Falkirk took advantage of a mistake-ridden performance by Dundee United goalkeeper Yevhen Kucharenko to claim a surprisingly comfortable Scottish Premiership win at Tannadice.
Image source, SNSDundee United manager Jim Goodwin tells BBC Scotland: "Quite simply not good enough. It's very hard for me to put my finger on why we got that type of performance.
"The build up to the game, all week, was trying to replicate the performance at Tynecastle. We went with the same formation, the same game plan. The changes didn't weaken the team by any stretch.
"Even taking the goals out of it, Falkirk were the better team all over the park. They defended better than we did, they picked up far more second balls, they carried a real threat going forward. All things I expect from my team.
"It was nowhere near the level we expect from this group. We felt that we took a step forward at Hearts. Today, it feels like we've taken a couple of steps back.
"We've not given ourselves a chance today, to grow into the game. We know how important the opening is to any game. It's frantic and hectic but we don't give ourselves a chance due to the manner of the first two goals we concede.
"The third goal completely kills us off. Again, a shambles at the back. All over the place. Centre-back stepping into midfield when he needs to hold his position, the goalkeeper is caught between a rock and a hard place."
Dundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald, 30, will never give up on his dream of breaking into the Scotland team. (The Courier - subscription required), external
Image source, SNSDundee United quartet Craig Sibbald, Ryan Strain, Ross Graham and Max Watters are all back in contention after injuries, so Isaac Pappoe (knee) is the only definite absentee.
Falkirk striker Ross McIver has had ankle surgery, while Lewis Neilson (ankle), Coll Donaldson (abdomen), Tom Lang (foot) and Aidan Nesbitt (foot) remain on the sidelines.
Image source, SNSSummer signing Max Watters has been out for over three months
Jim Goodwin is delighted his Dundee United squad emerges from the international break in stronger shape as he welcomes back three long-term absentees against Falkirk this weekend.
Defender Ross Graham could make his first appearance of the season while full-back Ryan Strain, who has played just twice, and striker Max Watters, who has been out since August, are also set to return.
"The break came at a really good time for us because going into the Hearts game we were so short on numbers with the the injuries that we had but some of them weren't serious injuries," said manager Goodwin.
"I'm glad to see that those guys have recovered now. We've Craig Sibbald back in the squad, Ross Graham, Max Watters, you know Ryan Strain is back in among it as well.
"So we've got a far healthier group of players to choose from now this weekend against Falkirk which is important because we're coming into a really busy schedule.
"In December, I think we've got seven games and you need to have the full complement of players available during those difficult moments.
"So, it's going to be real competition for places, but great options for me as a manager to have."
United play their first home match in three league fixtures and Goodwin is welcoming the return to Tannadice.
"We know that Saturday's going to be a difficult fixture but with a good home support behind us, back at Tannadice, then it always gives us a big lift," he added.
"We're the home team so the onus is on us to take the game to Falkirk, get the supported excited early doors, try and get an early goal. That would be nice because it's not something we've done of late."
Caleb Akpo-Young
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSJim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Dundee United's home match against Falkirk on Saturday.
Here are the main points from the United boss:
The international break has allowed United's injury list to shorten, with Craig Sibbald, Ross Graham, Max Watters and Ryan Strain all back in the squad this weekend.
Goodwin says there will be plenty of competition for places given the "busy" fixture list and return of key players.
He knows "well-organised" Falkirk are on a good run of form and is not surprised by their league position of fifth after promotion.
United plan to "take the game" to the Bairns and go into the match with a "positive mindset".
Goodwin conceded his team have drawn too many matches from winning positions and says it is something they are looking to rectify.
He's looking forward to being back at Tannadice and feels the home support will give his side a "lift".
Goodwin says: "The players love playing at the home stadium, I can imagine the pitch is going to be immaculate given there hasn't been much football on it of late and that will certainly give the players a boost."
Rangers have started negotiations with Kazakhstan winger Galymzhan Kenzhebek, whose contract with Yelimay Semey ends next month, but clubs from eight countries are interested in the 22-year-old and the only concrete offer has come from Dundee United. (AS News), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSDundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald will be "extremely proud" to make his 500th career appearance in Saturday's Premiership tussle with hometown club Falkirk.
The Bairns academy graduate spent seven years in the Falkirk first team, playing over 250 games, before moving to Livingston in 2018.
Sibbald joined United four years later and has made 116 appearances for the Tannadice side, scoring nine times.
"It means everything," the 30-year-old told DUTV.
"It's obviously what you kind of want to do when you grow up. You just want to be a professional footballer. I'm lucky to have done that.
"To hopefully at the weekend play 500 games, I'll be extremely proud and hopefully many more to come.
"It puts it into perspective how long I've been playing, all the ups and downs, the high and lows. It's all been really enjoyable and worthwhile.
"Hopefully I'm selected or come on at some part of the game and I can make that 500th appearance against my local team, so it could be a special day."
