Celtic have moved to the top of the Scottish Premiership with a 3-1 victory over Dundee United.

The champions enjoyed a dominant start to the game, with Leigh Griffiths heading the wrong side of the post just two minutes in.

Celtic were then denied by the woodwork just a couple of minutes later as Kris Commons's shot was hooked off the line and onto the crossbar by Mark Durnan.

Ronny Deila's side eventually took a deserved lead on 17 minutes through Griffiths, who broke free of the United defence before rounding goalkeeper Luis Zwick and slotting in.

The Hoops remained dangerous in front of goal after going ahead, but the lively Commons was denied twice in quick succession by Zwick.

Commons's personal battle with the United shot-stopper continued towards the end of the half when his powerful volley was kept out, before Emilio Izaguirre lashed a long-range drive wide after the hosts had failed to clear their lines from a corner.

Celtic doubled their advantage a minute before the break as Durnan diverted Commons's cross into his own net, but United were handed a lifeline moments later when Chris Erskine converted from the penalty spot following a foul by Efe Ambrose.

United had the chance to level the scores early in the second half but Paul Dixon's shot missed the target.

Anthony Stokes then had a go at goal, and another shot followed from Saidy Janko, but neither managed to test Zwick.

Youngster Callum McGregor gave Celtic a two-goal cushion in the 73rd minute when he directed the ball into the bottom left corner from outside the penalty area.

Aidan Connolly led the United attack in the closing stages, but his first shot was blocked before he was twice denied by Craig Gordon.