Aberdeen

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

It's difficult to second guess the tipping point for the Aberdeen board after yet another defeat left them four points adrift at the bottom of the Premiership.

On the one hand, they have financially backed a manager like no other in the club's history. On the other this malaise has yielded a points return over the past 10 months of 23 out of a possible 99. If that's played out in a single campaign it is clearly relegation form.

Jimmy Thelin's start as Dons boss, something that feels like a lifetime ago for the supporters, is doing some seriously heavy lifting when it comes to his overall record, but that sort of points haul in a sample size of near enough a full season has alarm bells ringing.

In Thelin's defence, it was not his fault Topi Keskinen decided to go for glory himself at a tight angle with options waiting for a tap-in near the end of their latest soul-sapping loss at Motherwell.

Nor was it Thelin's fault Marco Lazetic took the ball for a walk instead of lifting it into an empty net not long after.

The on-pitch decision-making at times this season has been unfathomable.

Also, opposition goalkeepers have been doing their job on the rare occasion they do get a shot on target and once again the goal frame kept them out at Fir Park. There are factors other than poor performances at play here.

The first half was more promising for Aberdeen than in recent weeks, although the half-time changes seemed to have a negative effect on what they had produced while Motherwell were better after the break.

And having spurned their chances, Aberdeen paid a heavy price in stoppage time with Dimitar Mitov meekly letting in the first before a late penalty rubbed salt in the wounds.

On Thursday, Aberdeen open their Conference League campaign against Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Ukrainians will be the best side the Dons have faced so far this season and perhaps in many years.

It is an ominous task and despite the excitement of qualifying for Europe initially, it has sadly come to be a game that Thelin could do without, particularly given clubs in Scotland outside of Celtic and Rangers toil domestically with the added burden of continental competition.

Much more important will be the home league game with Dundee on Sunday where anything other than maximum points could spell serious trouble with a natural break for the World Cup qualifiers following it.

If Aberdeen are not the crossroads yet, you get the feeling it isn't far away.

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Jimmy Thelin says a loan move to Ross County can be the "perfect platform" for Aberdeen winger Ryan Duncan to progress his career.

The 21-year-old, who has made 53 Dons appearances including his debut in 2020, will spend the season with former Pittodrie assistant Tony Docherty's relegated side.

It is a second successive year in the Championship for Duncan, who scored four goals in 39 appearances for Queen's Park last term.

"Ryan is entering the final year of his contract and so it's vital he gets consistent game-time", said Dons manager Jimmy Thelin.

"He's moving to a good club we know well, and he is obviously familiar with Tony Docherty, so we believe this will be the right environment for Ryan's continued development.

"He'll also gain exposure to a challenging league, playing alongside experienced professionals and we hope it is the perfect platform for him to push on at this crucial period in his career."

Calum Wright
Fan writer

Aberdeen's performance at Motherwell showed signs of improvement – though it would have been difficult to do otherwise after Tannadice – but the final exchanges were the perfect summary of the season so far.

The team moved the ball better, progressing through midfield with wing-backs Emmanuel Gyamfi and Nicky Devlin providing width which has been lacking for the most part.

Ultimately, however, the Dons failed to score once again, making it six games without a goal, compounding the misery of our worst start to a league campaign since 1999 – before I was even born.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between until the verge of added time when poor decision-making led to Topi Keskinen finding the side-netting despite having men in the middle in support.

Marko Lazetic was next to fluff his lines as he charged through on goal, electing to delay and not take the shot early, before ignoring team-mates wide of him and dragging an attempt wide.

Just moments later, Dimitar Mitov failed to gather Johnny Koutroumbis' shot and the ball squirmed over the line for the hosts' opener.

The Bulgarian goalkeeper has been a shining light in a miserable start for Aberdeen, but to concede like that so soon after fantastic chances to take the three points back north was, unfortunately, incredibly typical.

And the implosion got even worse with Motherwell's 97th-minute penalty doubling their lead.

Calum Wright can be found at Red Tinted Glasses, external

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Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack is flying back to Scotland this week in an urgent bid to help manager Jimmy Thelin turn around the club's fortunes. (Aberdeen Live), external

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Senior figures at Aberdeen are believed to still be "all in" on Jimmy Thelin, despite the club finding themselves in what has been described as an "awkward and difficult" position.

Thelin made changes to his system during Saturday's Premiership match against Motherwell as his side searched for their maiden league goal of the season, but nothing came off as the Dons suffered a miserable 2-0 defeat.

Aberdeen remain at the bottom of the table with just one point from six games and some fans have called for Thelin to leave the club.

But The Herald's Stephen McGowan believes they'll likely "hold on" until at least the international break as the club view the manager's appointment as a "three-year project".

