Dundee United midfield praised after Celtic draw extends unbeaten run
Dundee United's midfield trio of Zidane Iqbal, Lyall Cameron and Dylan Tait drew widespread praise after a 2-2 draw at Celtic, though United slipped to fifth in the table.
Dundee United's 2-2 draw at Celtic Park extended their unbeaten run to six games and denied the reigning champions the chance to stretch their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The result left Jim Goodwin's side disappointed not to claim a first win in Glasgow in 52 games stretching back to 1992, and they slipped to fifth after city rivals Dundee beat Kilmarnock 3-1.
Much of the post-match discussion centred on United's midfield of Zidane Iqbal, Lyall Cameron and Dylan Tait, who controlled the first half before Celtic's half-time introduction of wingers Jota and Haissem Hassan changed the game. On BBC Radio Scotland, Tom English asked whether United currently have the best midfield three in Scotland.
Former United wing-back Allan Preston said Iqbal was "pulling the strings" in the first half and described the Iraq international as keeping everything ticking, rarely giving the ball away. He added that he was surprised when Iqbal was substituted. Former United midfielder Scott Allan said the three are on the same wavelength, are not rushed in possession and were brave and fluid before the break, calling them as good as anything in the league at the moment.
Goodwin highlighted his side's composure and said he could not have too many complaints about the outcome, crediting Celtic's changes with bringing a spark. He said responding to an early goal showed character and that United had to dig deep in the last 20 minutes against a relentless opponent. He called October a good points return and something to build on after 11 games.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner said United deserved a point, describing them as organised with good players throughout the team, while Martin O'Neill praised Goodwin as a very fine manager doing a remarkable job. Goodwin has cited Jens Berthel Askou's success at Motherwell as a lightbulb moment behind a change in style this season, with the present unbeaten run following a single win in the previous seven games.
Image: Press Association / BBC Sport
