St Johnstone 3-0 Aberdeen – Talking Points

Aberdeen are crumbling under pressure

If optimistic Aberdeen supporters hosted secrets hopes of their title ambitions still being alive, their sides’ 3-0 humbling at McDiarmid Park would have crushed them. Aberdeen have built a reputation in recent months of being a ‘Hibs of the north’ – perennial second-placers. When Celtic dropped points and all focus turned on Aberdeen, the Dons crumbled under the pressure. And so the title will remain at Parkhead. It’s become a little too predictable.

It was as frustrating a sight for Derek McInnes as it was for the travelling 1,400 Aberdeen supporters, who tried their upmost to gee on their labouring team. The Dons manager rubbed his forehead after David Wotherspoon’s superb free-kick, and it was down-hill from there. David Wotherspoon added a second soon after, giving the Saints a comfortable lead heading into the break. Zander Clark, replacing Alan Mannus, had been a mere bystander, his net so untested. You’d perhaps think that Aberdeen, resting after that shocking first-half performance and receiving some deservedly harsh words from McInnes, would come out all guns blazing, to at least go down with some respect. You’d think wrong. The Dons appeared devoid of confidence, ideas and creation, and Liam Craig exploited their nervous and open defence to add to a third ten minutes after the restart. The game was over; the race for the title had ended.

The same problem occurred at the end of last season. The Dons lost three of their final four games and finished 17 points behind Celtic. This time, Aberdeen have lost three of their last four, and are in danger of being caught by Hearts. McInnes needs a late-season resurgence. If not to fight for the title, then at least to end the season with their heads held high.

 

Zander Clark deserves a chance

The all-Championship Scottish Cup final did have a knock-on effect on the Premiership: fourth place will not earn a European qualification place. In a sense it means the season might as well be over for the top-six clubs. Celtic, Aberdeen and Heart of Midlothian are all comfortable in their respective places, leaving little to fight for in the remaining fixtures. The other three teams have nothing to chase – there’s no reward, apart from financial, for finishing higher. Tommy Wright admitted as much prior to kick-off but said that it at least meant he could rotate his squad and offer chances to more peripheral players.

Zander Clark falls into that category. The young goalkeeper impressed during a loan spell at Dumbarton and remained at McDiarmid Park this season as second-choice back-up to Alan Mannus. It’s an unfortunate predicament in a sense. Mannus, although not able to replicate the consistent form that helped the Saints reach Europe, is one of the better ‘keepers in the division. It would be unfair to drop Mannus based on the occasional off performance, but it’s also unfair to limit Clark to sporadic appearances. Against Aberdeen he produced some decent saves, looked sharp and exuded confidence – although the Dons didn’t test him often.

Clark deserves more game time, and that might mean leaving St Johnstone. It would be a shame to see a bright, developing goalkeeper stuck on the bench.

 

But Derek McInnes needs another goalkeeper

Adam Bogdan made such a bad impression in his couple of starts for Liverpool that he helped cost Aberdeen a chance at the Scottish Premiership title. Jurgen Klopp, afraid at the damage his second-choice goalkeeper might inflict on the Reds, made the quick and unsurprising decision to bring Danny Ward back to Anfield. Ward had made a notable impression at Pittodrie, cementing his position at the club’s first-choice ‘keeper and putting in good enough performances to warrant his own chant. His departure was a setback.

It must have been a strange situation for Scott Brown. Derek McInnes hadn’t had enough faith in him to keep him as his first-choice, opting to bring Ward in on loan, and he must’ve been aware of this. He was a second-choice option. But this situation at least offered Brown the chance to prove he was the goalkeeper Aberdeen needed. If that was his hope, he’s failed. His performance against St Johnstone confirmed that.

Although David Wotherspoon’s angled free-kick tucked into the near corner, leaving Brown with some room to make up, the Dons goalkeeper had put himself in this impossible situation. He’d taken up a poor position, offering far too much open space, and reacted late – something he did often in this game – to the shot. Minutes later he was again picking the ball out of the back of the net, although on this occasion the referee had saved him. He’d come sprinting out to punch a cross but tripped over the feet of an Aberdeen defender. The Saints fired the ball into the net; Craig Thomson, however, must’ve thought Brown had been fouled and decided on a free-kick. The second looked little better for Brown. He didn’t react at all to Steven MacLean’s little flick-on and repositioned his hands about three seconds after the Saints had started celebrating.

