The Dons Debrief: St. Johnstone (A)

Thoughts on Aberdeen's Opening Day Win in Perth

The dust has settled on what is shaping up to be a busy week at AB24. Monday night saw the Dons get off to a successful start to the league campaign live on Sky Sports, or for us in the USA, CBS Sports. Viewers either side of the Atlantic were treated to an uncharacteristically entertaining match for this fixture.

Here’s the key things I noted from the game.

Tactical Game of Three Halves

1. 4-4-2 Dominance
   The game was won on a 25 minute period in the first half. Surprisingly, Thelin in the absence of Clarkson went with a 4-4-2, partnering Miovski up front with Sokler. This matched up with St. Johnstone and for the first half-hour of the game, we were treated to a throwback to the mid-90s.

   The simple fact was that Aberdeen won the matchups across the board. Up front, in central midfield and in the wide areas they, were for a period, relentless and were able to create opportunities within a couple of passes. It was, whisper it, a lot of fun.

2. Saints Stifle Things
   Around 35 minutes St. Johnstone changed to a 3-5-2. The extra man at the back and in midfield reduced Aberdeen’s control in midfield and ability to get in behind. Saints actually finished the first half stronger and the opening exchanges of the second half were scrappy without any incident of real note.
   
   Aberdeen’s tactical advantage in this situation, 2v1s in wide areas and quick diagonal switches was not really grasped and they did not create many chances against this setup in the period until the second goal.
   

3. McGrath Seals It

   The second goal from Aberdeen changed the perspective again as the Dons were happy to play more naturally on the break. There were certainly chances to go three ahead if the final pass had been better.
   
   Defensively, after Molloy’s late own-goal, they held firm and dealt with deep crosses and set-pieces very well. However there was a lack of control and common sense with the ball in this period, as Thelin alluded to in his post game interview, that made things harder than it could have been.

So what does all this tell us, other than that I’m a negative bastard.

• Tempering of the enthusiasm: Yes it was a very exciting first half, but on reviewing the game, and considering the tactical adjustments that were made, I am not certain that this gives us the truest indication of what the season holds. If Saints had gone with a back three from the off, it might have been a very different outcome. It’s unlikely we will also play 4-4-2 every week ourselves and of course, we had Miovski up front which was a key factor in our success on Monday. In the end we did find the solution to get the second goal, but there were less visible attacking patterns during the middle third of the match.

• Thelin is not afraid: All that being said, the Swede was brave to go with two up top, and showed a lot of faith in his midfield duo. His adaptability this early on was impressive as we all expected a 4-2-3-1, especially when you think he may be trying to embed his ideas in. Whilst I don’t believe we’re looking at peak Kevin Keegan we’ll score one more than you, it is clear that he sets the team up to ensure they carry a threat. The method will just change depending on the circumstances.

• What are we expecting? Games ebb and flow. We’re a work in progress as has been stated numerous times. Most importantly we went to an away ground and for a good half hour gave them a proper hiding, in the way one of the Ugly Sisters might. Yes it was nervy at the end but the defence kept it tight. For fuck sake, it was an away win. Who can forgot those dismal days of Glass and Goodwin when we were only capable of winning matches in Aberdeen.

McGrath Magic

The Irishman was quite magnificent. His technical ability was highlighted as he received the ball in tight spaces and beat his man or connected with his teammates.

He’s not a natural left winger (or midfielder) but the extra space is allowing him more freedom to get on the ball. He provided width when required but mainly tucked inside to connect with the central midfielders and front two.

Though there were not many instances in this match the relationship with MacKenzie is blossoming. As mentioned, McGrath is playing narrow, particularly when the ball is on the opposite flank, and MacKenizie is providing the width. This is something I’ll try and write about in greater depth over the coming weeks as it seems to be one of the early imprints Thelin has put on the team.

McGrath’s contract situation is starting to create some panic amongst the support and rightly so. He’s been one of our best performers and losing him for nothing at the end of the season, would not represent the best advert for our ‘player trading model.’

Patterns Appearing

One of the most notable elements of Aberdeen’s attacks has been the speed of combinations in the final third. Miovski was probably the best exponent of receiving a pass and dropping it off quickly, or turning it round the corner to a forward runner. This is often combined with a ‘third man run’. So, forward pass, lay off, through ball - ‘Up, back and through’ as it is known, perfectly illustrated with McGrath’s goal.

These one touch passes require greater technical ability as was shown with Nielsen’s superb through ball, but they also hint at work from the training field being implemented on the field. A good sign. We’ve got a coach who wants to coach.

St. Mirren Test

It is a testament to Aberdeen’s struggles over the last few seasons, and the job that Stephen Robinson has done with the Paisley side, that St. Mirren at home, even after a European match on a Thursday, brings some trepidation. It will however, be another stepping stone. The Buddies will be organized and physical and have pace in their side.

A victory for the Dons, a few new signings in the door, and we can start to believe, that things are really looking up,

Enjoy the game. COYR.