First Team

MATCH REPORT | UNITED KICK OFF 2023 WITH THREE POINTS

2nd January 2023

ST JOHNSTONE 0-1 DUNDEE UNITED
3PM MONDAY 2ND JANUARY 2023
CINCH PREMIERSHIP
MCDIARMID PARK

A late winner from Tony Watt sealed all three points in Perth as United hit back-to-back wins. 

TRIPLE CHANGE

After a busy week, Liam Fox opted for three changes to the side that defeated Ross County at Tannadice last week. 

Aziz Behich, Kieran Freeman and Tony Watt were on in place of Charlie Mulgrew and Ross Graham - whilst Steven Fletcher missed out through illness. 

IN CONTROL

United’s first foray forward came after six minutes. A combination between Craig Sibbald and Freeman set our number 22 away down the right wing. He made space to fashion a cross for Glenn Middleton who couldn’t get any purchase on the ball to direct it towards goal. 

Minutes later, The Terrors were off and running down the right once more. This time it was link-up between Watt and Ian Harkes at the edge of the area, but Watt’s effort was blocked by a Saints defender en route to goal. 

Freeman was next to try his luck after a cute return pass from Watt found him with shooting room inside the box. He shifted the ball onto his unfavoured left foot and fired towards goal but Ryan McGowan was on hand for Saints to steer the ball wide. 

Clear-cut chances were few and far between for both sides in the first half - although United will feel their opening 45 deserved a half-time lead. 

SAINTS CHANCES

The hosts certainly improved in the second period as the game opened up with chances for both sides. 

Mark Birighitti was called into action for the first time just three minutes after the restart. It was Stevie May who worked the space for an effort, which Birighitti was equal to getting down low to push the ball round the post. 

Daniel Phillips was involved twice in quick succession for St Johnstone. Room seemed to open up for the midfielder as he moved towards the box but his left-footed effort sailed harmlessly wide of the post. As United broke forward, Phillips was in the thick of it at the other end - booked for pulling back a United man as we looked to counter. 

James Brown went closest to getting a leveller. A great ball into the box was met by the defender but he couldn’t get enough on his header to turn it in from all of six yards.

WONDERFUL FROM WATT

Half chances fell the way of Middleton and Watt as United pushed for an opener - but again the Saints’ defence stood strong to keep it level.

Another slide rule pass from Levitt found Middleton racing towards goal but he was unable to get in front of his man to get his shot away. 

Two United changes followed as United looked to regain control - which we did in the final 25. 

Arnaud Djoum and Rory MacLeod were on in place of Sibbald and Middleton, and with just under ten minutes to play, United were urged forward once more by the 3,300 Arabs in attendance. 

As the ball broke, Dylan Levitt found Watt in space on the edge of the box, and the United forward spun his marker before firing a low effort beyond Matthews into the bottom corner.

SEEING IT OUT

There were a couple of late scares for the Terrors as we dug deep to secure the three points. 

Into injury time, a potential penalty for St Johnstone was checked by VAR but it was nothing doing.

The hosts continued their press and had one cleared off the line by Behich who was in the right place at the right time to. 

It was a well-deserved win for Liam Fox’s men as we continue our positive run of form since the winter break. 

POST-MATCH THOUGHTS


TEAMLINE

Starting XI: Birighitti, Smith, McMann, Edwards, Sibbald (Djoum 68’), Middleton (MacLeod 77’), Behich, Levitt (Mulgrew 90’), Freeman, Harkes, Watt (A.Sadat 90’). 

Unused Subs: Eriksson, Graham, Niskanen, Meekison, Cudjoe. 

NEXT UP

The action comes thick and fast this month, with Rangers visiting Tannadice on Sunday in a 4pm kick-off. 

CLICK HERE to secure your seat!

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