5 Dundee United talking points: Dons depth shines through as jaw dropping moment counts for nothing
Aberdeen defeated Dundee United 1-0 at Pittodrie on Saturday night thanks to a goal from Peter Ambrose, ending Dundee United’s undefeated away record in the Scottish Premiership.
Nicky Devlin outmuscled Will Ferry at the back point, sending a deep throw into Ambrose’s path just six minutes from giving Jim Goodwin’s determined Tangerines a valuable point.
The Nigerian also didn’t make a mistake.
Only Jack Walton’s skill prevented Ester Sokler from ending the match’s deadlock earlier in the match, and the Dons, who had a late penalty award reversed after a VAR check, deserved their triumph.
Pushing them wide
United ably blunted the Dons in the first period.
They were pleased to create a no-man’s land in the centre of the park, directing Jimmy Thelin’s side into open spaces.
If a delivery did arrive, Declan Gallagher, Kevin Holt, and Emmanuel Adegboyega were entrusted with removing the threat. Ferry or Luca Stephenson were assigned to close down the crosser.
For the most part, it worked wonderfully.
A crowded away end, seen on the left, cheered United on. Picture: SNS
Gallagher would finish the game with eight clearances, more than any other player on the pitch.
For most of the match, United defended their box well. The levels of concentration and communication required to deal with the Dons’ bombardment from wide (35 crosses over the course of the game) should not be underestimated.
However, one late delivery would ultimately prove their downfall.
Depth makes a difference
The first indication that Aberdeen had bone fide game-changers on the bench came as the teams emerged for the second half.
Shayden Morris replaced Topi Keskinen – the Finn showing little end product despite a couple of intrepid dashes in the opening 45 minutes – and within minutes of the restart the English winger had fizzed a dangerous ball across the face of goal.
He would go on to give Ferry arguably his toughest test in a United jersey to date.
Over the remainder of the half, the Dons were able to introduce Graeme Shinnie, Vicente Besuijen, Leighton Clarkson, and match-winner Ambrose.
Ambrose wheels away to celebrate his decisive strike. Image: SNS
A bench packed with experience and pace, meaning that every time United felt they had weathered the storm, Thelin was able to make a tweak, retain the high tempo and turn the screw.
While Jim Goodwin refused to make any excuses, the absences of Craig Sibbald, Ross Docherty and Louis Moult meant that his options were comparatively thin on the ground.
Ryan Strain was pitched in for his first Premiership appearance after three months out, Richard Odada entered the fray to add to his prior 13 minutes for United and Jort van der Sande continued to look like a man who needs a goal.
Or at least the chance to score a goal.
None of those men did anything wrong. However, the juxtaposition in terms of sharpness from the bench is illustrative.
Aberdeen were able to call on club captain Graeme Shinnie from the bench. Image: SNS
Jack Walton’s jaw dropping save
It is quite unfortunate that Ambrose’s late winner will make Walton’s incredible stop a footnote.
A contender for save of the season, his fingertip clawing attempt to stop Ester Sokler’s header from point-blank range with the Aberdeen supporters already celebrating a goal showcased incredible reflexes and footwork.
To deny Sokler, Walton makes a stunning stop. Picture: SNS
Speaking to the media following the competition, Walton—who is modest at best—was hesitant to revel in his creative moment because of the outcome.
A clean sheet would have been immeasurably more satisfying than individual plaudits.
Nevertheless, it was one for the highlights reel as the on-loan Luton Town man continues to settle into life in the Scottish Premiership with aplomb.
Ryan’s return is silver lining
Strain had little time to ease himself back into Premiership action, pitched in to a frantic finale at Pittodrie.
And the Australia international can be satisfied with a bright showing.
Ryan Strain enters the action on his long awaited Premiership debut for United. Image: SNS
His first action was to win a 50/50 against Jack MacKenzie before deftly flicking the ball down the line to Miller Thomson.
He whipped in a decent cross for Kevin Holt later in the cameo, and generally looked fit and comfortable.
When the sting of defeat fades, Strain can reflect on another major milestone successfully navigated on his road back to the United starting line-up.
Chance for revenge, and to put on a show
Against Aberdeen, United was well-organised and stuffy.
That is admirable.
Nevertheless, the Tangerines outperformed their hosts in the end and are more adept with the ball than they were in the Granite City.
Dons manager Jimmy Thelin and Jim Goodwin, right. Picture: SNS
In general, counterattacks failed with a lacklustre performance.
No one in a white jersey was there to meet the flick-ons, even though they made initial touch on multiple lengthy throws.
Sam Dalby was alone.
There were flaws.
But Wednesday is a different day. Additionally, it’s an opportunity to put on a more ambitious, expansive show against Motherwell at home; get the fans out of their seats.
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