The goalkeeping position is one that McInnes needs to sort out this summer. Brown, average most of the time, offers no confidence to his backline, who need it in spades at the moment, and he’s not the sort of keeping to put in an inspiring performance. He’s bang-average. There are better options in the division: Michael McGovern is out of contract at the end of the season. If McInnes wants to put in a better challenge for the title next season, which will be more difficult given Deila not being in the Celtic job and Rangers returning, he’ll need to sign a stronger number one.

 

 

 

Five Things We Learned From Rangers V Celtic

Time is up for Deila

There was a brief flicker of hope for Ronny Deila. After being serenaded with chants of ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’, Tom Rogic equalised in extra-time and handed the Celtic manager a lifeline. But Rogic gave, and Rogic hath taken away. As the Aussie midfielder fired his penalty into the atmosphere, endangering the lives of those on board in the International Space Station, the blue half of Hampden erupted and a despondent look crept on to Deila’s face. Perhaps it was at this moment he realised that he’d run out of time.

The performance exemplified some of the notable problems that Deila and the board have created. Dedryck Boyata was withdrawn after a shambolic 25 minutes, proving that the Norwegian manager has yet to find a settled defence; Gary Mackay-Steven and Stefan Johansen offered little creativity, as supporters and critics alike questioned why Kris Commons sat unused on the bench; and Scott Brown continued his decline, failing to take control of a game he’d usually thrive in. All of these problems are of his creation; ones that might come back to haunt Celtic.

The Hoops should be far ahead of their arch-rivals. Rangers have had to rebuild from scratch; Celtic possess the resources to have built a comfortable lead over their nearest challengers. Deila’s side might be on course to lift their fifth-straight league title, but that can’t mask their failures in other competitions. Celtic crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers twice; failed to pick up a single win in their short-lived Europa League campaign; and have won just one of the four available domestic trophies – the 2014/15 League Cup.

All of this – their failings in the cup, in the transfer market, and in building a squad capable of reaching the Champions League – culminated in that performance against Rangers. It was a damning indictment of Deila’s tenure.

 

Rangers are ready for the top four

It’s been a fun four years for Scottish football supporters. Rangers, once a bully, beating up all the smaller kids, reduced to a laughing stock. Incompetence at all levels, from the pitch, to the touchline, to the boardroom, made them a joke figure that kept on giving; who can forget their defeats to Stirling Albion and Peterhead in League Two, or their complete collapse against Alloa Athletic in the Challenge Cup? Great times. Then Rangers had to go and spoil the fun. Things behind the scenes calmed and the club, shockingly, hired a talented manager in Mark Warburton.

This season Rangers cantered to the Championship title – no thanks to Hibs’ recent run of embarrassing results. It’s clear that the first-team has improved immeasurably, with a clear strategy and a host of young, promising talents, but there’s still a question to be answered: how will the Gers fare in the Premiership?

This smooth and gifted side laboured against Kilmarnock and crashed out of the League Cup at the hands of St Johnstone, who countered to great effect. Both performances gave little credence to the suggestion that Rangers would be challenging for the title. But the Gers smashed Dundee, before this inspiring performance against Celtic. Yes they beat Celtic, but they did it in style; keeping possession, passing the ball around, staying composed under a mountain of pressure. This team has talent in abundance. Improvements will have to be made in the summer. There are questions about the centre-backs, and Rangers could also do with a more clinical striker – one who doesn’t need penalties to reach double figures. A title push might be a little too optimistic – winning a league is about performing over 38 games, not just one – but top four is on the cards.

 

We’ve missed the Old Firm derby

Most of us hate the old ‘Scottish football is nothing outside the Old Firm’ argument. It’s insulting and ignorant. There are 40 other clubs in the SPFL, and it’s disrespectful to them all to believe that Scottish football revolves around Celtic and Rangers. This mind-set, which seems prevalent among ex-Old Firm players and the media, has created a backlash against the two, to the point where some fans would be pleased to see them both bugger off to England. And that would be a shame.

