Dundee United took advantage of ten-player Hearts, winning 1-0 at Tynecastle on Wednesday night. In the 38th minute, the game turned upside down. Hearts’ James Wilson saw red for a high-footed, reckless challenge on Dundee United’s Luca Stephenson. That swift dismissal turned the tide of the match and gave Dundee United the initiative to dominate the play in the second 45 minutes.
Prior to the red card, Hearts looked dangerous as they controlled the possession and had some quality chances while dominating the flow of play. Ryan Strain’s free-kick in the 35th minute marked Dundee United’s first significant attempt at goal, but it curled just wide from 20 yards. Hearts were ruthless in how they created their chances. Wilson’s first shot found the side-netting, and Dundee United’s keeper Jack Walton saved Grant’s second.
As it turned out, the game-changer was the dismissal of Wilson. Dundee United reacted in the 58th minute with an ambitious triple substitution, looking to turn the screw while taking advantage of the extra man. The substitution in return proved to be an inspired one when Sam Dalby scored an important equaliser with just 20 minutes remaining with a powerful shot. He sent an unstoppable header home from a precise cross by Glenn Middleton, putting Dundee United ahead with a powerful 1-0 tilt.
Dalby’s late goal capped the 3-2 comeback win for Dundee United. It also pushed the team eight points clear of Hearts at the top of the league table. This victory ensures that they remain right in the mix for a potential European qualification spot, just three points behind Hibernian and Aberdeen.
Hearts, under the guidance of Neil Critchley, made four alterations to the team that lost. They were looking to recover after the heavy loss they endured at Celtic Park last weekend. Notably, captain Lawrence Shankland was benched, a decision that raised eyebrows but reflected Critchley’s intent to shake up the team dynamic. For all their domination in that first half hour, Hearts had little to show for it, particularly after the red card.
The longer the game went on, the more Hearts pushed forward in search of an equalizer. They were being pushed hard by Dundee United’s impressive rearguard action. Taking their loss creates an uphill battle for them to climb. On Saturday, they travel to Motherwell, looking to make up for that loss.
Of course, Dundee United’s win was the biggest jewel in the crown. They rang the changes, bringing in five new faces into the starting eleven compared to their last game against Ross County. Ross Graham picked up an injury in the warm-ups, forcing Sam Cleall-Harding to make his competitive debut.
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