Celtic's Scottish Premier League title hopes were severely dented following a 2-0 defeat at Dundee United on Sunday.

Second-half goals from Will Ferry and Emmanuel Agyei secured victory for the hosts at Tannadice, where Martin O'Neill's side missed the chance to move back within two points of leaders Hearts.

Both sides went close during the first half. Kieran Tierney fired over from close range after a corner, while Ferry saw a fierce strike tipped away by Viljami Sinisalo.

However, Ferry was not to be denied six minutes after the break, as he scrambled the ball home from Luca Stephenson's low cross.

Celtic almost responded in the 63rd minute, with United goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer spilling Reo Hatate's effort against the post and nearly across his own goalline.

Yet, it was the hosts who grabbed the game's second goal three minutes later – and ultimately sealed the three points – as Agyei fired home from over 20 yards out, condemning the Hoops to their eighth league defeat of the season.

Data Debrief: Hapless Hoops beaten again

Celtic have suffered eight losses in a Scottish Premier League season for the first time since 1999-2000.

The Hoops have also conceded in seven successive league matches for the first time since 2006 under Gordon Strachan.

Celtic were beaten for only the second time in 26 meetings with United, who last recorded consecutive home league wins over the Hoops in April 1991.