Wins for Celtic and Falkirk, while the points were shared at Easter Road and in the battle of the bottom two.
You can catch highlights of today's games on Sportscene on BBC Scotland at 19:15.
Join us again tomorrow for Dundee v Hearts and Aberdeen v Rangers.
FT: Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell
A thoroughly entertaining game at Easter Road ending in a scoring draw which was exactly what I expected. Elliot Watt was a big miss in midfield for Motherwell and had he been available, I’m convinced his contribution would have been decisive. All in all, a point each is a fair outcome, but any hopes of an unlikely title challenge from either team has now surely been extinguished. That said, both teams remain firmly in the hunt for European football.
Gaz
Game after game Hibs fail to convert their chances. And here we are again with another draw from a game we should be winning with the chances we have created.
Mac
Kieron Bowie has equalised for Hibs against Motherwell in the 69th minute on the 10th anniversary of David Bowie’s untimely death at the age of 69.
Ade
FT: Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell
Hibs head coach David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "Because you lose the first goal in the game, you can't be disappointed with a point, especially against a good side. Our first half an hour was very good. We were more like ourselves. Really good, aggressive patterns of play.
"Frustrating thing from my point of view is the majority of chances we give up are through transitions. The biggest thing is to make sure you find a way back in, a test of character. The game probably became a little bit too stretched.
"A draw is probably a fair result. We haven't lost any ground [on Motherwell], which is positive. We're working really hard to try to add to the group. If we can get January right, it gives us a real chance to end the season strongly."
Image source, SNSFT: Celtic 4-0 Dundee United
Goodwin has to go. He's more than happy to go to Parkhead and roll over for his favourite team. Results and performances have been atrocious for a long time. We're undoubtedly the worst footballing team in the league.
Dave
Goodwin clearly cant get any performance or consistency out of these players. His time is up!!!
Sean
Goodwin deserves to be sacked after the interview with the Daily Record. He totally undermined the United team. the United teams have always had a confidence problem and that interview just floored the team with his negativity. get rid of him. He is a loser.
Derek
Image source, SNSFT: Livingston 1-1 Kilmarnock
Livingston manager David Martindale tells BBC Scotland: "I'm disappointed with the two points dropped, that's how it feels.
"There's a lot to like within the performance in terms of control in the game, chance creation. Final third, we've got to be a wee bit cleaner up there.
"We feel it was a penalty [when the ball appeared to hit Brad Lyons' arm]. I'd love to hear why it wasn't. If I'm wrong on the penalty, I'm wrong, I can take that on the chin.
"I felt Don [Robertson, the referee] had a poor game. Big Brooklyn [Kabangolo] gets a yellow card really, really early on and it kind of forced us into making changes. I don't think it's a yellow card. Lewis Smith gets a strong tackle on him 23, 25 yards from the opponent's goal and it's not a yellow card but our centre-back brings Brucie [Anderson] down on the touchline, he puts out for a throw-in 50, 60 yards from goal. The inconsistencies never helped us.
"Disappointed with the goal we lose. We've got to do better with the first contact.
"The goal was fantastic. There was a lot to like in the goal. We're giving cheap, cheap goals away to the opposition. Not defending our box well enough."
Image source, SNSThat was more like it from Celtic, everyone knew what they were doing, even on the rare occasion Dundee Utd played the high press the back four were able to cope, Scales was outstanding today, can’t understand why we went with Nancy, several important league points dropped, however were back in the race, well done Martin O'Neill and co for bringing back stability
Davey
If we had kept with Martin, we would probably have a cup and sit top.
Anthony
Hearts ... Rangers ... take note, the Celtic are back!
Danny
Tomorrow, we have Dundee v Hearts (14:00) and Aberdeen v Rangers (16:30).
How will the visiting sides respond to Celtic's convincing win?
Dundee are on a run of three straight wins as they prepare for the league leaders.
FT: Celtic 4-0 Dundee United
Andy Halliday
Motherwell midfielder on BBC Sportsound
We can't downplay the importance of goal difference in this title race. All of a sudden, the table looks a lot more promising for Celtic.
