Bruce Anderson scores for KilmarnockSNS

Anderson has three goals in 10 games against Dundee United

At a glance

  • Kilmarnock pick up first Premiership win & Kettlewell's first as manager

  • Anderson & Deas goals give visitors a well-deserved victory

  • Despite defeat, United remain fourth in table

Dundee Utd v Kilmarnock highlights

27/09/25

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Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

Kilmarnock recorded their first win of the Scottish Premiership season in style as they dispatched a meek Dundee United at Tannadice.

Goals in either half from Bruce Anderson and Robbie Deas also secured a first league win for Stuart Kettlewell as Kilmarnock manager, while Zac Sapsford missed a late penalty to compound out-of-sorts United's misery.

Despite not picking up a victory in their first five games, spirits have still been high at the start of Kettlewell's reign, due to the level of performance in their four draws and a loss before this.

And although United were "slight favourites" before the match, according to manager Jim Goodwin, Kilmarnock were worth their victory.

Anderson's goal was a well-taken finish from the edge of the box, latching onto David Watson's lay-off and arrowing the ball into the bottom corner.

There was plenty of hesitation around the second, a back-post header which United keeper Yevhenii Kuchurenko appeared to claw away, but the ball had crossed the line and the goal was given.

They could have made it more comfortable, too. Marcus Dackers sliced a powerful effort just wide, while Brad Lyons' curled effort was well saved.

It wasn't all bad for United. Panutche Camara was arguably the best player in the first half, and substitute Nikolaj Moller forced Max Stryjek into a brilliant save with his backheel flick.

But they blew hot and cold too often, and struggled to find a clinical edge when they got into good positions - typified when Sapsford's late penalty was tipped around the post by Stryjek.

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Analysis: Kilmarnock come good on United off day

Like Motherwell, Kilmarnock had earned plenty of plaudits this season before actually winning a game in the Premiership.

They had a decent League Cup campaign - including a win over United - and the summer signings gelled quickly.

Ben Brannan and David Watson were at the forefront of Kettlewell's new style. Watson starred again here, picking up plenty of spaces and setting up the first goal.

Kilmarnock's form on the road has been a sore point for a few seasons. Their only away win in 15 games before this one was against an already-relegated St Johnstone last season.

But they deserved this. They weathered any pressure at the back and, although a lot of the stats skewed in United's favour, they were more direct and clinical.

Graphic

United fans might look at the the xG - 2.5 to them, compared to their visitors' 1.46 - as well as a host of other stats and scratch their heads. But the eye test was that Kilmarnock were worthy victors.

There were phases of good play, particularly in the first 15 minutes. But United stalled and failed to find a way past Stryjek in the visiting goal.

It was notable they had an unchanged starting XI for the fourth game running, something which speaks to their consistency. But perhaps there was fatigue from their midweek exertions against Aberdeen.

What they said

Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell: "Scoring two goals away from home, getting a clean sheet. The performance was excellent.

"We tip-toed into it, both teams were a wee bit loose in possession at times. We felt there was space for us to exploit if we could connect. We started doing that. If I'm being really fussy I felt we could have scored a few more goals."

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin: "We're bitterly disappointed to have lost the game and put an end to the unbeaten run we've been on.

"I spoke before about consistency in starting XI because of the consistency of performances. Unfortunately today, that dropped below the standard of what is needed to win games in the Scottish Premiership.

"A couple of key moments in the game has cost us. We didn't do enough in the game overall."

What next?

United host Livingston next Saturday (15:00 BST) in the Scottish Premiership.

Kilmarnock welcome St Mirren at the same time.

Player of the match

D. Watson
8.23
8 Panutche Camará
5.33
11 W. Ferry
4.78
21 L. Stephenson
4.78
1 Y. Kucherenko
4.63
23 K. Keresztes
4.61
3 B. Esselink
4.56
5 V. Ševelj
4.46
17 A. Fatah
4.42
14 C. Sibbald
4.20
4 I. Iovu
4.19
9 Z. Sapsford
4.07
77 N. Möller
4.04
19 I. Dolček
3.96
10 J. Eskesen
3.96
22 D. Naamo
3.73
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