"I think Aberdeen are all in on Jimmy Thelin. If you speak to senior people at the club they'll tell you to see it as a three-year project," Scottish football writer McGowan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"We keep repeating ourselves in these situations. Ultimately patience can never be limitless. There has to be a point where they decide that they're in a grave situation.

"They haven't scored a goal, they only have one point, they are rooted to the bottom of the league, even Rangers are streaking ahead of them now.

"It's a really difficult and awkward place to be.

"The game against Motherwell, it was individual mistakes and bad decision-making.

"They went from 4-2-3-1 to more of a 4-3-2-1 to try to get more goals into the team, but failed to make the decisive final pass. Some of the finishing was ropey and the chances didn't quite come off.

"My instinct, my suspicion, is they'll try to hold on until the international window. They've got Shakhtar Donetsk coming up, then a home game against Dundee.

"I imagine they'll want to limp through to that point and then assess it from there."

Watch Sportscene analysis as a mistake from Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov proves costly in their defeat at Motherwell.

After scoring his second goal of the season, Aberdeen teenager Alfie Stewart says he is enjoying a "fun" loan spell at Inverness Caley Thistle. (Press & Journal - subscription required), external

Watch all the highlights as Motherwell secured a dramatic late victory over Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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Sorry to rub salt in the wound, Aberdeen fans, but it turns out no team has failed to score in their first six league games since the Dons themselves, back in the 1999-2000 season.

What might frustrate even further, is that there have been chances.

Jimmy Thelin's side have an xG of 6.4 in the league this season, meaning they should have scored six goals. Yet, they have none.

That difference of -6.4 between xG and actual goals is, comfortably, the worst in the league. The next worst offenders are, surprisingly, Celtic (-3.6).

That xG of 6.4 also ranks at eighth highest in the league. That means they are far from the worst attack in a creative sense, but they are easily the least clinical.

That might be typified by the fact that they only have 2.5 shots on target per game, the second-worst in the league.

Their xG per game isn't even much worse than last season - 1.20 in the last campaign as compared to 1.07 this year.

Even their total shots per game isn't far off what it was.

At the other end, the defensive stats are actually an improvement on last season - a campaign which, we should remember, included a record-breaking winless run.

The 'expected goals against' stat contrasts at 1.61 (24-25) to 1.22 (25-26), and on average they've faced one shot less than they did last year.

From out wide, they only make 2.5 accurate crosses per game - again, the second worst record in the league.

They've also won possession in the final third just 1.8 times per game, the worst in the league. That means that if there is a high press, it isn't working.

There's plenty to conclude from all that. One thing that is inarguable is that their attack is blunt.

Kusini Yengi was the starting striker at the beginning of the year. That looks to have changed already. Kevin Nisbet and Marko Lazetic are still getting up to speed.

Defensively, it's much the same as it was last year - but the argument could be that large parts of last season weren't good enough either.

An optimist might see encouragement from these stats. At least they're making chances. At some point, the lack of luck in front of goal has to change, right?

We asked for your views on Aberdeen's 2-0 defeat against Motherwell.

Here's what some of you said:

Garry: What's going on with the collective mentality at this club? The constant chopping and changing of line-ups, the lack of any identity as to style of play and poor decisions top down, just add up to an appalling mess with predictable outcomes. Never experienced this in all my days as a Dons fan. Not a smile or joyous moment from any of the players is telling. Jimmy Thelin can't be blamed for individual mistakes but his tactics and obvious lack of inspiration have ground the joy out of this club. He has to go. Thanks for the cup but that's history now.

Justin: Total sickener. We definitely played better and on another day we'd have scored two. Dimitar Mitov can be given a pass because he's saved our proverbial bacon many times, not to mention the cup win. It's hard but I think it'll turn around very soon. It simply must for the whole club and city.

Martin: Keep saying it's a three-year plan. Nearly half way through and we are bottom of the league with no goals. If the plan is the Championship we are well on our way. Good players with no direction.

Bruce: On any other day, a draw at Fir Park would be a decent result, but the result and performance have been obscured by recent form. We played a decent game and could have scored two or three. Feel for Mitov, who's been playing well. Confidence will only grow when hard work yields a result. This was a positive step, despite the result.

Craig: Frustrating and upsetting, however we were better, much more disciplined, the formation largely worked, we created several good chances, but how can Thelin legislate for Kevin Nisbet, Topi Keskinen, Marko Lazetic, etc missing golden chances? We'll get our Rocky Bushiri moment and come out of this.

Donald: If it wasn't clear before it must be crystal clear now, Thelin is NOT the problem! His players are not taking their chances. We should've buried Motherwell, from the first couple of minutes right through to the end of the match, Aberdeen should have had a comfortable win. Fate decided differently from a Dons point of view. The Scottish football scene will continue to scorn the Dons, and probably ridicule my club, but life was harsh on the Dons and Thelin. Motherwell got a victory that they didn't deserve, Aberdeen still need to be more clinical though! Onwards and upwards!

