The Agony and the Ecstacy - Title Decider Slideshow Click here to view Three goals in 15 scintillating minutes in the north-east of Scotland swung the Clydesdale Bank Premier League firmly in the direction of Celtic Park for a third consecutive season.

A week of raw emotion since the death and burial of Tommy Burns ended in communal celebration at Tannadice. It was the fulfilment of a final, dearly held wish. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink emphatically headed the decisive goal, his 20th of a complex season that, like Celtic's, has journeyed from apathy to adulation.

For Gordon Strachan, a place in Celtic folklore, joining Willie Maley and Jock Stein as the only managers to win three titles in a row. Last night, he finally received an ovation and appreciation befitting his achievements.

Vennegoor of Hesselink was merely a feted cameo. The real celebrations began 10 minutes before his winning gambit, when news transmitted from Pittodrie that Lee Miller had broken Rangers. It was the first of three unprompted cheers. The second came when earpieces relayed news of Darren Mackie's goal, the third - and most enthusiastic of all - after Nacho Novo's sending off.

The helicopter fly-by from nearby Edzell caused delirium. It was the completion of the sweetest victory of all, against odds that had seemed insurmountable. Strachan has instilled a resilience to match his own. Whatever awaits the manager, these tear-filled memories of triumph and tragedy will last a lifetime.

Expectancy weighed heavily on Celtic's shoulders throughout a nervy night. Raw emotion can often cloud the senses. The memory of Burns drove them on in times of trouble and the depth of feeling for the former first-team coach was fittingly displayed by T-shirts emblazoned with the words you will always be with us' as the champagne corks popped.

Celtic had Vennegoor of Hesselink to thank for a three-point cushion but on the night Paul Hartley, Stephen McManus and Barry Robson were the most deserving of their bows.

At times, United performed with a freedom that both threatened and frightened. Willo Flood and Danny Grainger whizzed around with an abandon Celtic dared not risk. Ultimately, a chaotic and complex campaign was sealed with a calculated win.

As the travelling support queued outside a sun-kissed stadium, Tannadice Street was the venue for a pre-match tailgate party and, they hoped, the meeting point for an all-night shindig on the way home.

The scene was set. Celtic just had to keep their end of the bargain. United were cast in the role of potential party poopers, a role that was embraced both in Levein's line-up and in his side's output.

Celtic's title defence had been revived like a quiet uprising; points purposely yet efficiently accumulated amid a deafening din of fixture controversy, UEFA Cup final recrimination and grumbles of resignation in Govan. Celtic's preparations, by comparison, were undertaken with solemnity and serenity.

A crackle of applause in Burns's memory preceded a match that started at a frenetic pace and gradually intensified. United ventured the first shot at goal and in doing so instigated 90 minutes of ebb and flow that, appropriately, encapsulated Celtic's entire season.

The general stampede was towards an overworked Zaluska but his countryman was hardly redundant. The United goalkeeper had the kind of night Boruc would be proud of.

Vennegoor of Hesselink, a reinvigorated character of late, again resembled an old-fashioned centre forward. He doggedly fetched possession and shunted towards Nakamura. His cross bisected Darren Dods and Garry Kenneth but McGeady's first-time shot, tame but on target, was handily diverted by Zaluska. Robson's homecoming was embossed by the penetrative bursts that have epitomised his form in both colours. His robust header from Nakamura's cross was shovelled on to the crossbar by a prematurely overworked goalkeeper.

Respite was intermittent. Casual play from Lee Naylor enabled Mark De Vries to connect with an incisive Danny Swanson pass but the Dutchman shot weakly and wide. Swanson caused even greater concern when he slid in to stab Flood's cross off the side- netting. Anxiety punctuated Celtic's play but so too did positional indiscipline.

Caldwell was bailed-out on more than one occasion by Hartley, while the irrepressible Flood bore upfield with ominous vigour.

One such burst presented the lumbering De Vries with a clear shot at goal. He brushed McManus aside with brute strength but snatched his shot wide. Celtic hurriedly made their way down the tunnel, where they were reassured that Rangers were experiencing similar resistance up the road. Vennegoor of Hesselink resumed the elongated ping-pong, receiving McGeady's threaded pass but shooting straight at Zaluska. The pressure piled on and so did the missed chances. Nakamura was cautioned by the referee, Stuart Dougal, for a hammy attempt to earn a penalty when challenged by Danny Grainger.

De Vries again picked on a frail Naylor and forced Boruc to make an agile save at his near post. It was the start of a spurt of activity for the goalkeeper, who scooped a Swanson shot and smothered one from Flood. News from Pittodrie rejuvenated the crowd and visibly relaxed the players.

Within 10 minutes of Aberdeen taking the lead, Celtic did likewise. Hartley's corner was met by a careering Vennegoor of Hesselink and his thunderous header sparked scenes of raucous celebrations. Georgios Samaras was cautioned for his over-indulgence, even though he remained in his substitute's tracksuit. Six thousand Celtic fans would happily have taken a similar booking.