Livingston 1-3 Dundee United: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dundee United beat Livingston 1-3 in the Scottish Premiership. The visitors took the lead in the 33rd minute when Zachary Sapsford found the net, giving them control after a competitive start. Livingston pushed back but couldn’t break through before the break, reflecting their recent run of losses including defeats to Celtic and St Mirren that have left them struggling for form.

The second half saw Livingston make a flurry of substitutions around the hour mark to chase the game, but Dundee United held firm and extended their lead with Ryan McGowan’s goal in the 86th minute followed by Amar Fatah’s strike in the 90th. Livingston grabbed a late consolation through Connor McLennan in the 90+1st minute, but it was too little too late. This win builds on Dundee United’s solid recent results, including a victory over Celtic and draws against Aberdeen and Hibernian, keeping their momentum going.

Livingston edged possession with 56% compared to Dundee United’s 44%, suggesting they controlled more of the ball but failed to make it count in key areas. The visitors were more effective on the counter, racking up seven corners to Livingston’s two and completing 69 successful dribbles against 54, which points to their sharper attacking threat. Discipline was an issue for the home side with four yellow cards and five substitutions used, while Dundee United stayed clean with no bookings and just four changes, and they managed without any recorded assists unlike Livingston’s one.

Dundee United broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute as Zachary Sapsford scored to put them ahead. Livingston picked up yellow cards for Danny Finlayson at 45 minutes and Macaulay Tait at 58 minutes, adding to their frustrations. They responded with substitutions around the hour: Mahamadou Susoho replaced Mohamad Sylla at 59 minutes, Tete Yengi came on for Stevie May at 59 minutes, Connor McLennan replaced Lewis Smith at 60 minutes, Robbie Muirhead took over from Jeremy Bokila at 64 minutes, and Joshua Brenet substituted for Scott Pittman at 70 minutes.

The game turned decisively late on with Ryan McGowan’s own goal in the 86th minute favouring Dundee United, followed by Amar Fatah’s goal at 90 minutes. Livingston’s Connor McLennan scored in the 90+1st minute, assisted by Cristian Montano, but further yellow cards for McLennan at 79 minutes and Mahamadou Susoho at 84 minutes hampered their comeback. Dundee United made their own changes: Julius Eskesen replaced Dario Naamo at 70 minutes, Amar Fatah came on for Zachary Sapsford at 75 minutes, Max Watters substituted for Owen Stirton at 75 minutes, and Ivan Dolcek replaced Kristijan Trapanovski at 82 minutes.

Livingston lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, relying on partnerships like Cristian Montano assisting in attack and midfielders such as Mohamad Sylla and Scott Pittman to build play before their substitutions. Connor McLennan made an impact after coming on, scoring their only goal, while Danny Finlayson and Macaulay Tait were involved in defensive duties but picked up yellow cards. Jeremy Bokila and Stevie May started up front but were replaced by Robbie Muirhead and Tete Yengi respectively as the team sought more threat.

Dundee United set up in a 3-4-3 shape, with Zachary Sapsford standing out in attack by scoring the opener before being replaced by Amar Fatah, who added a late goal. Ryan McGowan contributed with a goal, albeit listed as an own goal in moments, while Kristijan Trapanovski and Dario Naamo featured before substitutions brought on Ivan Dolcek and Julius Eskesen. Owen Stirton started but made way for Max Watters as they maintained their defensive solidity.

Zachary Sapsford earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match award for his decisive contribution, scoring one goal and delivering two key passes without any assists or big chances created. His performance stood out in Dundee United’s attack, helping secure the win before he was substituted at 75 minutes for Amar Fatah.

Recent Premiership matches:

• Loss: 1-3 vs Dundee United (H)
• Loss: 2-4 vs Celtic (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs St. Mirren (A)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Dundee (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Motherwell (A)

Recent Premiership matches:

• Win: 3-1 vs Livingston (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Aberdeen (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Hibernian (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Celtic (H)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Motherwell (H)

Livingston have just suffered a 1-3 home defeat to Dundee United, extending their poor run with only one draw in their last five league games and four losses that have left them rooted in 12th place on nine points. They face a tough test next against table-topping Hearts, who sit first on 41 points, in a match scheduled for 3 January 2026 at 15:00. With relegation concerns mounting, they’ll need a big turnaround to avoid being dragged further into danger against the league leaders.

Dundee United have just claimed a 3-1 away victory over Livingston, boosting their form with two wins and three draws in their last five league outings to hold sixth place on 25 points. Their next fixture is a derby against Dundee, currently ninth on 19 points, set for 3 January 2026 at 15:00. This could be a chance to push for European spots if they maintain their recent consistency against mid-table opposition.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.