Aberdeen's poor run of form continues
Aberdeen 1 - 2 Ross County
Aberdeen’s struggles deepened as their winless run hit nine games with a 2-1 home defeat to Ross County, who notched their second consecutive away victory in the Scottish Premiership.
A closer look at what happened at a snowy Pittodrie
Ross County, buoyed by breaking a 15-month away drought last week, deservedly took the lead at a snow-swept Pittodrie. Akil Wright’s stunning 30-yard strike flew into the top corner, with Aberdeen visibly struggling to adapt to the challenging conditions.
However, the Dons were gifted a way back into the match before the break. County goalkeeper Jordan Amissah made a calamitous error, letting Kevin Nisbet’s free-kick slip under his body and trickle over the line.
The equaliser sparked Aberdeen into life as they began the second half brightly. Duk came agonisingly close to giving the hosts the lead, his thunderous effort smashing off the crossbar — with replays suggesting a slight touch from Amissah.
Was this match the tuning point in Aberdeen's season?
Amissah quickly redeemed himself with a series of fine saves, denying both Nisbet and Angus MacDonald from close range as the Dons ramped up the pressure. Yet, it was County who struck the decisive blow.
Noah Chilvers’s moment of brilliance came against the run of play. Picking up the ball near the left corner, he weaved past defenders and deftly chipped Ross Doohan, who was standing in for the injured Dimitar Mitov.
The Aberdeen dilemma: From flying high to faltering
Aberdeen's current slump is slightly baffling. While no one expected them to maintain their phenomenal early-season form, the extent of their decline has been astonishing.
There were fleeting glimpses of the team they once were. At the start of the second half, they sliced County open with ease, and towards the end, they piled on the pressure, hammering at the visitors’ door.
Yet, for much of the match, the Dons struggled to find their rhythm in attack. Defensively, they were all over the shop, particularly for County’s second goal.
Admittedly, Aberdeen are missing several key players. Mitov is sidelined for a few weeks, Slobodan Rubezic and Sivert Heltne Nielsen were both unavailable due to suspension, and Papa Gueye, who was electric earlier in the season, remains out injured.
Even so, Thelin’s side found it tough to assert themselves, and ultimately, they squandered too many chances to point fingers anywhere but at themselves.
Aberdeen’s dreadful run – nine games without a win – now threatens to undo their brilliant early-season form, where they racked up an impressive 31 points from a possible 33.
