Aberdeen’s struggles: Analyzing the recent downturn in form

Captain Graeme Shinnie reflects on Aberdeen's performance and the need for improvement.

Aberdeen’s struggles: Analyzing the recent downturn in form
Aberdeen Football Club is currently facing a challenging phase in the Scottish Premiership, having extended their winless streak to six games following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Hibernian. Captain Graeme Shinnie has openly acknowledged the team’s vulnerabilities, describing their performance as “soft” and lacking the resilience that characterized their earlier matches this season.

This downturn has seen the Dons slip from a promising position in the league, overtaken by rivals Rangers, raising questions about their ability to compete for the title.

Defensive lapses and missed opportunities

The match against Hibs highlighted several defensive errors that proved costly for Aberdeen.

After taking an early lead through Topi Keskinen, the team quickly lost their advantage due to a critical mistake by center-back Slobodan Rubezic. His failed clearance allowed Hibs to equalize, and from that moment, the Dons struggled to regain their composure. Shinnie pointed out that the team seemed to lose their identity after conceding, failing to execute their game plan effectively. The inability to maintain a clean sheet for nine consecutive matches underscores the urgent need for a defensive overhaul.

Learning from mistakes and moving forward

In the wake of this defeat, Shinnie emphasized the importance of conducting a thorough video analysis of the game. The team plans to dissect their performance to identify areas for improvement. “We do that after every game anyway and then take that onto the training pitch,” he stated, highlighting the club’s commitment to learning and adapting. Despite the current struggles, Shinnie remains optimistic about the team’s potential to return to their earlier form, where they were considered title contenders.

Preparing for the next challenge

Looking ahead, Aberdeen must focus on their upcoming match against Kilmarnock on Boxing Day. Shinnie believes that the team is still in the early stages of rebuilding under manager Jimmy Thelin, and that patience is essential as they navigate this challenging period. “We’re still learning a lot,” he remarked, acknowledging the team’s need to find a balance between ambition and realism. As they prepare for their next fixture, the Dons must work diligently to rectify their mistakes and regain their competitive edge.

In conclusion, while the recent performances have been disappointing, there is a sense of determination within the squad to turn things around. With a solid strategy and a commitment to improvement, Aberdeen can hope to rediscover their winning ways and reclaim their position among the league’s top teams.