who could take opponents on, rather than a reflection of Hogh’s effort.
Jota’s introduction as a half-time substitute drew praise from the veteran boss, who noted the positive impact of the Portuguese winger. However, O’Neill tempered expectations regarding the player’s immediate future in the starting lineup. Because Jota has spent a significant amount of time out of the game, O’Neill stated that it will take time for him to regain his best form and that starting matches is still a little ways off.
Despite the frustration of not winning a home fixture, O’Neill remains upbeat about the team’s direction amidst recent challenges. Celtic will look to regroup and build on their four-point lead as the title race continues.