SPL Champions 3 years in a row

[kenny hoggan]

Celtic won the Scottish title for the third successive season, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink rising to head home the winner on a tense final day.

Gordon Strachan became only the third Celtic manager to achieve such a feat after a single goal was enough to see off Dundee United.

Both sides were denied by some fine goalkeeping in a nervy game.

But, with Rangers losing to Aberdeen, Vennegoor of Hesselink's header sent Celtic three points clear at the top.

The two Glasgow rivals had gone into their final matches equal on points but with Celtic having the advantage on goal difference.

But Celtic were the form team having won their last six Scottish Premier League games to overhaul a faltering Rangers' lead - and had not lost in their last 12 visits to Tannadice.

MY SPORT: DEBATE
Well done Celtic for fighting to the very end and winning the league, in truth the best team won and we deserved to lose it.

MonTheSpiders
United had an early chance to add to any Celtic nerves, only for Noel Hunt to drive the ball straight at goalkeeper Artur Boruc from the edge of the penalty box.

However, the home side's defence, missing Lee Wilkie and Mihael Kovacevic who were involved in a training-ground bust-up earlier in the week, was soon under pressure.

Manager Craig Levein had insisted that captain Wilkie was being rested to avoid a yellow card that would mean a three-game ban next season.

But he wasn't the only United defender posted missing as Celtic broke with a four on two advantage and Lukasz Zaluska did superbly to tip Aiden McGeady's effort over the bar following a fine Shunsuke Nakamura slide-rule pass.

It was goalkeeper Zaluska's fingertips to the rescue again, denying Barry Robson from 12 yards.



News conference: Celtic boss Gordon Strachan
United were in danger of being swamped but steadied themselves to threaten on the break.

Lee Naylor tracked back just in time to block a Mark de Vries drive and Danny Swanson poked the ball over the crossbar from 10 yards when found at the back post under pressure.

Paul Hartley sent a long-range drive a few feet over as Celtic continued to press, though United had the last chance of the half, De Vries turning Gary Caldwell inside out following a fine Willo Flood pass but slicing his effort wide from 16 yards.

With Rangers also tied at 0-0 at the break and Celtic pushing for a decisive goal, Nakamura was booked for taking a dive in the penalty box as Celtic pushed forward.


De Vries missed a couple of chances for United

United came close when De Vries again wriggled clear in the box, but his effort was deflected into the side netting, while a fine Swanson drive from 20 yards was turned over the bar by Boruc.

But any nerves began to settle as news started to filter through that Aberdeen had scored at Pittodrie.

And Celtic made sure of the title after 72 minutes when Vennegoor of Hesselink rose in a crowded penalty box to head home a fine Paul Hartley corner from eight yards.

A second goal for Aberdeen against Rangers meant Celtic could see out the remaining minutes - and secure the title - with ease.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dundee Utd: Zaluska, Dillon, Dods, Kenneth, Grainger, Flood, Kerr (Robb 80), Gomis, Swanson (Robertson 79), de Vries (Daly 80), Hunt.
Subs Not Used: Camara, Wilkie, O'Brien, Smith.

Booked: Flood.

Celtic: Boruc, Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor (Wilson 76), Nakamura (Scott Brown 62), Hartley, Robson, McGeady, McDonald, Vennegoor of Hesselink (Samaras 81).
Subs Not Used: Mark Brown, Donati, Sheridan, O'Dea.

Booked: Nakamura, Samaras, Boruc.

Goal: Vennegoor of Hesselink 72.

Att: 13,613

Ref: S Dougal

BBC SPORT | Football | Scottish Premier | Dundee United 0-1 Celtic

[Mighty T.A.L.]

I can't believe Celtic won the title. I was sure Rangers would win this season. Now they have lost the league title and UEFA cup title when they could have won both.

[Jager]

Congrats to Celtic, they are on a role.

I wonder if the UEFA cup distracted Rangers?

[LAF]

If Rangers didn't have the incredible UEFA cup run they would have wrapped up the league ages ago, I think their players are exhausted (alot of hteir key players have played 60 games).

Congrats Celtic, they have performed a miracle.

[Pennywise]

Congratulations to Celtic. Always good to see them win in front of Rangers.

Parkhead and Glasgow Celtic is something very special.

[DavidMc]

Still gutted. But thats the way it goes.

UEFA Cup run distracted us. 60+ games this season.

Still, been an exciting season. We will stengthen this summer.