Celtic manager Ronny Deila demanded his players sharpen up both in defence and in front of goal rather than blame the officials for losing to Dundee United. United won 2-1 at home to move within four points of Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, with Nadir Ciftci capitalising on a mistake from Efe Ambrose to open the scoring after four minutes. Stuart Armstrong doubled the home side’s lead midway through the second half, but a late rally from the Hoops saw Stefan Scepovic have a ‘goal’ harshly ruled out for offside before Leigh Griffiths reduced the deficit three minutes from time. Deila chose to focus on the failings of his players after the game, rather than an apparent mistake by referee Steven McLean.
Deila said: "Today it was two things that were most disappointing. We conceded two easy goals. We can't give them such easy goals as we did. Secondly, it's the fourth match now that we have created eight to 14 chances but when you score one goal that is way too little. We have to be more effective at putting the ball into the net. The disallowed goal is disappointing. But over a whole season it is even-Steven. I'm annoyed about the way we defended. It is easy to keep the ball, push them out - don't let them go in and open up the goal. We did that twice and then you see what happens.”
On-loan striker John Guidetti is Celtic’s top scorer this season with 11 goals but he has failed to find the target in his last four game and Deila admitted his place in the starting line-up could be in jeopardy. Delia went on: "Could Guidetti's place be under threat? Yes. We have big competition in the team, we need all the strikers we have. We play with the players we think are the best to win games. There is one thing you have to remember with John, he hasn't played football for two years before he came here. He started very well and now he has had a little dip. That is because he has to be physically stronger and play matches over time. All strikers go through periods like this but we have to focus on what is going to get him out of this situation."
Deila feels Dundee United will prove to be genuine title contenders but former Celtic player Jackie McNamara was keen to play down United’s chances. McNamara said: "It's still too early to say that (we could win the league). We have to be more consistent. We were flat last week against Aberdeen, so we need this same level of energy and desire every week. Today we also had bits of luck. I did think Celtic might be further head by now with the resources they have. Competing with that is very difficult. If something is not working, they can spend a few million and then sit him on the bench."