Robinson vows to end Aberdeen's goal drought after 'depressing' defeat by St Johnstone
Aberdeen's search for goals is fast becoming a crisis of identity. Stephen Robinson's side dominated the ball and registered a season-high 22 shots on Sunday, yet left Pittodrie beaten at home by newly promoted St Johnstone — a fifth blank in eight league games this season.
The Dons have managed just seven goals in their first eight Scottish Premiership fixtures, four of which came in a 4-0 rout of Motherwell. The sides had arrived level on eight points after seven matches, with St Johnstone marginally better off on goals scored — and by full-time it was the visitors who had found a way, leaving the home fans who stayed until the end to jeer their beleaguered team.
Aberdeen legend Willie Miller summed it up on the final whistle in one word: "depressing".
'Aberdeen got what they deserved'
Miller delivered a damning verdict on a performance in which Aberdeen had 65% possession and attempted a season-high number of shots and passes, but with little quality behind either number. St Johnstone goalkeeper Toby Steward had only two impressive saves to make.
"Very little was done when Aberdeen had the ball, and St Johnstone didn't have to think too much about defending. It got so predictable," Miller said. "The centre-backs were playing long balls. They had three wide players and couldn't punch holes in a St Johnstone side who are not noted for their defence. Aberdeen got what they deserved."
The lack of creativity was stark. Substitutes Lewis Smith, Tony Yogane and Hicham Mahou — making his Aberdeen debut — did at least get involved, but far too many crosses either sailed over red shirts or failed to beat the first man.
Attacking stats confirm creative worries
Aberdeen are not alone in their barren run — Falkirk and Kilmarnock are both also on seven goals from eight games — but the Dons' targets are far loftier given their superior budget. The underlying numbers make for grim reading:
- Aberdeen's expected goals (xG) of 8.3 is the lowest in the league, so they are not even missing a host of chances.
- Just 2.9 shots on target per match is the worst record in the division.
- The 12 big chances created across eight games is another joint-low.
One frustration against St Johnstone was that Aberdeen did manufacture two big chances, and one fell to the man they would want it to. Kevin Nisbet was put one-on-one by a brilliant through ball, but the striker seemed to panic and had his shot easily saved. Nisbet has netted 43% of the team's league goals — three of seven — from just five shots on target.
Robinson: 'We need people to step up'
"Outwith Kevin Nisbet, we're not scoring enough goals," Robinson admitted post-match. "We need people to step up."
The head coach acknowledged the issue but was adamant his players can find the solution. "What I see in training is that we have that quality. We've not been able to convert that," he said. "It's the hardest bit of the game. You see teams like Rangers and Celtic struggling to break down teams that sit deep. We're no different. There's no hiding place. Our last pass, last decision, wasn't what I know it can be today."
"Do I believe they can? Yeah, but we have to be brave to do that."
Is history repeating at Pittodrie?
Fans may point to St Mirren's lack of goals under Robinson last season. The Buddies scored 30 across the campaign — the worst record in the league by 10 goals — although Robinson departed in March to take over at Pittodrie. The season before, when the Northern Irishman guided the Paisley side to a third consecutive top-six finish, they scored more goals than Aberdeen and Dundee United, who also finished in the top half — often without a proven, consistent goalscorer in the ranks.
It is not a problem that has plagued Robinson before, so perhaps he can find the answer — or perhaps his side is simply missing a bit of "good fortune", as Miller suggested on Sportsound.
What do the fans think?
The frustration among the Pittodrie faithful is palpable. Darren wrote: "Zero goals at home again, against a newly promoted club, following a goalless draw with bottom club Kilmarnock. There's absolutely no joy in watching Aberdeen anymore, we've forgotten how to play football and score goals. There's a brand new team every year. Something is broken, and loyal fans deserve so much more than what Robinson is serving up."
Neil focused on the setup: "Three centre halves at home to St Johnstone, with no wingers and no pace. Was always going to be a struggle. Don't create chances and the few we do, we are not clinical enough. Very poor."
Alan was blunt about the squad: "Robinson keeps harping on about what he sees in training but what he doesn't appreciate is, it's mediocrity versus dross. Any modestly-equipped player will look good. Bottom line, we are mediocre at best having signed no quality."
Robert rejected the manager's comparison with the Old Firm: "To say Rangers and Celtic struggle to break down teams is a pathetic excuse. The difference is they do break down teams that sit in to get three points. Aberdeen are just simply clueless when it comes down to having the quality pass or movement. At this rate, a top six finish is beyond us."
Graham added: "Nowhere near good enough from the players. No quality in front of goal and still clearly need a number nine. Robinson needs to accept his part in this weekly dross but the players need to play for Aberdeen and each other."
And John concluded: "To say the team's display was disappointing is an understatement. We were absolutely awful. St Johnstone did enough to stop us from scoring. Afraid our cash is being spent on quantity and not quality. A lot of problems from the top down."
Robinson's mettle, though, is not in doubt. The manager must now act fast to ensure this barren run does not become a fatal flaw in Aberdeen's season.