Aberdeen endured another miserable day in their wretched season when Motherwell scored twice in stoppage-time to record their first Scottish Premiership win of the season.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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James McFadden on BBC Sportsound: I think the manager, his instruction, his belief of how he wants to play, the belief he's given to the players, is massively key for Motherwell.

It's all well and good, but the players still need to step up and it's credit to them because they are willing to take the risk.

Not an outstanding display from Motherwell, but a very good one and finally a victory on the board.

Willie Miller on BBC Sportsound: It wasn't just better, it was much better. Aberdeen in the first half created a number of chances but didn't take them. I think over the course of the 90 minutes, if you take away the two goals at the end, it's a very even game.

I'm sure Jimmy Thelin will be in a situation where Aberdeen fans are not pleased with the result tonight, but I can assure you it was a much better performance.

If this type of performance had been earlier in the season, you'd be hopeful it would turn round. It's cruel for Aberdeen but magnificent for Motherwell.

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Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "Before Tuesday I don't think we performed well enough to deserve results but today the performance was much better.

"The energy was there, the players were fighting in duels. I hope the fans feel the connection with the team again. We tried, we had some good chances at the beginning and end of the game but we need to find the last pass to find that goal.

"The chances we've had this season, to have not scored a goal is quite incredible. Sometimes you need luck to get out of this, today we didn't have any luck.

"It's a difficult game to lose. Sometimes it's not easy to be positive when you're on this run but you have to believe and we have to build on this performance now.

"We have to be even stronger now because to get that setback in the 95th minute is super tough. I have strong belief we can do it, if you keep pushing sometimes the luck comes in your favour.

"Sometimes to turn things around you need some lucky moments when you are struggling like we are right now.

"It's still early in the season. We need to turn things around, if we win games now we will catch up quickly but we need to start winning.

"We're focused on the next game on Thursday but it's a hard hit today."

Full-back Alexander Jensen feels "pressure from myself" to perform amid Aberdeen's current slump. (Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Paul McGinn and Elijah Just are the likeliest candidates to return for Motherwell but they will have a similar squad to the one that triumphed at Pittodrie last weekend.

Callum Slattery, Tom Sparrow and Callum Hendry are expected to return after the international break, while Sam Nicholson, Filip Stuparevic (both knee), Eseosa Sule, Jordan McGhee (both thigh) and Zach Robinson (Achilles) are long-term absentees.

Aberdeen have a full squad to choose from with the exception of teenager Kjartan Kjartansson.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Aberdeen defender Alexander Jensen has vowed "we are more united than ever" as they look to end their poor start to the season.

Jimmy Thelin's side are bottom of the Premiership with just one point going into Saturday's trip to Motherwell, having failed to score in any of their opening five league games.

The Steelmen also knocked the Dons out of the Premier Sports Cup at Pittodrie last weekend, adding to a run of form that has turned up the pressure on boss Thelin.

When asked if the players are fully behind the manager, Jensen said: "Yes, of course, everybody is in this together. It is the players and the manager, we are all behind each other.

"So yes, we are more united than ever, and we are aware that we have to be more united than ever to get past this and start winning football games as we know we can.

"We just need to win a football game. It is easy to say, but we just have to keep going and show it on the pitch."

After winning the Scottish Cup last season and bolstering their squad during the summer, the Dons were expected to kick on this term.

Defender Jensen cannot put his finger on why it hasn't happened.

"I think everyone wants the answer to that," the Dane said.

"It is tough right now, but I just think, instead of saying it is always a new game, you have to show it, and things can change fast in football.

"Now we have three games, and maybe we are sitting in one week and we have won three games, and then it is a completely new situation.

"I think it is a talented squad we have, so it is a matter of time. We have the quality and the character to turn this around."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Jimmy Thelin has been speaking to the media before Aberdeen's Premiership trip to Motherwell this weekend.

Here are the key lines from the Dons boss:

• Thelin insists the squad have the character to deal with the pressure of the current plight. The players "should relax and focus" on being the best they can be.

• He says the squad are fully behind what he is trying to do.

• On criticism of him and the players: "It is a lot of noise, you have to expect that", and Thelin adds: "The players just need to focus on what they can control."

• He admits the team are lacking "identity" but says: "We have had a calm chat about what we want to be."

• The Swede reiterated that everyone is on the same page and he talks "more or less every day" with chairman Dave Cormack.

• On Saturday's game: "For us it is more about what we have to do now... how we want to be recognised as a team."

• Other than Kjartan Mar Kjartansson, everyone is fit.

Midfielder Stuart Armstrong's thoughts are on Aberdeen, not a Scotland recall at present. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external