Aberdeen rose to the top of the Scottish Premiership with a narrow but deserved victory over a steely Dundee United side.
It was an even start to the game with both sides managing to test each other defensively – Aberdeen’s Topi Keskinen and United’s Glenn Middleton were both threatening.
The Dons certainly had the better of the possession but they weren’t able to take advantage of their control and didn’t create too many chances.
Ante Palaversa saw a long-range effort whistle past the post – however, the Arabs stood firm and their defensive shape with five men at the back held up until the interval.
Perhaps a surprise to Aberdeen fans, Jimmy Thelin replaced Keskinen with Shayden Morris at the break, exemplifying once again that the Swede isn’t afraid to make big changes if required.
As the second-half began, Jamie McGrath started to become involved in a more creative sense and made Jack Walton work with a low drive that almost squirmed into the net.
Aberdeen were much improved as a quicker tempo to their play and more forward passes allowed them to play through the lines more regularly.
Duk forced another save from Walton from a tight angle and then the United stopper made an unbelievable stop to deny Ester Sokler’s header.
Dundee United really began to live dangerously as Aberdeen peppered their goal with crosses, although there was a spell with around 15 minutes to go when the visitors asked a couple of questions of their hosts.
The cynical fouls began to rack up for United as they did all they could to stop Aberdeen from breaking forward at speed. But eventually, they couldn’t keep the home side at bay.
Substitute Peter Ambrose finally broke the deadlock after 84 minutes with a simple finish when Nicky Devlin cut the ball back with a header – and it sent Pittodrie wild.
The decibel levels increased tenfold around the ground and the fans sang their side over the line as Aberdeen went three points clear of Celtic.
Here’s what Not The Old Firm learned from the New Firm derby tonight.
Aberdeen dig deep to keep title push alive
Aberdeen were really made to work for this victory. United were resolute throughout the majority of the clash and their back five really frustrated the Dons.
They didn’t give up though as they piled the pressure on in the second-half and eventually, Jimmy Thelin’s in-form side found an answer, as they have done all season.
The vital goal came through the unlikely hero of Ambrose and with that, the Premiership’s winning machine went marching on to reach the summit of the league.
Dundee United threatened to question Aberdeen’s title credentials tonight but the Dons were having none of it.
Jimmy Thelin’s substitutes spark Dons into life
The first-half was a struggle for Aberdeen as they failed to get the ball moving quickly and get behind a steely Dundee United often enough.
But Thelin brought on the speedy Morris as well as Graeme Shinnie, Leighton Clarkson and Ambrose and they all played a massive part in Aberdeen’s improved play.
Bar Ambrose of course who scored the winner, Morris was the most impressive as he ran at his full-back and caused problems with dangerous balls into the box.
Thelin’s changes at Celtic Park last week proved to be massive in their comeback 2-2 draw and the Swede once again delivered against Dundee United at the right moments to spark his team into life.
Solid Dundee United fall at last hurdle
Dundee United boss and former Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin will be gutted tonight. He witnessed his Tangerines put on a solid showing who were on their way to gaining a brilliant point.
But the more they held onto the 0-0 scoreline, the more they started to fall back and let Aberdeen come onto them.
Eventually the pressure told and United conceded – it was a matter of when and not if in the end. But they can still be proud of their display and they have a good chance of mixing it with the top six come the end of the season.