Image source, SNSDundee United are unbeaten in eight top-flight matches against Falkirk (W5 D3) since a 3-0 defeat in December 2007.
This will be Falkirk's first away game at Dundee United in the top flight since losing 3-0 in February 2010; the Bairns have lost four of their past five such visits (D1) since a 5-1 victory in January 2007.
Dundee United have won just one of their past six Premiership matches (D3 L2), a 3-1 victory against St Mirren in October.
Falkirk have alternated between winning and losing in the league in each of their five away matches this season, losing their last game on the road 4-0 to Celtic.
Falkirk have gained nine points from losing positions this season, the most of any team in the top flight. The Bairns have gone on to win two of their past three league matches in which they conceded the first goal.
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has dismissed suggestions that embarking upon contract talks with on-loan Dunajska Streda forward Ivan Dolcek led to the 25-year-old's dip in form. (The Courier), external
Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Dundee United have found it hard to keep the back door shut this season.
In 11 Premiership fixtures Jim Goodwin's side have kept just two clean sheets.
United have also faced the second-most shots - behind only Dundee - of any top-flight side and their four errors leading to goals is a joint high with Kilmarnock. United's two own goals is also a league high.
Last season they were side built on solid foundations, with their 12 clean sheets in 38 league games the highest outwith the Old Firm.
Now it is far from panic stations, such is the congested nature of the table, as United occupy seventh place but are just four points off third.
Goodwin's men have already dropped points against teams their fans expect them to beat – taking just one point from home games with Kilmarnock (lost 2-0) and Livingston (drew 1-1).
So Goodwin will be determined his side emerge from the international break with a less porous rearguard.
If United don't shore things up, hopes of a second successive top-six finish will be hit by a continued hemorrhaging of goals.
New Dundee United head of recruitment Ross Goodwin says he was brought in from Plymouth Argyle to increase the amount of money the Scottish Premiership club makes through player trading outwith their academy. (Daily Record), external
Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Former Dundee United player and ex-Hearts coach Jon Daly is a candidate for the Waterford manager's job. (Irish Independent - subscription required), external
We asked you for one thing you would change about Dundee United's season so far.
Here's some of your comments:
Lachlan: The ability to defend corners must be improved. Also learning to defend when playing more counter-attacking teams. United's own attacking play is good but they leave gaps at the back.
George: If I could turn the clock back no injuries to Ross Graham and Max Watters. With them available for all matches I am confident we would have gathered more points.
Ian: Play in the first half in every game instead of waiting till second. Start with our best team, attack teams, stop being negative.
Rob: Things I'd change this season - Isaac Pappoe getting injured in Vienna, and having Luca Stephenson back on the books and available for selection for our European games - oh, and no VAR!
Euan: Owen Stirton's extra-time dinked finish against Rapid Vienna to find the net instead of being saved. We might have knocked out a perceived bigger club, had an amazing celebration afterwards, and may well have gone on to reach the group stages of the Conference League.
Oleksa: The intensity, attitude, organisation and selection of players in the games in which the atmosphere tends to be low key. It has been taking the team and management too long to increase the tempo in certain games. This squad seem to thrive on the category A atmosphere and start the game much better. External advice required?
Roy: The manager - for me he is the issue and continues to create a side and style of play that lacks creativity. We consistently pass the ball aimlessly across the back, down the sides and more often than not we end up with a long punt forward that Goodwin can be seen applauding. Teams know how we play and it is very easy to organise a team to defend against us as our play is so slow and predictable.
Dundee United sit just outside the top six after an uneven start to the season.
After suffering a heartbreaking loss to Rapid Vienna in Conference League qualifying, Jim Goodwin's new-look squad have struggled for consistency on the domestic front.
A theme has been strong performances against the Premiership's bigger sides, only to falter against the lesser lights.
The international break provides the chance to pause for breath and reflect after a frenetic few months at Tannadice.
So, if you could change one thing about United's season so far, what would it be?
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Could a point at leaders Hearts be the result that ignites Dundee United's season?
United didn't take the best of form to the capital to face a table-topping side who remain unbeaten.
But Jim Goodwin's team found a way to get something from a match many expected them to lose, as their hosts dropped points for just the third time this season.
United's performance was a throwback to their impressive return to the top flight last season.
And if they can reproduce that trait – of finding a way – more often then momentum will begin to build.
There is a perception the Tannadice men have struggled to hit the heights they reached last term. However, a quick comparison suggests they remain on the right track.
Currently they are seventh on 14 points after 11 games – just two points fewer than the same stage a year ago before they went on to finish fourth.
United fans will certainly be happy if Goodwin's side can achieve anything approaching a repeat of that come May.
Image source, SNSFormer Hearts, Raith Rovers, Leicester and Dundee United coach Gary Kirk has died just days after being appointed as Dunfermline's head scout.
Kirk, 75, who also had a stint as Cowdenbeath manager and spent a large part of his career working alongside Craig Levein, passed away while attending a match in England on Monday.