I hate all the media attention the teams get; I hate all the long-forgotten ex-pros clambering out of the woodwork to give their two-pence on the game – one which they’ve not watched in a decade; and I hate all the vitriol; the abuse that people involved in the game receive for stating an opinion. But I love the match. I love the passion and the atmosphere, the tension and the desire. It’s something that no other match in Scotland generates. Yes, the Dundee, Edinburgh and Highland derbies all do this, but not on the same scale. It feels like an international event. Scottish football would be poorer without it.

 

Miller has stepped up in Waghorn’s absence

With Rangers’ Premiership status for next season confirmed, preparations have begun. Who do Rangers no longer need? Where could the team strengthen? Will this player make the grade at a higher level? These are the questions Mark Warburton will be asking about his squad. One player such questions have been asked about is Kenny Miller, and yesterday he answered quite a few of them.

The veteran striker is 36. You can’t build a team around someone of that age. Yet, in Martyn Waghorn’s absence, the Rangers attacker has stepped up to the plate, and against Celtic delivered a performance he’d have been proud of a decade ago. No, he can’t last a full 90 minutes, nor does he have that burst of pace to speed past an opponent. But he has developed. It would be unfair to label him as a simple poacher. Yes, he gets into good positions and finishes chances from close-range, but he’s more than that. Against Celtic, ignoring the goal, he had a great time operating as a false-nine, dropping deep and picking out the wingers. It’s something he also did against Falkirk to great effect, seeing runs and space, and putting simple but effective balls behind the defence for quicker players to make use of.

It’s expected that at his age he’ll be used in more limited fashion next season. He’ll be an experienced head, offering advice, and perhaps helping out from the coaching side of things. But these recent performances, including against Celtic, showed that Miller’s still got something to offer Rangers.

 

Scott Brown might be done

One word I’d never thought I’d use to describe a Scott Brown performance: invisible. Yet no other term better sums up his performance against Rangers. It was the sort of encounter the Celtic skipper used to thrive in; putting in full-blooded, strong challenges to get the Celtic supporters roaring; bossing the midfield and refusing to let his team-mates shirk their responsibilities; doing as much as he could to make an impact on the game. He used to be the absolute perfect man and captain for such an occasion. Used to be.

Against Rangers he floated about, losing possession, making mistakes. He didn’t even attempt to break an ankle or two. But this isn’t something limited to this game; he’s performed like this, for Celtic and Scotland, all season. It’s become a problem for Deila and Celtic supporters. You don’t want to lose faith in a character like him, place him on the scrap-heap at the age of 30, and admit that he’s past his best. The one thing, though, that stands out is his confidence. Perhaps I’m wrong, but Brown looks like he’s nervous. He looks unsure on the ball and seems to second-guess himself, and that’s something else I’d never thought I’d write about Scott Brown. Unless he drags himself out of this rut, his career at Celtic might be coming to a premature, and sad, end.

Aberdeen’s best chance in a generation?

Aberdeen’s title challenge is in tatters. Derek McInnes admitted as much after he watched his side slip from a goal-up to lose 2-1 at Tynecastle, with a performance that summed up many of the problems that have hindered the Dons’ chances of claiming their first league title since 1985. It might have been a pipe-dream for Aberdeen supporters and neutrals alike, but now it’s over. Worst of all, it might have been their best chance for a generation.

You only have to look at the circumstances surrounding this title push. Celtic are a shambles. Ronny Deila has failed miserably in his efforts to lead the Bhoys to the Champions League, which is the minimum expected of him. That’s the basis of Celtic’s future success. It’s not just the money, but also the prestige and the fact that it attracts young talents to Parkhead; a system that worked under Neil Lennon for both the benefit of the fans and the club coffers. Deila, and a tight board, has built a disjointed team that relies too heavily on the goal-scoring efforts of Leigh Griffiths; a side that has Carlton Cole and Colin Kazim-Richards as second and third-choice strikers. This is not the Celtic of old. This is not even the Celtic of three years ago. A competent manager would have won the league by now. Aberdeen’s title challenge is as much to do with Deila’s failings and Celtic’s woefulness in the transfer market as it is to do with the Dons.

