Celtic: Liel Abada branded “anonymous” v Dundee United

Celtic winger Liel Abada was dubbed anonymous by Tony Haggerty following their 2-0 win over Dundee United.
The Lowdown: Celtic victory
Early second-half goals from Jota and Aaron Mooy earned Ange Postecoglou’s side all three points at Tannadice Park as they retained their nine-point gap at the top of the SPFL.
A goalless first half was largely down to United keeper Mark Birighitti who faced 18 shots in total (via BBC) but it was he who was at fault for the opener as he misjudged Mooy’s cross that looped to Jota at the back post who nodded home.
VAR then had to step in with Don Robertson sent to the screen to overturn a handball by Kieran Freeman which Mooy then dispatched.
The Latest: Haggerty’s ratings
Following the comfortable victory, Haggerty posted his Celtic player ratings on The Celtic Way with Jota awarded a nine rating and Man of the Match.
However, it was Abada’s dismal verdict that caught the eye, Haggerty wrote:
“Liel Abada: The Israeli winger bagged three in the astonishing 9-0 victory at the same venue back in August. He was anonymous for large spells in the first half, struggled to get to grips with the surface, and sometimes lost his footing. Improved ever so slightly after the break. 5”
The Verdict: Day to forget
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a bright campaign at Celtic Park this season with ten goals and five assists coming in 32 games, with the Israeli appearing in every league game so far.
However, he was well off the pace against United with his 35 touches the second-lowest of the outfield starters for the Bhoys (via Sofascore), he failed to add any creativity either with just one shot off target and zero key passes, crosses completed or long balls.
Despite completing 96% of his passes, it just shows how safe Abada kept his play with him unable to put any kind of mark on the 82 minutes he played before he was replaced by Sead Haksabanovic.
After netting the opener in the Bhoys’ previous league game against St Mirren, he failed to kick on from what was his first goal involvement in four league games prior.