A statement from Dunfermline read: "A well-known and hugely-respected figure in Scottish football, Gary had only last week joined the club as our full-time head scout for the UK and Ireland and sadly passed away last night while taking in a match south of the border.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
Ronny Costello
Fan writer
I'm not sure if the horses Paul mentioned last week found their stride, but at Tynecastle they at least remembered how to run.
After the confusion of recent weeks with the changing shapes and patchy form plus soft goals, this was a proper United performance again. Brave, aggressive and disciplined. And it came from getting back to basics.
Gorgeous Jim went with a shape the players know. A back three. Energy in midfield. Runners out wide. It gave us structure and it showed. The manager clearly set us up to match Hearts' intensity and for the first time in a few games we didn't look second best.
Yes, we still can't seem to go a game without conceding first. Yes, we still waste good chances, but this felt like a team with a plan.
Amar Fatah's delivery for Luca Stephenson's header was the highlight but the real star was Panutche Camara. The man doesn't stop. He wins the ball, drives forward and sets the tone for everything we do.
Three goals disallowed tells its own story too. We weren't there to hang on, we went after Hearts.
Paul was right to ask for clarity and consistency and at Tynecastle we saw the benefits of both. The shape worked, the attitude was right.
Now the challenge is simple: make that the norm, not the exception.
A week to rest up given the treatment room seems to be getting busier again will hopefully help strengthen the bench when the Bairns come calling next weekend.
Ronny Costello can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external
Image source, Getty ImagesDundee United have enquired about Yelimay Semey's Kazakhstan winger Galymzhan Kenzhebek, 22, who is soon to be out of contract. (Daily Record), external
Dundee United are one of a number of clubs keen on Galymzhan Kenzhebek, who was previously linked with Celtic and Hearts. (The Courier - subscription required), external
Former Dundee United and St Johnstone scout/analyst Stevie Grieve is wanted by Swedish club Helsingborgs and is also on the radar of HJK Helsinki after two successful seasons as head coach at Finnish side SJK Akatemia. (The Courier - subscription required), external
Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter
I am a big fan of Luca Stephenson's endeavour, ability and football brain.
He showed great skill throughout the 1-1 draw at Tynecastle on Sunday and the Dundee United midfielder's header to equalise was perfect.
He takes a spot in my team of the week.
Hearts have been the kings of the set-piece in the Scottish Premiership this season, scoring eight goals from corners and two more from indirect free-kicks.
However, they were undone by a magnificent Dundee United corner routine on Sunday.
Amar Fatah's corner was fizzed to the back post, where Luca Stephenson planted a header into the far corner as United earned a point against the league leaders.
"Fatah is inch-perfect with his delivery and the three on the edge of the six-yard box drive the rest of the Hearts defenders in to create space," Michael Stewart said on Sportscene.
"There's loads of pace on the delivery, so Stephenson just has to guide it back where it's come from."
It was just United's second league goal of the season from corners, but they are likely to be plenty more on that evidence.
We asked for your thoughts after Dundee United drew 1-1 against Premiership leaders Hearts on Sunday.
Here's what some of you said:
Jenny: Very proud of that United performance especially with Will Ferry and Craig Sibbald missing. The team really put their bodies on the line and could have won the game. Shows that those who wrote United off prior to the game were completely wrong as they matched the league leaders. On their day, United with players like Amar Fatah, Luca Stephenson, Zac Sapsford and Panutche Camara are a match for anyone.
Ross: At last, a game we seemed up for from the get-go. Unlucky with both our first offside goal and the deflection off the post (and then Yevhen Kucherenko) for their goal. Whilst the Jambos had the better of the second half, we were dogged and allowed them little or no fodder in front of goal. A yard (twice) was the difference to United adding to their tally (with two other offside goals) but, in retrospect, a point against the league leaders (whoever they may be) cannot be sniffed at. More of the same in future please but could we not have utilised the bench for a final push for all three points?
John: Came to Tynecastle with an apprehension following the previous performance against Motherwell. However once again another United turned up and showed they could match Hearts in every department. There is no doubt that United were as good, if not better. Hearts played around at the back but were pretty ineffective up front and you could see Lawrence Shankland's frustrations. All the while United battled in midfield with Camara again showing he is the find of the season. He was also supported by Sapsford up front who shows some of the best footwork in the league. Fatah also looks like he is improving with every game. Really hope the team realise they can play anyone and kick on.
Steve: A well organised and workman like performance. Far better than waiting until the second half to start playing. Which we've been guilty of in the previous week. Camara and Stephenson were outstanding, but everyone played their part. Had the ball in the net three times only for them all to be ruled out. If only one of them had stood, it could have been a very different day for the Terrors. 1-1 is still a positive result away to the league leaders.
Lee: So much better after last time out. A point away from home to the league leaders, no matter who it is, is a good point. A tough game against a very good Falkirk team up next. Let's see what version of ourselves shows up!
Jim: Best showing in some time. Finally looking like the side that started the season. Made Hearts look ordinary.