Then there’s Rangers. The soon-to-be-Premiership club have been out of the top flight since 2012, leaving a huge gap open for another team to challenge Celtic. Aberdeen stepped up. But as Rangers, and their substantially stronger financial base, return to the Premiership, have the Dons missed their best opportunity to win the title? The fact that it’s been over 30 years since a team outside the Old Firm lifted the trophy highlights the unlikelihood of both Celtic and Rangers having poor seasons. It would be the equivalent of both Manchester clubs, Arsenal and Chelsea stuttering, and Leicester City winning the Premier League…

Actually, that’s a bad example.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to make a joke at Aberdeen’s expense. I, like many, would have loved to have seen the Dons lift the title; to have broken the stranglehold of the Old Firm; to have given some hope, however faint, that there’s light at the end of the tunnel for Scottish clubs outside of Celtic and Rangers. It’s been a brilliant few seasons for teams like Inverness Caledonian Thistle, St Johnstone and Ross County, who’ve had success in the cup competitions. But the league is different. It’s not a matter of catching Celtic on an off-day, or getting the luck of the draw. The Premiership is about being the best team in Scotland; being the best team over 38 games. Unfortunately, Aberdeen, as close as they’ve pushed a poor-Celtic side, couldn’t do this on a regular enough basis.

While it could be argued that Celtic rely too much on Griffiths, there’s absolutely no doubt that Aberdeen rely too heavily on Adam Rooney. The potent striker has scored 19 goals this season – that’s a whopping 34% of their goals over the course of the campaign. While Simon Church has proved to be a crucial addition in his absence, scoring some vital goals, there’s not been enough from the likes of Niall McGinn, Kenny McLean or Jonny Hayes. Aberdeen faced the same problem last season – I even wrote a blog about it back then – and McInnes has done nothing to address this issue. Ultimately it’s been a deciding factor.

Problems at the back have also cost points, as they did against Hearts. The Dons were handed a huge blow when Liverpool recalled Danny Ward, leaving the distinctly average Scott Brown as the only option to stand between the sticks. But he hasn’t been helped by his centre-backs. Just watch the goals they conceded on Friday evening. No one tried to close down Alim Ozturk when he brought the ball to within shooting distance, and neither Mark Reynolds nor Ash Taylor reacted quick enough to the perfectly-timed run of Juanma, who pounced on Brown’s sloppy rebound to equalise; both centre-backs half-heartedly raised their arms in the air, desperately hoping for an offside, as Brown lambasted the defensive duo.

The second was another example of a lack of awareness. Taylor was still on the floor, recuperating from a challenge, as McLean lofted a quick free-kick out to the far side. Graeme Shinnie, meanwhile, came into the midfield area to help Taylor with his knock. You can see where this is going. The free-kick missed its intended target, went out for a throw-in to Hearts, and started a counter-attack that left Reynolds as the lone defender. He was dragged out of position – although even he made a contribution by failing to block, or at least postpone, the cross – and that opened up acres of space for Juanma to make a simple header past Brown. Shinnie and a limping-Taylor arrived seconds later.

I’d like to say that there’s still hope for Aberdeen. So frequently this season we’ve written them off, only for Celtic to slip up and for the race to be back on – it’s actually gotten quite frustrating. Their win over Celtic back in September, sending them top of the table, coincided with a sudden drop in form through October; they closed to within three points of Celtic before losing to Inverness and falling six points behind; and in mid-March they sat one point off the Hoops, before, of course, losing to Motherwell. Celtic gave them chance-after-chance of taking the title; Aberdeen gave Celtic chance-after-chance of retaining it. It almost feels like a competition of who wants it least.

But next season Rangers are back, and there’s a chance that Celtic will hire a competent manager and open the chequebook to counter the threat of their arch-rivals ending their title-run. That, ultimately, could end Aberdeen’s chances. They don’t have the financial power, they don’t have the strength-in-depth, and they don’t have the consistency. Unfortunately, this feels like a season of ‘if only’.

