In before the moans: we are close to the top of the league, but we are where we should be and things could be a lot better. Nothing has ever been won by comparing to when you were shit.
1. Urgency
A frustrating trend that has been developing since the beginning of the October slump. It seems to take the concession of a goal or the appearance of the injury time board to awaken the players from nonchalant attacking efforts.
2. Substitutions
It can’t be hard for the opposition to prepare for games against Aberdeen. You know the line up as soon as the team news has been announced in Thursday’s press conference. You know who’s going to come on almost to the minute. Games that have been crying out for a substitution with 30 minutes to go have been left to trundle along.
3. Captaincy
Ryan Jack is not a captain and never will be. Leading by example, keeping heads up, keeping the officials in check or providing inspiration – Jack fails on every single count. His own game has taken a severe dip too. Stupid – when you have the current Scottish Cup winning captain in your side. Stop trying to make it work.
4. Forwards
Adam Rooney must start every game. His strike rate is around 3 in every 5 games. However, outwith scoring goals inside the box, he offers little else to the team. Kenny McLean must be given somewhat of a free role ahead of the midfield where he is clearly at his most effective.
5. Midfield
The number of times the opposition pick up a loose ball deep in their own half and are able to run with it to within 30 yards of the Dons goal is astonishing. Jonny Hayes has the pace and willingness to challenge for the ball to improve this aspect instantly, and has already had a successful stint in the middle for Aberdeen which seems to have been forgotten.
6. Crossing
The standard of crossing is a complete joke. The only player seemingly capable of consistently crossing a ball properly at the moment is Peter Pawlett (when he’s on the pitch, and on corners, and free-kicks…).
7. Movement
The lack of movement at throw ins, dead balls and when the ball is in the Aberdeen half is purely lazy and some players, dare it be said, are hiding. Graeme Shinnie stands out just by moving all the time either to receive the ball or make space for others. Meanwhile his teammates point anywhere but themselves and often stand behind an opponent.
8. Title talk
The one game at a time approach may keep feet on the ground, but it’s also very apparent at times it could be done without. Taking 8 touches in your own half when the scores are level in the final 5 minutes is not the sign of a team with the belief they are in a title race.
9. Shooting
Aberdeen have had 37 shots off target in the last 4 games, or 67% of all shots, most of which have ended up in row Z. The Dons have in fact had more shots in the last 4 games than any other team in the league, yet have still dropped 4 points. Needless to say, if they’re not on target, they’re not going in.
10. Nosebleeds
This team should have enough about them to stop getting dizzy at the top. It seemed like the thumping handed out to Hearts at Tynecastle had put an end to this mental block, but a more spectacular tits up of a following month there could not have been. Multiple chances to go top again since then have pitifully passed by.
Too long, didn’t read:
