Dundee Utd 0-1 Hibs: 'Unselfish' Christian Doidge delights Jack Ross

Christian Doidge again showed he is "a massive asset" for head coach Jack Ross after the striker kept Hibernian's 100% Scottish Premiership record intact.

Doidge struck the only goal against Dundee United on Tueday as Hibs won their opening three top-flight games for the first time in 46 years.

The win put Hibs three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

"Christian's record since I came in has been remarkable," Ross said of Doidge's 15 goals since mid-November.

"He's so unselfish in his work."

• Reaction & as it happened

• How did the players rate?

For the hosts, still without Lawrence Shankland, it was a first defeat since winning promotion.

And Doidge's presence as a focal point was exactly what United were missing, with the striker providing the game's one bit of inspiration in the 65th minute.

He got the break of the ball after Josh Doig's attempt was blocked and took a touch away from the chasing pack of defenders before unleashing a fierce drive high past Benjamin Siegrist at his near post. However, replays suggested Doig may have been slightly offside.

Ian Harkes' effort and Peter Pawlett's volley for the hosts were off target either side of the opening goal.

The game's other main talking point was an early aerial collision between Jamie Robson and Paul McGinn, with the former booked and unable to continue.

And Dundee United manager Micky Mellon questioned the yellow card, saying: "Did he go and try knock himself out or something? Where is the common sense in that?"

Man of the match - Christian Doidge

Doidge delivered when it mattered and was a willing runner even when Hibs were wasteful in possession

What did we learn?

Neither side hit the heights of their weekend performances with the turnover of possession startling at times.

The hosts had promising opportunities to test Ofir Marciano from free-kicks and struggled to get past the wall.

Shankland's return will be welcome for the Tangerines, while Hibs' confidence grows ever more with their front men on form and their defence giving little away.

What did they say?

Dundee United manager Micky Mellon: "One little moment goes against us and Hibernian score from it.

"We maybe didn't get those breaks. When those half-chances come at this level, we have to take them."

Hibernian head coach Jack Ross: "We have ambitions that we want to try and achieve and to do that, we need to produce victories like this.

"It is still very early. We need to keep recognising what we're doing well and keep doing that."

What's next?

Dundee United visit Ross County on Saturday at 15:00 BST, with Hibs going for four wins in a row at home to Motherwell later that day at 17:30.