SONGS OF PRAISE! Rodgers hails happier atmosphere at Parkhead as fans show more patience with players in 2-0 win
Share:
Brendan Rodgers praised the Parkhead crowd for finally showing more patience with his players as they extended their lead at the top of the Premiership to 16 points. The Celtic manager had criticised an element of the fanbase for criticising back passes made in the weekend win over St Mirren.
![[Brendan Rodgers with Greg Taylor on night when manager praised more patient attitude of fans]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/23/93891157-0-image-a-54_1736377587893.jpg)
Rodgers looked like he would collect another straightforward victory against Dundee United when Daizen Maeda netted in the first half. But his side had to wait until six minutes from time for Reo Hatate to wrap up the victory and increase the lead they have over Rangers.
![[Japanese winger Maeda slots home the first goal at Celtic Park]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/23/93891189-0-image-a-55_1736377666128.jpg)
Delighted with the lack of tension in the stands as United pushed for an equaliser, Rodgers said: ‘The crowd were brilliant. They can get a bit edgy. We, as a support, we fret a wee bit. We can do that. ‘I think it was there. That support was so important. It was fantastic tonight. It was such a cold night to come out and see the team. The numbers turned up and gave the team a great support. That allowed us to push us over the line.’.
![[Maeda's goal after 23 minutes contributed to a happier atmosphere at Celtic Park]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/23/93891179-0-image-a-56_1736377696691.jpg)
Goal scorers Maeda and Hatate celebrate a 2-0 win over Dundee United. Brendan Rodgers with Greg Taylor on night when manager praised more patient attitude of fans. Japanese winger Maeda slots home the first goal at Celtic Park. Rodgers had also criticised fans for chanting Kieran Tierney’s name at the weekend while Greg Taylor was on the pitch.
![[Reo Hatate scores the second and decisive goal for the champions in the 83rd minute]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/23/93891173-0-image-a-57_1736377752731.jpg)
The Green Brigade did repeat the trick in added time after spending the night signing about players and managers from the club’s storied past. Laughing the recent rumpus off, Rodgers added: ‘Just the kit man ... he was the only one that missed out, I think, tonight. It’s all part of the dance here.
![[United manager Jim Goodwin can only look on after a tough night for his side]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/23/93891181-0-image-a-58_1736377784980.jpg)
