Sunday 9 August 2015

Motherwell vs Dundee United


After a disappointing defeat to Aberdeen, United looked to get back on track against a Motherwell side who, only just, escaped the drop last season by defeating Rangers in a playoff double-header.

United made two changes with the injured Bilate dropping out for Darko Bodul and more surprisingly, John Rankin making way for the young Scott Fraser. 

Ratings and match analysis kindly provided by @TheDailyArab83 and @SamFTD83

Player Ratings

Luis Zwick
Position(s) Played: Goalkeeper
Match Rating: 8/10
AZT Season Average: 7.00
Comments:
Made 3 good saves & generally looked comfortable. Incredible given its only his 2nd professional appearance of his career and 1st away from home.
Ryan McGowan
Position(s) Played: Right Back
Match Rating: 7/10
AZT Season Average: 7.00
Comments:
A solid game by the captain once more. A leader's performance.
Paul Dixon 
Position(s) Played: Left Back
Match Rating: 7/10
AZT Season Average: 7.00
Comments:
Solid at the back and got up and down the flank well. Superb driven cross for the first goal.
Coll Donaldson
Position(s) Played: Central Defence
Match Rating: 7/10
AZT Season Average: 7.00
Comments:
Was pulled out of position a couple of times but that may have been plan as Souttar was always on hand to cover. Made a couple of solid blocks.
Mark Durnan
Position(s) Played: Central Defence
Match Rating: 8/10
AZT Season Average: 8.00
Comments:
Another impressive performance and my Man of the Match. Handled everything that Motherwell could throw at him and used the ball out well from defence.
John Souttar
Position(s) Played: Central Midfield
Match Rating: 7/10
AZT Season Average: 6.50
Comments:
Improvement from Aberdeen game. Good passing range & defended when he needed to. Only criticism would be that he doesn't take the shot when it opens up.
Scott Fraser
Position(s) Played: Central Midfield
Match Rating: 7/10
AZT Season Average: 7.00
Comments:
Impressive debut. Used the ball well and unlucky with strike from outside the box.
Blair Spittal
Position(s) Played: Left Wing
Match Rating: 6/10
AZT Season Average: 6.50
Comments:
Drifted in and out of the game but didn't manage to make any lasting impression on the game. Offered energy throughout as always.
Chris Erskine
Position(s) Played: Right Wing
Match Rating: 6/10
AZT Season Average: 6.50
Comments:
One of those days where not a lot came off for him.
Charlie Telfer
Position(s) Played: Attacking Midfielder
Match Rating: 6/10
AZT Season Average: 6.00
Comments:
Another who has a tendency to drift in and out of games. Missed a good 1 on 1 opportunity.
Darko Bodul
Position(s) Played: Striker
Match Rating: 6/10
AZT Season Average: 6.00
Comments:
Mixed bag this one. Managed some good hold up play but not enough of it. Justifiably subbed.




Substitutes 

Robbie Muirhead
Position(s) Played: Striker
Match Rating: 6/10
AZT Season Average: 6.00
Comments:
Looked lively and caused problems for the Motherwell defence.


Aiden Connolly
Position(s) Played: Left Wing
Match Rating: 8/10
AZT Season Average: 8.00
Comments:
Changed the game with his direct running style. Forced at least 2 bookings and set up the 2nd goal with some great composure. 





Simon Murray
Position(s) Played: Striker
Match Rating: 7/10
AZT Season Average: 7.00
Comments:
Pace caused problems. Started and finished move for the 2nd goal. Great hunger and desire, especially with the 'celebration'.





Match Analysis

A good performance from United to take 3 points and a clean sheet away from home. It would be fair to say it wasn't the most exotic of performances but a solid defence is something we were all dreaming of at the end of last season! Durnan & Co. made an excellent job of keeping Motherwell at bay, and when they didn't Zwick looked more than capable with some excellent saves.

Unlike the Aberdeen game, the subs really made the different for United here. As the game went on United started to use the ball better and move it around quicker. It's going to take time but Spittal, Erskine, Telfer, Fraser and Souttar are all excellent ballplayers who will grow more confident as the team does well. This season we have the defence to hold it together whilst they find their feet.

We looked to manage the game well once in the lead, running the clock down and keeping possession. The second goal showed the speed of breakaway we can have through Connolly, Murray and Murihead - something we need to see more of when the goalkeeper is in front of them rather than behind them!

A young team but partnerships are being creative and there's a positive atmosphere starting to arise around the support. If we can string a few results together and let the players gel we could be on to something this season.



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