 

Matches to watch out for this weekend

CHAMPIONSHIP: QUEEN OF THE SOUTH V RAITH ROVERS

This could be the match that decides the team that finishes fourth in the Championship. Should Raith Rovers escape Palmerston Park with anything more than a loss and they will be guaranteed a place in the play-offs. It could cap off what’s been an astonishing run for the Kirkcaldy club. Raith have collected 24 points from their last eleven games, lost just once – a 2-0 defeat at Ibrox, and scalped Hibernian when Alan Stubbs’ side visited Stark’s Park a couple of weeks ago. And just last weekend Rangers had to settle for a point. The boisterous travelling support, 3-2 up in added time, the title in their grasp, were silenced as Harry Panayiotou rifled in a late equaliser. What’s more amazing is the sudden goal rush. In this 11 game spell Raith have notched 22 goals; it had taken them all 21 games of the campaign prior to this run to accumulate the same amount. It’s this threat that Queen of the South will have to combat on Saturday.

The Doonhamers themselves haven’t been short of a goal in recent weeks, but, unlike Raith, there’s been little reward for their efforts. James Fowler’s team have scored 17 in their last ten – a rate not dissimilar to Raith’s – but collected just ten points from those outings. Their last couple of games have highlighted their strengths and weaknesses. Against both Rangers and Falkirk the Doonhamers found themselves behind. The Gers took what looked like an unassailable lead, going 4-1 up in the 55^th minute. But Queen of the South battled back and reduced the lead to one; unfortunately time ran out on them before they could snatch a point. Last weekend goals from Blair Alston and John Baird put Falkirk two up, before Derek Lyle and Iain Russell struck back to grab a point against the travelling Bairns.

With just a point needed for Raith to guarantee a top-four finish, both teams are going to be pushing for three points. It should be a thrilling match.

 

 

LEAGUE ONE: COWDENBEATH V BRECHIN CITY

Imagine being Darren Dods last weekend. The Brechin manager watched his side scratch-and-claw to their fifth win in six matches, a 1-0 win over struggling Stenhousemuir, and he must have at least entertained the idea that the result will have lifted his team off the bottom of the table. Not so, I’m afraid. As Brechin claimed a crucial three points against the Warriors, their relegation rivals were also celebrating important wins. Apparently wins are like London buses to League One relegation candidates. Forfar Athletic strolled to a 2-0 win against second-place Peterhead and Cowdenbeath bested third-place Ayr United at Central Park. What were the odds that all three teams would win?

Forfar face the toughest tie of the weekend: a trip to East End Park to visit the champions, Dunfermline. It helps make this tie the most interesting of the round. Should Cowdenbeath claim three points, the Blue Brazil will create a five-point lead over Brechin; if the Hedgemen win they’ll move above Cowdenbeath. Stenhousemuir have been dragged into this relegation scrap as well. The Warriors are in terrible form and are just one point ahead of Cowdenbeath. If they lose at the Excelsior, and either Brechin or Cowdenbeath win, they’ll be edging towards the drop-zone. This is not the time to drop points.

One would imagine that, unlike the Queen of the South v Raith Rovers tie, this will be a tight affair. Neither team can afford to drop points and gift them to their relegation rivals; expect both to defend in numbers and try to sneak three points.

 

 

LEAGUE TWO: BERWICK RANGERS V CLYDE

Speaking of must win games. Clyde have been doing their upmost to hand East Fife the League Two title, losing at home to Arbroath and then letting Montrose score three before snatching a 90^th minute equaliser from the spot. Results last weekend gave the Fifers a four point lead heading into the final four rounds of fixtures. The Bully Wee entertain East Fife at Broadwood next weekend and thus can’t afford to drop points against Berwick Rangers if they still have ambitions of lifting the title. But this is going to be a tough match.

Berwick have the third strongest form in the league. After collecting just 22 points from their opening 22 games of the season, the English club have picked up 18 from their last ten matches. In that time they’ve lost just two games – a 2-1 defeat at Broadwood and a 1-0 loss against Annan Athletic. More impressive is their home form. The Black and Gold are undefeated in their last seven at Shielfield Park. In their last four home games they’ve beaten Elgin City, Stirling Albion, Arbroath and Montrose; it’s as tough a ground to visit as any at the moment.

If East Fife defeat Montrose in Methil and Clyde lose, it will create a seven point gap, with just three games to go. Essentially, any hopes of attaining automatic promotion to League One is over.

