Duk was the toast of a packed-out Pittodrie as he returned from exile to help Aberdeen eke out a 3-2 victory over 10-man Hearts and maintain their perfect start to the campaign under Jimmy Thelin.
The Dons extended their remarkable winning run to 13 matches in all competitions but only after being given a huge scare by bottom-of-the-table Hearts, who were on top for long periods until Jorge Grant was sent off in the 75th minute with the match poised at 2-2.
Duk was given a huge ovation from the home support as he came on for his first appearance of the season on the hour mark after being temporarily suspended by the club for going AWOL in the summer.
The striker was the man fouled by Grant as he picked up his second yellow before he laid on an 88th-minute winner for fellow sub Ante Palaversa, sparking delirious scenes among a home support who spent the closing stages singing about their team “going to win the league”, and “bring on the Celtic”, a reference to their next opponents after the international break in what promises to be a mouth-watering top-of-the-table showdown.
Thelin sent out the same team that started the 2-1 win at Dundee the previous week, while interim Hearts boss Liam Fox made six changes to the side that started the Conference League win over Dinamo Minsk in Azerbaijan on Thursday.
Aberdeen got off to the perfect start in the second minute when Topi Keskinen’s shot from the edge of the box took a significant deflection off Kye Rowles and eluded Craig Gordon on its way into the net after Stephen Kingsley had been caught in possession.
The visitors responded strongly and Lawrence Shankland spurned two big chances to equalise before Jamie McGrath made a vital intervention to stop Grant knocking in Daniel Oyegoke’s cross.
Rowles had to get back to make a vital block on Dons striker Kevin Nisbet but Hearts continued to be the more threatening side, with a couple of teasing, inswinging Yan Dhanda crosses from the left just eluding Grant and then Frankie Kent.
A high, looping effort by Dhanda from 25 yards out was tipped over by Dimitar Mitov in the 35th minute, resulting in a corner from which Hearts equalised. James Penrice’s delivery found its way to Shankland, who cleverly dinked the ball back across goal for Kent to nod home.
Shankland – who had been booked on the half hour – was fortunate to avoid a second yellow after a couple of fouls just before the break.
The visitors spurned a glorious chance to go ahead in the 53rd minute when Kenneth Vargas darted clear on goal after capitalising on hesitancy between Jack MacKenzie and Gavin Molloy, but – with the option of squaring to Shankland – the Costa Rican opted to try and chip Mitov, and the ball drifted over the bar.
Duk entered the fray to rapturous applause on the hour but Hearts remained the side in the ascendancy and they took the lead in the 63rd minute when Blair Spittal rifled in a low shot from the edge of the box.
The visitors’ advantage lasted just two minutes, however, as Nicky Devlin – preparing to join up with the Scotland squad this week after earning his first call-up – shot home from 20 yards out. Grant was booked for dissent in the aftermath of the goal and he was then shown his second yellow for chopping down Duk.
The Dons suddenly had the upper hand and after a sustained spell of pressure Palaversa lashed a shot high into the net from a Duk cutback.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. UCL situation now Manchester City's defense (22th) PSG 4-2 Man City (25th) El Cashico tonight PSG COME BACK TO SNATCH THREE VITAL POINTS VS. MAN CITY "Be careful, he is a hero" 53'—PSG 0-2 Man City FT—PSG 4-2 Man City Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, Bleacher...
The Red Devils are on the lookout for a new frontman, either this winter or in the off-season.They may be able to secure the Nigerian's signature through another transfer deal.Per Sky Sports, United's Alejandro Garnacho has reached an agreement to join Napoli.He wants to sign for the Italian club this winter, and the deal may yet include an Osimhen discount.According to Il Mattino, Napoli want to ...
Arsenal interested in Newcastle star Gordon in potential winter moveThe winger was wanted by Liverpool in the summer and pursued the move himself.However, the Magpies held firm and decided that he was not for sale at any price.Per The Athletic, Arsenal are merely keeping themselves informed about Gordon's situation.If Newcastle have any PSR issues in the future, they may pounce with a big offer.Bu...
Marcus Rashford's representatives have held face-to-face talks with Barcelona about the possibility of a move before the transfer deadline, sources have told ESPN.Rashford is available this month after being frozen out at Old Trafford by head coach Ruben Amorim.Sources said that United are willing to listen to loan offers, although they will demand that any interested club must pay at least a port...
But the Red Devils will need to flog at least one of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho or Kobbie Mainoo to fund a striker swoop this month.Selling any of these three homegrown products would hugely benefit United from a PSR perspective.Rashford's £315,000 a week salary makes a move challenging, although he has received interest from Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.Chelsea and Napoli are kee...
Kolo Muani set to complete Juventus loanRandal Kolo Muani is reportedly set to complete a Juventus loan move after Paris Saint-Germain parted ways with Juan Bernat.Postecoglou admits Spurs may end transfer window without further additionsTottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has acknowledged the possibility that the club may not bring in any new players before the transfer window closes. Speaking ahe...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. EPL Week 22 Ronaldo on this day Chelsea eyeing possible Garnacho move IT'S ALWAYS HIM! Which club should El Capitano - @sergioramos JOIN? It was special 2'—Benfica 1-0 Barcelona 13'—Benfica 1-1 Barcelona 22'—Benfica 2-1 Barcelona 30'—Benfica 3-1 Barcelona 64'—Benfica 3-2 Barcelona 68'—Benfica 4-2 Barcelona 78'—Benfica...
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Jack Grealish.Jack Grealish has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester UnitedManchester United are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Jack Grealish, who faces an uncertain future at Manchester City.The former Aston Villa forward has struggled for game time over the last few months and has only scored one goal for City in h...
KYLE WALKER is to join AC Milan after agreeing a 12-month loan deal, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City skipper, 34, is expected in Italy in the coming days before being unveiled to the Rossoneri.Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanHe was poised to join their fierce city rivals, Inter, after telling City of his desire to quit the Etihad but talks broke down over his wages.AC Milan have n...
Lecce's president revealed he met with Manchester United representatives regarding Patrick Dorgu but warned to keep their hands off the player.Man Utd officials met with Lecce for Dorgu Serie A side reportedly want €40m Club president insists player is not for saleWHAT HAPPENED?United are actively exploring options to strengthen their left wing-back position, a role head coach Ruben Amorim s...
- 1 Benjamin Sesko has already said yes to Arsenal
- 2 Joao Felix eyed by ‘very interested club’
- 3 Liverpool flop and ex-Page 3 girl were 'freaked out'
- 4 Shaun Murphy copies Lionel Messi as he sleeps with Masters trophy
- 5 Teen arrested after shock abuse against Kai Havertz's wife Sophia
- 6 Daily Laugh - Chelsea 's back !!
- 7 Man Utd 'consider Jack Grealish transfer'
- 8 Mourinho makes drastic career change and launches 'The Special One' wine
- 9 Ex-Bundesliga star's WAG has intimate tattoo of footballer husband
- 10 City, Frankfurt reach deal for Marmoush