Dundee United snatched three points in stoppage time to stun Aberdeen and win a thoroughly entertaining New Firm derby.
Aberdeen started the better side with plenty of passing interchanges and a massive opportunity via Ester Sokler who’s strong strike was saved well by Dundee United stopper Jack Walton.
VAR then introduced itself to the game on 26 minutes after referee John Beaton penalised Nicky Devlin for handball inside the Aberdeen penalty area.
Beaton issued a spot-kick almost immediately and booked Devlin, but it was clear to see that the Aberdeen full-back’s arms were not outwith the frame of his body.
Beaton reversed his decision after looking at the pitchside monitor as a mix of groans and celebrations erupted inside Tannadice.
United then came so close to opening the scoring but for a fantastic double Dimitar Mitov save. Sam Dalby was just waiting for the net to ripple with his header but the Bulgarian got across brilliantly to deny the 25-year-old.
Both sides went into the break level but the desire to grab that all-important opening goal did not wane across the second-half.
Mitov made another superb reaction save to deny United before an almighty six-yard box stramash ensued as both sides desperately tried to get control of the ball.
The clash continued to be a captivating watch right until the end and in fairness, a point apiece would have been a fair result. But up stepped Kevin Holt for Dundee United to score a dramatic stoppage time winner.
Holt rose highest in the box after the ball was hurled in via Will Ferry’s long throw and he met it cleanly to finish into the bottom corner – and it’s safe to say Tannadice went nuts.
Aberdeen were absolutely stunned as Beaton blew for full-time just a minute after the goal to confirm United’s three points and extend the Dons’ winless run.
Here’s three things Not The Old Firm learned from Dundee United 1-0 Aberdeen.
Dundee United & Aberdeen goalkeepers on top form
It looked like this match was going to be one of the most entertaining 0-0 draws of the Premiership season as an end-to-end, competitive clash was played out.
There were a staggering 28 shots in the game, 19 of which came from Dundee United who tested Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov on a number of occasions.
The Bulgarian produced some fantastic saves but all of his good work was undone by Holt’s dramatic headed winner which left the Dons stopper rooted to the spot.
United’s Jack Walton was also kept busy and his first-half save to deny Ester Sokler was probably the most impressive stop of the match.
Kevin Holt turns Dundee United hero
United defender Kevin Holt capped off a brilliant individual performance against Aberdeen with his second goal of the season – and perhaps the most dramatic he’ll ever score in his career.
Holt was in the right place at the right time to power home his header with a moment that happened in the blink of an eye.
The 31-year-old also completed 100% of his tackles across the game while also winning all of his ground duels (5/5).
Aberdeen now winless in 9 games
For Aberdeen, they put absolutely everything into this one and probably deserved a draw at the end of the game.
It was one of their best performances in a long while from Jimmy Thelin’s men but their lack of clinical edge cost them on the night.
Leighton Clarkson and Jamie McGrath impressed, while Ante Palaversa was handy alongside Sivert Heltne Nilsen in midfield.
But Sokler and Kevin Nisbet weren’t able to convert the chances they were presented and with that, it’s now eight games without a win for the Dons.