Tony Watt marked his return to the Dundee United starting line-up with a clinical winner as the Tangerines claimed a pivotal 1-0 triumph over St Johnstone.
Watt, 29, lashed home a clinical low drive in the closing stages to see off the Saints.
The victory sees United move three points ahead of bottom club Ross County and, remarkably, are just six points off the top six in a congested Premiership.
While United were forced to withstand a late barrage — notably Connor McLennan seeing a shot cleared off the line — the visitors just about merited the win, particularly following a dominant first period.
Watt a replacement
Following two dominating attacking displays on the bounce, the absence of Steven Fletcher through illness was a pre-match sickener for United.
Without the physicality and technique of the former Scotland international leading the line for the Tangerines, head coach Liam Fox turned to Watt.
Watt is reportedly attracting January interest from Salford City — and the English League Two side would have been impressed by the forward’s all-action showing against the Saints.
He proved an adept focal point in attack, seeing a decent early effort blocked by Graham Carey following a neat exchange with Ian Harkes. He also teed up Kieran Freeman for another thwarted shot.
But Watt, making his first start since being sent off against Motherwell in October, would not be denied with 10 minutes remaining.
He collected a pass from Ian Harkes inside the box and showed poise and precision to spin on a dime and fire beyond Remi Matthews.
In the box seat
The extent to which United won the midfield battle in the first half was startling.
Craig Sibbald, Dylan Levitt, Ian Harkes and Glenn Middleton effectively made a box in the middle of the park, suffocating the Saints and passing through their hosts with ease.
Sibbald was superb and made a host of interceptions — aided by some dreadful St Johnstone passing — while Levitt was tidy. Harkes and Middleton probed for space between the lines.
So often a problem area at the start of the campaign, boss Fox deserves fulsome praise for toughening up the Terrors’ engine room.
Sibbald was replaced by Arnaud Djoum after picking up a booking.
United’s width came from wing-backs Behich and Freeman and, while the Australian has been making the headlines — linked with Turkish giants Galatasaray — it was Freeman who was the more dangerous attacking menace.
Curing travel sickness
Fox has addressed many of United’s faults since replacing Jack Ross at the helm — but that maiden Premiership away win of the campaign was proving maddeningly elusive.
Until Monday, that is.
This was a potentially key three points in their fight for survival — but also got a monkey off United’s back.
Dundee United players and head coach Liam Fox take the acclaim from a sold out travelling section following a crucial win for #DUFC
— Alan Temple (@alanftemple) January 2, 2023
Prior to defeating the Saintees, United’s only victory on the road in any competition had come in Fox’s first game as interim boss, seeing off Livingston 2-1 in the Premier Sports Cup.
It was vital that record did not persist in 2023 — particularly given United’s next two league fixtures at Tannadice are against Rangers and Celtic.
If United have finally found cure for their travel sickness, it could be the springboard to a rise up the standings.
Weathering a late storm
St Johnstone improved after the break. It would have been impossible for them to get a great deal worse.
Stevie May forced a save from Mark Birighitti — looking increasingly assured between the sticks — while Jamie Murphy and Dan Phillips smashed efforts off target.
James Brown headed wide of the post from point-blank range.
However, the Saints’ best opportunities came in a frantic dash for parity in the dying embers, with Behich making a sensational goal-line clearance to deny McLennan before Ryan Edwards thwarted Theo Bair.
A gutsy finale to a solid showing from the hosts, securing seven points from a possible nine since the restart.
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