Peter Ambrose pushed Aberdeen further ahead in the Scottish Premiership with a crucial late goal that secured a hard-fought win over Dundee United, taking the Dons three points clear at the top.
Aberdeen appeared on course to drop their first points at Pittodrie this season after Ester Sokler’s powerful header was denied by an outstanding save from Dundee United’s Jack Walton. However, with just six minutes left, substitute Ambrose found the back of the net, firing past Walton to claim the win.
Jimmy Thelin’s undefeated Aberdeen now lead reigning champions Celtic and stand a commanding nine points clear of Wednesday’s opponents, Rangers. Meanwhile, Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United remain a point adrift of Rangers. Sunday sees Celtic head to Motherwell, while Rangers welcome St Mirren.
Aberdeen controlled much of the game’s territory and possession, but Dundee United’s resilient defence restricted them to only a few close chances in the first half, including Ante Palaversa’s drive that whistled just wide.
In a bid to break through, Thelin introduced Shayden Morris at half-time. Morris added urgency, delivering a cross that Walton pushed away, although Aberdeen still lacked a finishing touch. Jamie McGrath’s low shot from distance forced Walton into another awkward save, while Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes tested the keeper at his near post, but United’s defence held firm, limiting Aberdeen’s attacking opportunities.
Morris continued to cause trouble on the right wing, with a deflected cross falling to Sokler only for Walton’s reflexes to keep the ball out.
When Ambrose replaced Duk, he seized the moment. A precise deep cross from Gavin Molloy was nodded back across goal by Nicky Devlin, and Ambrose’s emphatic finish put Aberdeen ahead. A potential penalty for Aberdeen was dismissed by VAR after Ambrose was judged offside before being tripped in the box.
Dundee United had a late chance to equalise, but Will Ferry couldn’t keep his shot down from Glenn Middleton’s low cross.
Super Subs Boost Thelin’s Aberdeen
With an 18-game unbeaten run stretching back to March, Aberdeen are thriving, particularly with their habit of clinching victories in the dying moments, as shown in their recent wins over Queen’s Park, Ross County, Hearts, and now Dundee United. Thelin’s changes in the second half have been pivotal, with Morris’s introduction adding pace and Ambrose’s entry offering a fresh attacking threat.
Aberdeen’s upcoming fixtures will be decisive as they face Rangers midweek in the league and then Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final on Saturday at Hampden.
United’s Defensive Effort Falls Short
Dundee United, in their return season to the Premiership, have shown impressive composure against top-tier sides, taking advantage of mixed starts by clubs like Hibernian and Hearts. Goodwin’s team defended resolutely for much of the game, though Aberdeen’s second-half changes pushed them deeper and limited their chances. Missed opportunities on set-pieces and long throw-ins, including a second-half header from Kevin Holt, highlighted their struggle to break down Aberdeen’s defence.
Up next, Dundee United host Motherwell at Tannadice on Wednesday evening, aiming to regain momentum.
Stats
Aberdeen dominated possession with 70.1% compared to Dundee United’s 29.9%, registering 12 shots to United’s 8, including 5 on target, while United failed to hit the target. Aberdeen also led in aerial duels (23 to 16) and corners (8 to 2), while Dundee United’s defence was tested with 5 saves and 18 fouls, holding Aberdeen to a narrow win despite having only 21 touches in the box to Aberdeen’s 29.