FT: Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells BBC Scotland: "We didn't outperform Hibs today, it was in many ways an even game. The amount of chances were quite even.
"At 1-1 we had a really big moment to decide the game, which I didn't feel they had. It was two teams who invested a lot in the game.
On Tawanda Maswanhise's breakaway goal, Askou says: "We want to create space and exploit that. Sometimes that space opens really fast."
And on Hibs' equaliser, he adds: "It was just a misjudgement from Tom [Sparrow]. He's played flawlessly, he's been fantastic. He was fantastic again today. We have to accept that'll happen, it was a high-tempo game."
Image source, SNSFT: Celtic 4-0 Dundee United
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin tells BBC Scotland: "We always knew today's fixture was going to be difficult.
"We know the quality Celtic have got but obviously the change in management has given the players and home supporters are real lift because the atmosphere here was a lot better than what it was a week prior.
"When you come here you know you're going to be starved of possession at times and you have to really show a bit of resilience in and around your penalty area. I think today there's lots of areas within the goals we've conceded we could've done a lot better. When you give Celtic a two-goal advantage it becomes a mountain to climb.
"When you come here you have to do the basics well defensively, at times you need your goalkeeper to make saves and when you get half chances you've got to be clinical and take them, we couldn't do that today."
FT: Livingston 1-1 Kilmarnock
What next for the bottom two?
We've got the Scottish Cup next weekend, then Kilmarnock face a tough trip to Motherwell, while Livingston host St Mirren, who they also face in the cup.
FT: Livingston 1-1 Kilmarnock
Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann tells BBC Scotland: "It was always going to be a tough game given where both sides are in the league.
"I thought we showed a lot of character, considering we went down 1-0 so close to half-time and up to that point I felt we were the better side. It was a sore one to lose right before half-time.
"It's been a difficult couple of days for them to adjust to a new management team coming in. At times, when we were put under pressure, we stood up to it. The character's there, the grit, determination's there. All in all, you could probably say it was a fair result.
"We've got another 16 league games to go to get ourselves flying up the table.
"I loved it today. The frustration is you've got no real control from the side. I loved being back at the side of the pitch again."
McCann also questioned why Brooklyn Kabongolo was not sent off early in the match. The Livingston defender picked up an early booking and then committed two further fouls before being substituted.
"I think Kabongolo's got to go," McCann said. "I just don't understand why he's still on the pitch. The fact that Davie [Martindale] makes a sub so early in the first half suggests that he knows he's not getting any more. He shouldn't have had that opportunity to make that substitution.
"The first one I'm told is reckless. The second one, he stops that player from going through by bringing him down and the third one's a tackle from right through him from behind. That's the kind of thing that you expect to go for you."
Image source, SNSFT: St Mirren 0-2 Falkirk
Falkirk manager John McGlynn tells BBC Scotland: "We were outstanding second half. Not much in the first half, one or two wee scares. We were always dangerous.
"Calvin Miller, over the whole game, was outstanding and a constant threat. That's where the first goal comes from, him running in behind and the goalkeeper getting lured out.
"We were the far better team second half. Our mentality was very good. We've picked up 16 points away from home, we're equally as good away from home. We set a target of 15 points in the second block of games and we've got there with a game to spare.
"The clean sheet is always pleasing. We defended really well, kept them fairly quiet. Delighted with the whole thing."
FT: Celtic 4-0 Dundee United
Interim Celtic manager Martin O'Neill tells BBC Scotland: "It was delightful. We played really well in the game and in the end we won quite convincingly.
"You still have to score the first goal in the game, Yang [Hyun-jun] takes it magnificently and we get up and running. The performance was really good.
"The players have to do the playing and it's been a strange old week. I've come back in again, perhaps to haunt them as much as anything else, but the players did brilliantly, absolutely brilliantly. It's a boost of confidence as much as anything else.
"The crowd were magnificent. Even moments when we were poor they kept with us. Today was great, there was a nice atmosphere. Now, being in a dog fight for the championship, we need the crowd behind us.
