Dundee United extended their unbeaten run to six games after a 2‑2 draw at Celtic Park, sparking debate over whether the club’s midfield trio is the best in the Scottish Premiership. The match, which prevented Celtic from widening their lead at the top of the table, saw United’s centre‑midfielders Zidane Iqbal, Lyall Cameron and Dylan Tait dominate the first half before the visitors’ wingers Jota and Haissem Hassan turned the game in Celtic’s favour.
The game’s narrative began with United’s midfield control. Iqbal, a former Manchester United youth product now on a loan from Utrecht, was described by former United wing‑back Allan Preston as “like a watch battery” for keeping the tempo steady. Preston praised the trio’s composure, noting that they “wait for the pressure to come and move it from one side to the other.” Scott Allan, a former United midfielder, echoed this sentiment on Sportscene, highlighting the players’ ability to stay on the ball, attract pressure and then release the ball into the final third. Tait, in particular, was credited with passing more balls into the final third than any other United player that season.
Goodwin’s tactical plan was also a focal point of the discussion. The manager’s decision to bring on Hassan and Jota at half‑time shifted the balance, forcing Celtic into a defensive posture that United could exploit. Goodwin admitted that the team had struggled to convert opportunities in the first half but praised the resilience shown after Liam Scales’ equaliser. Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner acknowledged that, despite a higher tempo and energy, Celtic still struggled to create chances, and he commended United for their organisation and quality across the squad.
The draw left United in fifth place, five points behind city rivals Dundee after a 3‑1 win over Kilmarnock. Goodwin expressed disappointment at missing out on a win at Celtic Park for the first time in 52 games, but he remained optimistic about the team’s progress. He cited the influence of Jens Berthel Askou’s success at Motherwell as a catalyst for a new passing style that has begun to take shape. Goodwin described the month of October as a “good points return,” noting that the team’s recent form provides a solid foundation for the rest of the campaign.
Celtic’s Martin O’Neill praised Goodwin’s management, calling him a “very fine manager” and acknowledging the confidence United brought to the match. O’Neill highlighted the professionalism of the Dundee United side, suggesting that their performance could be a benchmark for other teams in the league.
Looking ahead, United will seek to build on their unbeaten streak as the season progresses. With a midfield that critics are calling the best in Scotland, the club’s next fixtures will test whether they can maintain their composure and convert draws into victories, keeping them in contention for a top‑six finish.