Aberdeen and Dundee United played out a lively 1-1 draw at Pittodrie in the William Hill Premiership on December 27, 2025, as both teams battled through injury and suspension setbacks to deliver an end-to-end contest that kept fans on their toes until the final whistle. For Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin, the match was a frustrating example of his team’s inability to turn dominance into victory—an issue that’s been simmering beneath the surface all season.
From the outset, both sides were forced to shuffle their lineups. Aberdeen, still smarting from a 3-1 defeat to Celtic—their only loss in the previous eight domestic fixtures—made three changes, with Dylan Lobban (suspended), Alexander Jensen, and Marko Lazetic dropping out. The Dons welcomed back captain Graeme Shinnie for his 400th Premiership appearance, a milestone that added an extra layer of significance to the evening. Dundee United, meanwhile, were hampered by defensive injuries: Ryan Strain and Ross Graham both missed out after picking up groin problems in a recent 1-1 draw with Hibs, and Luca Stephenson was sidelined due to suspension. Bert Esselink, Iurie Iovu, and Dario Naamo were drafted in to fill the gaps for United.
The match kicked off at a brisk pace, with both teams eager to seize the initiative. Early on, Aberdeen looked to assert themselves, with Stuart Armstrong testing United goalkeeper Dave Richards inside the first 10 minutes. The Dons dominated possession—holding a staggering 77% in the first half—but found it tough to break down a well-organized United defense. Their attacking intent was clear, but the final ball often let them down, a theme that would persist throughout the night.
For all their possession, Aberdeen nearly fell behind in bizarre fashion when Amar Fatah obstructed Dimitar Mitov’s clearance, sending the ball trickling into the net. Referee Calum Scott, however, chalked off the goal for a foul, much to the relief of the home crowd. That moment seemed to jolt United into life. At the 21-minute mark, Richards produced a smart double-handed save to deny Jesper Karlsson’s curling effort from the edge of the box, keeping the scores level as Aberdeen looked to turn the screw.
But football can be a cruel game, and just when the Dons were building momentum, they were hit with a classic sucker-punch. Nicky Devlin, attempting to control an awkward ball, was outmuscled by United’s on-loan Troyes forward Amar Fatah. Fatah surged into the penalty area and coolly side-footed his shot low past Mitov, finding the far corner for his third goal of the season. It was a moment of quality against the run of play, and United’s traveling supporters erupted in celebration.
Aberdeen’s response was measured, but they struggled to translate their dominance into clear chances. Karlsson, whose movement was a constant thorn in United’s side, spun away from his marker but fired wide. Despite their territorial advantage and patient build-up, the Dons’ attacking play lacked the sharpness required to break down United’s disciplined low block. As Thelin later lamented, "We were controlling the game and then make it so difficult for ourselves. At some time, we have to stop these soft goals."
The first half ended with United content to sit deep and absorb pressure, while Aberdeen’s frustration grew. The Dons’ coaching staff resisted making changes at the break, perhaps trusting that their possession would eventually yield results. Early in the second half, captain Graeme Shinnie—eager to mark his milestone appearance with a goal—raced into the box after a defensive lapse from Esselink, only to see his shot blocked at the near post by Richards. It was a big chance, and the Pittodrie faithful groaned as the opportunity slipped away.
United, for their part, were rarely seen as an attacking force after their opener, but they nearly doubled their lead when Zac Sapsford broke clear on a counterattack. Sapsford, though, miscued his shot, letting Aberdeen off the hook. The miss would prove costly.
Shortly after, Thelin made his move, introducing Kenan Bilalovic and Marko Lazetic in search of fresh impetus. The switch paid off. In the 60th minute, Adil Aouchiche worked space on the edge of the area and curled a low drive towards goal. Richards could only parry the effort, and Karlsson was quickest to react, smashing the rebound high into the net for his sixth goal of the season. Pittodrie erupted, and Aberdeen were deservedly back on level terms.
The equaliser seemed to reawaken United, who responded by pushing forward with renewed purpose. Both teams exchanged blows in a frantic final half-hour, with neither side willing to settle for a draw. Richards was called into action again in the dying moments, pulling off a crucial save to deny substitute Kjartan Kjartansson’s long-range effort. Despite a flurry of late pressure from the hosts, United held firm, defending resolutely to preserve their point.
After the match, Thelin praised his players’ energy and resilience but didn’t shy away from the team’s shortcomings. "The good thing is that the players try and put a lot of energy into the game and get the equaliser. There are some positive things there, but this game, we have to be more stable so we can win when we don't have the perfect day," he told Premier Sports. He also highlighted the need for improvement against well-organized defenses: "When we play against this low block, we have to be better. We have to do better with some of the crosses. We were not sharp enough."
For Dundee United, the point was hard-earned, especially given their makeshift defense. The likes of Bert Esselink, Iurie Iovu, and Dario Naamo stepped up admirably in the absence of regular starters, while Fatah’s clinical finish was a reminder of the threat United possess on the break. Richards, too, played a pivotal role, making several key saves to keep his side in the contest.
As the dust settled, both teams were left to reflect on missed opportunities and what might have been. Aberdeen, despite dominating possession and territory, were left frustrated by their inability to convert chances. Dundee United, dogged and organized, will take heart from a resilient display away from home.
The result leaves both sides firmly in the mix in the Scottish Premiership, with plenty still to play for as the season enters a crucial phase. For Aberdeen, the draw extends their run to just one defeat in nine, but Thelin will know that greater consistency in front of goal is needed if his side are to challenge for honors. United, meanwhile, continue to defy the odds, grinding out results despite their injury woes.
With both teams showing flashes of quality but lacking the killer instinct to claim all three points, the Pittodrie faithful will be hoping for sharper finishing and a return to winning ways in the fixtures ahead. For now, the spoils are shared, and the Premiership race remains as tight as ever.