"Today, it was all about winning the game but the performance was terrific, I don't think I should overlook that. We played really well, got confidence back again and it was just lovely to win."
Image source, SNSFT: Celtic 4-0 Dundee United
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
Celtic need someone to come in high up the pitch. Daizen Maeda did well today but I don't think that's his strongest position.
FT: Celtic 4-0 Dundee United
Tom English
BBC Scotland chief sports writer on Sportsound
Martin O'Neill comes back and he does his thing straightaway. He brings clarity and instantly they look happier.
They scored four and could have had plenty more.
Celtic have got a lot of issues, but they've got O'Neill and that makes a big difference.
FT: St Mirren 0-2 Falkirk
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at SMISA Stadium
You have to hand it to John McGlynn and his squad. Thirty points already after promotion. Five points clear within the top six.
They seized a grip of this game after the interval and never looked back. It was largely comfortable in the end.
St Mirren badly need reinforcements to plug the absence of key players. This is usually a difficult place to come but Falkirk deserved this.
Most people see St Mirren as being in a false position. It's becoming a less relevant view as games tick on.
FT: Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell
Michael Stewart
Former Hibs midfielder on Sportsound
I don't think these teams are in the title race but they are good enough to have a say. Both will both take points off the top three.
FT: Celtic 4-0 Dundee United
Ian McCall
Former Dundee Utd manager on Sportsound
Yang and Tounekti were outstanding for Celtic. When you face a low block, you need wingers to go past players.
Image source, SNSFT: Livingston 1-1 Kilmarnock
It's tough at the bottom...
Livingston's winless run stretches to a whopping 19 games, while Kilmarnock have gone 15 since their last league victory.
Fans must be wondering if they'll ever see a win again.
Image source, SNSDavid Martindale's Livingston remain four points adrift in last place
Daizen Maeda scored Celtic's fourth goal against Dundee United
At a glance
O'Neill wins first game back in interim charge
Goals from Yang, Engels, Nygren & Maeda for dominant Celtic
Celtic back within three points of Hearts; United remain seventh
Martin O'Neill marked his first game back in charge by returning Celtic to second place in the Scottish Premiership - and within three points of leaders Hearts - with a comfortable victory over struggling Dundee United.
After last weekend's bruising Old Firm defeat, one which spelled the end of Wilfried Nancy's 33-day reign, O'Neill returned to lift Celtic's spirits.
Celtic were all over a hugely defensive United in the first half and the breakthrough came from Yang Hyun-jun, whose low drilled strike deflected off a defender and fizzed into the back of the net.
Arne Engels doubled the hosts' advantage five minutes later when he fired home Kieran Tierney's cross with a one-touch finish from close range.
United, when they did manage to escape their own half, created a few decent opportunities.
Owen Stirton had a chance to level at 1-0 when he robbed the ball from Auston Trusty, but the teenage striker took too long over the strike and allowed Liam Scales to track back and clear the danger.
The second half was more of the same from Celtic and United, having adopted a more progressive approach, were repeatedly picked open.
Substitute Benjamin Nygren added a third from close range before Daizen Maeda slotted in the fourth after Dave Richards failed to hold Sebastian Tounekti's strike.
The result leaves United seventh - level on points with Aberdeen, but now five behind Falkirk having played a game more - while Celtic leapfrog Rangers before Danny Rohl's side visit Pittodrie on Sunday.
Celtic outperformed their xG of 2.8 against United
The feelgood factor is well and truly back at Celtic Park.
After Nancy was sacked earlier this week, the Celtic support needed something to cheer about. They got it when O'Neill was confirmed as interim manager again.
While there were perhaps questions about whether the 73-year-old could replicate the form of his previous interim spell - during which he won all of his Premiership fixtures and seven out of eight games overall - any doubt was cast aside here.
It was as emphatic a victory as you can get - a clean sheet, four goals, 22 shots (eight on target), 78% possession, and most importantly three points.
Celtic looked like they were playing with a confidence and self-assuredness that was sorely lacking during Nancy's tenure.
