For me, we always look far more dangerous when Shankland is on the park and he should partner Sutton.
I don't know if the pressure of being the man we rely on the make things happen has gotten to Mallan but his form has been poor so far. Maybe a game or two on the bench would recharge him. We've looked for him to do too much and it's not fair on him.
I have to say, I've been very critical of Hutton this season (which I feel has been justified), but he was very good yesterday. Hopefully Fowler can get the bedt out of him again.
Despite his mistake, I really like the look of McKenzie. He's good in the air and a no nonsense defender we have been screaming out for. We can't let Webster back in to this team, he's not good enough any more.
I'm a big fan of Naismith, but he just doesn't look fit. I don't know if it's just a fitness thing or if he's carrying a knock, but he was shattered before half time.
The first goal was unfortunate. Irvine picked up a knock, which wasn't a foul, and United broke and got the goal.
The second goal was poor.
Overall though, that's as well as I've seen us play this season. We lost, but at least it wasn't the usual dismal defeat with no positives. A bit more luck then Shankland would have scored and a bit more clinical and Clarkson woukd have bagged one himself as well. Yes it's a defeat, which is always disappointing, but given a few weeks for the manager to discover his favoured shape and starting 11 then it's only a matter of time till we start taking something from these games.