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Attacking Freedom Starts To Pay Off For Dundee United

In pre-season, Jim Goodwin made the decision to completely change Dundee United’s style. For a man who has been in the hot seat for over 3 years, it was quite a bold move. Since taking over from Liam Fox in the Spring of 2023, the Irishman has largely employed a 3-at-the-back system, varying between 2 strikers and 3 forwards. He did use a 4-2-3-1 system in the 2023/24 season, when the Tangerines were in the Scottish Championship; however, against a lower level of opposition, you get the sense that he could have played any system within reason and still got promoted.

After two years in the top flight, with a 4th and 7th-placed finish, he decided to roll the dice and return to a back four system, with three midfielders and three forwards. A rebuild has also followed, with 14 players entering and 12 leaving.

The principles of play haven’t dramatically changed. Goodwin still wants his team to play on the front foot, get the ball forward and create as many high-quality chances as possible (who doesn’t) but naturally their patterns have with less of a focus placed in the central areas and more creativity out wide.

And things didn’t get off to the best start. They registered just one point in their first three league games with a 4-0 Premier Sports Cup defeat to Celtic rubbing salt in the wounds. However, since then, they have lost just one of their last 5, picking up three wins along the way and sit level with St Johnstone in 5th. Their overall level of attacking output is as good as anyone’s in the league outside the top three, with an Expected points total of 12 putting them above Hibernian and Motherwell in the respective XG Table. Next up they face an away trip to Perth, where they have an excellent opportunity to break into the top five.

Mentality Shift Continues to Bring Dundee Success

There was once a time when Dundee were known as the fragile side of the Scottish Premiership. Through Tony Docherty’s reign, they played some appealing football and were able to create attacking chaos at Dens Park no matter the opponent. Yet, time after time, they would stumble late on.

In October of 2024, they led 2-0 with 85 minutes on the clock but managed to concede three goals in the final stages. They then repeated this with a 3-2 loss to Hearts at home. Once again, they led 2-0 in that tie. Later in the season they would lose to ten-man Motherwell 2-1, thanks to a late strike from Tawanda Maswanhise.

A few seasons on and the script has flipped. Last season, the Dens were trailing 2-0 at home to Dundee United and snatched a draw with 2 stoppage time goals. And while the Dark Blues did concede a late equaliser at home to St Johnstone, they once again responded with a late winner themselves at the weekend, with Ashley Hay securing all three points against Falkirk in the 91st minute.

It’s not to say that Stephen Pressley has cracked the code; the St Johnstone game proves as much. However, he has instilled a belief back into the team that they can fight on in the late stages. It may only make the difference of around 6 points a season, but come the end they could prove really crucial.

Calvin Miller Shines In 5-0 Drubbing

Hearts returned from the international break with a bang, slaughtering St Mirren 5-0 in the process. It is exactly what was needed after two dull performances against Falkirk and Kilmarnock, which brought just one point for the Jambos.

They were an entertaining watch from the first minute to the last and could have scored even more. One man who impressed in particular was Calvin Miller. Yes, there were his two penalty goals. However, his overall play was to be commended. The 28-year-old showed great awareness in possession, knowing when to shoot, link up, pass or dribble. He is already looking like one of the SPFL signings of the season so far.

Hearts will begin their Conference League campaign, when they welcome FC Nordsjælland to Tynecastle on Thursday night. The Danish outfit sit fourth in the Superliga and are winless in their last two. After that, they travel to Celtic Park, where they will once again look to show their title ambitions.

Ryan Naderi Keeps On Scoring For Rangers

After the incredible highs of two derby day victories, Rangers returned to domestic action to welcome bottom side Kilmarnock. In many ways, it was a scrappy performance from the Gers, with the visitors missing a host of chances in the second half. However, the Ibrox side won’t be caring too much as they made it seven wins from seven and kept the pressure on leaders Celtic.

And on Saturday afternoon, Ryan Naderi continued his excellent form. It all seems to be falling for him at the moment, with 6 goal involvements in his last 5 club appearances. The goals in question were rather unorthodox to say the least but were also a symptom of the Czech being in the right place at the right time.

And having that consistent goal-scoring knack is something which Rangers have found hard to come by in recent years. Should he keep this form up, it could prove priceless for Derek McIness’ men, as it’s that reliable output which can turn a scrappy performance into a routine victory and they add up over the course of a season.

Kieran Tierney Looks Back To His Best As Celtic Get Back To Winning Ways

In the lead-up to the Motherwell game, Celtic’s Kieran Tierney admitted that he had been nursing an injury through the games before the international break. With no other fit natural option at left back, he rolled up his sleeves and played through it but seemed a reduced version of himself.

With three weeks of time for proper recovery, he was a rejuvenated man at Fir Park. While he had little work to do defensively, his attacking output was outstanding, frequently driving to the by-line and delivering excellent crosses. His build-up play was also on point, linking up so well with Sebastian Tounetki in the first half and Jota in the second.

Should Celtic get anything in Lisbon against Benfica on Thursday (and it’s a big ask), the 29-year-old will be crucial, especially with the absence of Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Pressure Piles On Stephen Robinson

Coming into the international break, it did feel as though Aberdeen had turned a corner. A 4-0 demolition against Motherwell was followed by a well-fought point at Easter Road. With home games at St Johnstone and St Mirren to start the next period, there was a feeling of optimism and opportunity around the Dons.

Yet, they have once again been stymied in their momentum as Simo Valakari’s men came away with all three points. It leaves Aberdeen eighth in the table, with just eight points from as many games. For a considerable time now, they haven’t been a factor at the top end of Scottish Football.

Stephen Robinson was brought in to restore this status, but the early signs haven’t inspired. Fail to beat St Mirren at the weekend and the negative noise will only get louder.