Rewatch Reaction: Rangers (H)

Only in Dreams

It was a magnificent night in AB24 as the Dons equaled their best ever start to a league season with their ninth win in ten matches. They stay second in the league, only in goal difference. 

Due to the hectic schedule this week, this will be a rapid reaction from the rewatch of the game and not the usual in-depth debrief, which may be welcome news to many of you.

Let’s get down to business.

Tactics

Greame Shinnie’s return to the midfield was the only change from Saturday and on a night where the bookies were humbled, this was an inclusion you could have bet your house on. The two teams mirrored each other’s shape with a double pivot in midfield. The visitors were missing, arguably their biggest threat in Václav Černý which was some welcome news before kick-off, although this was offset with Robin Pröpper dropping to the bench.

First Half

The Dons Press

You should know by now, Aberdeen press in a 4-4-2.  Sokler did seem to advance a bit more and based on his energy he can do the job of two men at times. He cut the field in half and forced the ball to one of the centre-backs. Though Barron and Raskin did drop in at times to the back line to create a three, they rarely were able to play through the lines. Generally the ball went to Tavernier and generally he hit a diagonal into the box which amounted to little in the first period.

Aberdeen Build Up

Through design or circumstance, Aberdeen tended to try and hit the forwards early. Sokler did well again, getting a few flicks on to find teammates.  Rubezic received quite often from Mitov and played to Devlin and though he was aggressively pressed, there did seem to be a few patterns developing there, either through a dribble or a pass. Something to keep an eye on.

McGrath - #10

Though his feeble penalty will dominate the conversation, McGrath had another superb game in the number #10 role. His ability to find space, turn and play through balls, simple in theory but much harder in reality, was critical in allowing Aberdeen to get in behind Rangers within a couple of passes. The situation where Balagoun makes the last-ditch tackle on Sokler, was almost a carbon copy of the Celtic goal. McGrath turns, Sokler, peels off his man and makes the run in between the centre-backs, and the Irishmen delivers the ball right where he wants it.

Summary:

This was as good a half as we’ve seen this season. Though the visitors did have a lof of the ball, it was generally sterile passes at the back. We know Aberdeen are happy to allow this. The Dons were dangerous in attack, not just in transitions, but getting bodies into the box, making smart decisions with possession near the goal. It’s what we’ve been looking for, for years, against one of the Glasgow two.

Second Half

Opposition Changes

Dujon Sterling started the second half in place of McCausland and Rangers made some adjustments to their build up opting for a clearer back three in possession with Barron dropping in. Tavernier and Sterling interchanged and they had some joy on the right-hand side and it’s also possible Duk’s injury played a part.

The Rhythm of the Night

Whether it is the opposition pushing us back, or the team needing refreshed, or a conscious effort to create space for counter attacks, we’ve certainly had a lot of games this season where the opponent has a lot of the ball and we do a lot of defending. Last night was no different and following the interval we had to weather the storm.

These tricky matches will have periods where we have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.  As Pep Guardiola might say, “we have to suffer.” It came too late for the goal, but Thelin realised, and yet again, made impactful subs. In actual fact, prior to Rangers equaliser, Aberdeen had a few decent attacks through Morris and then Keskinen and seemed to be getting back into the game.

All five subs performed well but especially Morris. We will have to wait and see on Duk’s availability for Saturday. The litmus test for Shayden is now whether he can do it from the start. 

Defensive Concerns

It can’t all be positive, and there were some defensive concerns. Firstly, the goal comes from an Aberdeen attack. Defensive transition does seem to be one of the weaker areas of the ‘game model’ right now. Whether we’re not getting pressure on the ball quickly enough when we lose it or not winning the critical duel when it matters, it was a problem against Celtic and reappeared last night. Additionally, there were a number of chances conceded in the air close to goal particularly on set-pieces. Frankie Kent’s goal for Hearts was the only SPFL goal conceded from a corner but a few more are in the post if you ask me.

Throw-Ins

I have to go back and look at this in more detail but Aberdeen seemed very good at keeping the ball from their own throw-ins. There were a number of rotational movements to free a man and a clear plan when they got it.  All this just smacks of the level of detail that is being provided to the players on a daily basis at Cormack Park.

Devlin and MacKenzie

It’s telling, and notwithstanding the effect Thelin can have on previously written off players, that one of the biggest concerns I had during the match was when we were told Jack MacKenzie was going to be replaced by Jimmy McGarry. Thankfully Jack was able to stay on, and he, along with his fellow full back Devlin made a key contribution to the winning goal just like they both did for the first. Defensively they were both solid and won the majority of their duels and yet again they were a major attacking threat, showing boundless energy throughout the 90, despite any knocks may have picked up.

Though we are lucky to have some wonderful players from foreign shores, these two ‘meat and drink’ Scottish players, are fast becoming two of the team’s most important assets. 

Sign the contract, Jack.

Summary

A fantastic result from Aberdeen and a pretty impressive performance too. We have now won two xG games in a row,  so it seems like those figures may be leveling themselves out a well.

This team may not win every game from now until June but they will get better. Now we move on to Saturday but for the moment, let’s all soak it up. The internet is a wonderful place right now, just like Pittodrie. 

COYR

P.S. I’ll be back for a preview of the League Cup Semi-Final on Saturday morning. Enjoy the rest of the week!