Weekend Betting Tips

ELGIN CITY V ANNAN ATHLETIC

With five rounds of matches remaining, it looks as though the race for the League Two title is going to come down to the wire. Last weekend threw up some surprising results. East Fife’s 1-1 draw with Queen’s Park actually widened the Fifers’ lead at the top of the table, as both Clyde and Elgin City fell to defeats to Arbroath and Berwick Rangers respectively. Now just six points separate the top five. No one can afford to slip up.

Annan Athletic looked like they had left it late for a comeback, but last weekend’s results tossed them a lifeline, and the Galabankies stormed to a 5-0 thrashing of Montrose. Elgin, on the other hand, dropped to third after the loss at Shielfield Park. Jim Weir’s team are struggling for form: they’ve won just three of their last ten and lost three-on-the-bounce coming into this crucial game. Both teams need three points.

 

Bet: both teams to score

These games have often been thrilling contests. This match pits the joint-third highest scoring team against the top scoring team – something that’s been reflected in their past meetings. All three of their matches against each other this season have ended with both teams scoring, and two have finished with over 2.5 goals. One would expect that not to change on Saturday, and for the result to be a high-scoring one.

 

Take a chance: both teams to score and Annan to win

Elgin might have lost just one home game this season – against East Fife at the start of March – but Annan are more than capable of becoming the second team to win at Borough Briggs. Jim Chapman’s side ran rampant at Links Park, running out 5-0 victors, as things started clicking back into place for them. If Annan can recreate such a performance this weekend, the points are there’s for the taking.

 

STRANRAER V AIRDRIEONIANS

It’s the fight no one wants to win. Who will finish fourth and grab the third play-off spot? Stranraer have turned their form around since Christmas, when they sat rooted to the bottom of the table, and are currently in prime position to snatch the chance of promotion. However, Airdrieonians and Albion Rovers are still in the chase. The rivals drew last weekend, a result which might’ve left them miles behind, but Stranraer lost out at Somerset Park and the gap remains at three points – and both the Diamonds and Rovers have a game-in-hand. A win for either team at Stair Park on Saturday could play a huge part in deciding who’ll be facing Peterhead, Ayr United and a Championship team – probably Livingston or Dumbarton – for a chance to be in the second tier next season.

 

Bet: Stranraer to win

Ignoring the defeat to Ayr, Stranraer are a team in form. Prior to that loss the Blues had gone undefeated in four, and picked up wins over Stenhousemuir, Albion Rovers and Forfar Athletic. Airdrieonians, meanwhile, are winless in four. Danny Lennon’s team were held by Rovers and Forfar, and were defeated by Peterhead and Brechin City – these results coming after Eddie Wolecki Black suffered a stroke during the 3-1 win over Cowdenbeath at the beginning of March.

 

Take a chance: under 2.5 goals

This is more a reflection on Airdrieonians than Stranraer. Five of their last six games have finished with under 2.5 goals; for Stranraer that figure is three in six. Neither team are high scorers. That should make for a tight contest.

 

RAITH ROVERS V RANGERS

Bet: both teams to score

Normally you’d predict Rangers to steamroll Raith on the path to another three points. But against Falkirk and St Mirren the Gers’ defence conceded three goals in each game, which accounts for 25% of their goals against this season. It’s an astonishing statistic. What’s happening? In both matches Rangers held comfortable leads, and perhaps that’s part of the problem; is the team going to sleep, letting errors slip into their game, because their concentration goes? Can Raith take advantage of this?

The Rovers are one of the in-form teams in Scotland. Ray McKinnon’s side have lost one in their last ten – a 2-0 defeat at Ibrox – and have picked up seven wins. It’s a run of form that’s lifted them into fourth and created a 13 point gap over Greenock Morton. This all began when Raith started scoring goals again. They’ve scored 19 goals in those past ten games; eight in the ten before it.

 

Take a chance: Raith to win

This is about a big a chance one can take betting on Scottish football. It’s a risk betting against either of the Old Firm clubs, but I believe that Rangers’ current defensive woes and Raith’s sparkling form could cause an upset at Stark’s Park. It’s an outside chance, but one worth taking.