The Jota playbook that Dundee United ignored as Jim Goodwin delivers brutally honest Celtic verdict

The Tangerines has lost five of their last six Premiership outings and lost in the Scottish Cup to rivals Dundee

Jim Goodwin won’t get in a flap over Dundee United’s recent flop in form.

The Tannadice club have lost five of their last six Premiership games and were bounced out of the Scottish Cup by rivals Dundee. United have also only managed to score twice over the spell – and been leapfrogged by Aberdeen in the race for third after Saturday's Celtic loss.

But Goodwin said: “I think the fixtures and the results of late probably don’t look great on paper but two of those defeats have been at Celtic Park, one at home against Rangers. The other three were narrow 1-0 defeats we believe could have gone either way. So, we are very calm about the situation. We still believe we are in a good position. Got a run of fixtures coming up which have huge significance.

“Seven Cup Finals if you like, in the build up to when the split comes. We have a target in mind and we will keep pushing to achieve it.”

Goodwin is keeping the faith but he admitted his men couldn’t grumble at going down at Parkhead. He said: “We have no arguments about the final outcome, we were beaten by the better team on the day.

“You need Celtic to have an off day when you come here, we were hoping they would have one eye on midweek with the importance of the game but it shows you the mentality of that group and of Brendan Rodgers as well. They have that level of professionalism and consistency. It certainly was not down to a lack of effort from my players. Sometimes you have to compliment the opposition, they are a very good team

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“It shows you the quality that they have that they can make five changes and it doesn’t really weaken the team. They all know their job in the team and they can hurt you a number of different ways, with their pace and their movement in the wide areas. There were difficult times for us in the game. We were disappointed in the first two goals. We made it too easy for McGregor on the edge of the box and then Jota, he can go either side.

“We spoke about this and when he comes inside it is really important you come and meet him. Whether it is centre half or a midfielder, you have to meet him. It is a great finish so I cannot complain too much. Our boys gave it everything, we were just beaten by the better team on the day.”