They were solid at the back - Liam Scales in particular looked back to his best - and looked dangerous in attack, and were unlucky not to have had a few more goals.
For United and Jim Goodwin the worries continue.
They failed to attempt a single shot on target, and have now gone 51 games since last winning at Parkhead in December 1992.
This was the first time since facing Aberdeen in October 2024 that they have not managed an attempt on target in the Premiership. And their three shots is the lowest in a league game this season.
Their 22% share of possession speaks volumes about the lack of control they had.
The table is starting to look a little ominous for Goodwin. They stay level on points with Aberdeen and only three above Dundee - both of whom play on Sunday - and drop five behind Falkirk having played a game more.
O'Neill says win is a 'boost of confidence'
Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill: "It was delightful, we played really well in the game and in the end we won quite convincingly.
"You still have to score the first goal in the game, Yang takes it magnificently and we get up and running but the performance was really good.
"Some of the players are just back to a bit of form that I know they can produce and that was the lovely thing about today's performance. Overall I thought we were excellent."
Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin: "They're playing a formation and a system that the players are familiar with, and one that suits the squad they've got.
"When you come here you know you're going to be starved of possession at times and you have to really show a bit of resilience in and around your penalty area and I think today there's lots of areas within the goals we've conceded we could've done a lot better."
Celtic face Falkirk on Wednesday (19:45 GMT) - the first of four consecutive away games.
United, by contrast, play their next three fixtures at Tannadice, with Ayr United their next opponents on Saturday (15:00) in the Scottish Cup fourth round.
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 39 | 17 | 22 | 44 |
| |
| 21 | 13 | 2 | 6 | 38 | 21 | 17 | 41 |
| |
| 21 | 11 | 8 | 2 | 32 | 17 | 15 | 41 |
| |
| 22 | 9 | 10 | 3 | 31 | 17 | 14 | 37 |
| |
| 22 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 37 | 24 | 13 | 35 |
| |
| 21 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 23 | 27 | -4 | 30 |
| |
| 22 | 5 | 10 | 7 | 28 | 34 | -6 | 25 |
| |
| 21 | 7 | 4 | 10 | 20 | 26 | -6 | 25 |
| |
| 21 | 6 | 4 | 11 | 19 | 33 | -14 | 22 |
| |
| 20 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 28 | -12 | 18 |
| |
| 22 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 20 | 39 | -19 | 14 |
| |
| 21 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 21 | 41 | -20 | 10 |
|
Manager:Martin O'Neill
Formation:4 - 3 - 3
Manager:Jim Goodwin
Formation:5 - 3 - 2
Manager:Martin O'Neill
Formation:4 - 3 - 3
Manager:Jim Goodwin
Formation:5 - 3 - 2
Scottish Premiership
All competitions
All competitions
All competitions
Celtic are unbeaten in their last 50 home games against Dundee United in all competitions (W38 D12) since a 0-1 league defeat in December 1992. It’s just their second ever run of 50+ home matches unbeaten against any club, along with a 64-match spell against Kilmarnock from 1957 to 2011.
After their 2-1 win in December, Dundee United could enjoy back-to-back league victories over Celtic for the first time since January 1990.
After winning all five of their Scottish Premiership games under Martin O’Neill this season, Celtic lost four of six league matches under Wilfried Nancy (W2), with O’Neill now returning to the club. During his first spell in charge of the Hoops, the Northern Irishman won all 19 of his games against Dundee United in all competitions – the most any Celtic manager has faced a single opponent without ever failing to win.
Dundee United have gained a league-high 10 points from losing positions in the Scottish Premiership this season, coming from behind to beat Celtic 2-1 in December. Indeed, Celtic have lost two of the last four league games in which they have led at any stage (W2), as many as their previous 220 when leading beforehand (W201 D17 L2).
Celtic are looking to avoid losing three successive league matches for the first time since October 1994, while, after their 1-3 defeat to Rangers, the Hoops could also lose both of their opening two league games of a calendar year for the first time since 1994.
