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3 Dundee United talking points after another home defeat sees Raith close gap

Jim Goodwin's men suffered their fourth league defeat of the season on Tuesday night.

Josh O'Connor seals Airdrie's win over Dundee United. Image: SNS.
Josh O'Connor seals Airdrie's win over Dundee United. Image: SNS.

Dundee United remain top of the Championship on goal difference after losing at home to Airdrie.

Goals from Gabby McGill and Josh O’Connor inflicted the Tangerines’ fourth league defeat of the season in a frustrating night at Tannadice.

It allowed Raith Rovers to wipe out the one-point gap between the teams with a draw against Morton.

Games continue to come thick and fast for United, with trips to Partick Thistle and Morton over the next week, before they host Arbroath.

Dundee United Kai Fotheringham looks dejected after defeat to Airdrie. Image: David Young/Action Plus/Shutterstock.

Courier Sport looks at the talking points after United’s defeat to the Diamonds.

More rotation

After several changes for the weekend victory over Queen’s Park, there were another four for the visit of Airdrie.

Archie Meekison and Chris Mochrie were handed starts, as was Alex Greive after his assist from the bench against Queen’s.

The New Zealander set up fellow substitute Glenn Middleton, who returned to the starting line-up on Tuesday night.

While the changes worked a treat against Queen’s, they came up short against Airdrie, with the Terrors struggling to create.

Occasionally, a player got into a dangerous position but the cross, pass or required finish was lacking.

Jim Goodwin has much to ponder ahead of Dundee United’s next match. Image: SNS.

With another three games in eight days to come – including two trips to the west coast – will Goodwin continue making changes or look for a more settled starting XI?

Home discomfort

It can be frustrating for fans who shell out for a season ticket only to see performances that don’t match those on the road.

United have been excellent away from home in the Championship, losing just once and drawing twice in 12 matches.

At home, the form has been more erratic. Tuesday was their third league defeat at Tannadice.

It can be difficult for a team when, as league favourites, they face a defensive set-up.

But that wasn’t the case with Airdrie, who looked to dominate the ball at every opportunity.

It means United have lost half of their last six matches at Tannadice.

Dundee United were defeated at Tannadice for a third time this season. Image: SNS.

“I could try to put a positive spin on it – it’s only our fourth defeat in 25 games in the league – but we need to do better here at home,” said a frustrated Goodwin following the defeat.

A strong runner-up

Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, we will have a very strong runner-up in the title race.

Both Dundee United and Raith have had brilliant seasons so far and either would be well out in front in last season’s Championship.

They both sit on 51 points after 25 games played.

At this stage a year ago, Dundee were in second on 43 points after 25 matches played.

United’s city rivals would go on to win automatic promotion with a points per game (ppg) total of 1.75.

As it stands, the top two in the Championship are picking up 2.04ppg, setting us up for a fascinating run-in.

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