I'll get straight to the point - the better team won. Aberdeen wanted it more, fought harder and in truth had far more pressure, chances and posession than us. Certainly the conditions played it's part in that, with the wind and rain picking up and favouring them in the second half when we were shooting down the slope, but there is no way we can use that as an excuse - they simply worked harder than us and deserved the win.
In saying that, the way in which they won the game rankles. If it is shown that Andy Robertson handled the ball then fair enough, but from where I was sitting it looked like a chest and rarely do you see a player so animated about a decision as Robertson. Even at the full time whistle he was over at McNamara saying the ball came off his chest. You don't see that when a player knows he committed the offence. I'm also not convinced it was a free kick for their winner. It looked like the United player got the ball and the Aberdeen player simply fell over and got the freekick, which was very much the theme of the second half.
I've said it before but Willie Collum is a very good referee when in a low pressure game. As soon as it's a big atmosphere and an important game he goes to pieces. His display yesterday, particulalry in the second half, was terrible. He seems to always give the decisions to the senior pros such as Anderson, Robson and Flood and he ruins a game. Flood absolutely should have picked up a second yellow card and been off the park. Paton should have followed for a second yellow card too.
The game itself was stinking to be honest and neither team really played particularly brilliantly. It was very much a war of attrition and the better, creative players never got in the game - the entire United front 4 never got in the game while for them McGinn barely had a kick, nor did any of their other forwards other than Pawlett who had a few chances. It was a shame as there was a good, crackling atmosphere at the game and a big crowd in attendance.
Now United need to look forward and turn around what has now stopped being a blip and turned into a poor run of form. Hibs at Tannadice on Sunday is now a game we need to win to get the season back on track, and I'm sure it will get back on track. We've got too good players to not turn this wee run around.
For those that like banners and displays, a couple of pictures for you from yesterday's game:
https://twitter.com/TerriiSmith/status/418456749457555456/photo/1
https://twitter.com/TheRedPriest1/status/418434636507664384/photo/1
DUFC 1 AFC 2
posted on 2/1/14
Bravis, read the OP mate. Last paragraph to be specific.
posted on 2/1/14
Ivan glad you took it in the spirit it was intended!
posted on 2/1/14
Bravis, no its not another blip, its the same one happy new year
posted on 2/1/14
So much for the superb young talents coming out of dundee pfffttt pumped by Barry Robson and co.
Aye but lennon should pure sign aw these young guys pffttt.
posted on 2/1/14
Of all the decisions, the Anderson on Mackay-Steven one was the most baffling. Beaten by skill & pace when Mackay-Steven was about to run through, so just bodychecks him. Clear free kick and certain yellow card... nope! And neither the linesmen nor the fourth official saw it, despite everyone else in the ground seeing it. GMS was pretty quiet after that assault.
Sitting in the George Fox it was a shame to see Graham get so much abuse when he came on, didn't they see Çiftçi's performance!? If Graham had played like that there would have been a riot. Don't know how he lasted the entire game.
But the most depressing thing about the day is that it confirms that the best way to play against United is to hoof the ball, hoof our players and then fall over when one comes near you. Aberdeen were still "better", but that's a relative term.
posted on 2/1/14
I have to agree with you Ivan, we simply weren't good enough yesterday and if it wasn't for at least 3 great saves and one for the cameras it could have been a rout. When your GK is MOTM it tells you a story. Other than Paton the rest were well below par. Armstrong and Gauld were missing in action all day.
Its fair to say that Utd went ahead against the run of play but seemed to settle after that until the penalty decision and at the time I was pretty convinced it wasn't a pen on the basis of Robertsons reaction but after watching the tv its easy to see why Collum gave it.
The biggest thing for me about the game was the lack of interjection from gaffer who never left his seat in the dugout. Surprising when you consider the importance of a win.
Eight points off 2nd place now and with the risk of sounding defeatist I strongly have my doubts we'll be able to claw it back.
posted on 2/1/14
Have to say I couldn't believe your manager made so many changes against St.Johnstone in previous match as Pawlett said in todays papers gave Aberdeen a massive boost as if they really needed it in the first place, showing lack of respect in my opinion to the saints who are a half decent side on their own turf, you win the game that's in front of you and then the next, take it game by game builds confidence especially with you having many young lads in the team, a wee bit negative in my opinion, if you are good enough you would beat both saints and the dons and would be in a good position, the dons have won both games now so far this season and its no coincidence in my opinion its because Aberdeen have a better more experienced manager who knows how to get the best from his players and takes each game as it comes as a different challenge and now has his players up for each game, the best managers want to win every game and I genuinely feel Derek McInnes wants this from his players and they in turn also feel this. you could argue player for player united have the best team of eleven but so far this season it hasn't shown this, in my opinion its all down to the manager and the players trusting the manager, who seems to hate losing.
posted on 3/1/14
Just watched the highlights for the first time. The tackle by Flood was a shocker and I hadn't realised how bad it was at the time. Lucky to only get a yellow. I still thing the hand ball for a penalty was harsh. Sadly it didn't show the "foul" for the winner but even at the goal Rado has made the save then Anderson basically jumped on top of him to stop him getting up. Unreal.
Murray - I don't think it's about who hates losing more, I think it's simply a matter of experience. McInnes has about 5 years more experience of being in the dugout than McNamara and it's probably showing a little in the last week or so. I'm sure Jackie will have learned a number of valuable lessons this week and he'll be a better manager for it.
I do however agree with you that so many changes against St Johnstone was a mistake and it was a gamble that ultimately didn't pay off.
posted on 3/1/14
Listened to the game on the radio and it sounded like a fair result - your match analysis agrees, Ivan.
Disappointed although I know a few dons fans and the whole Aberdeen camp seemed a lot more up for it. That can often be all you need (similar to our 3-0 victory over Rangers last season).
Our record against Aberdeen has been poor recently and I think we need to be picking up 3 points from our next visit to Pittodrie.
They should have shown Graham's miss at the end on the highlights, on the radio they were saying it was an absolute sitter - is that the case?
On another note Hobo why are you surprised anyone gets abuse from the George Fox? I never sit there any more due to the what I perceive to be generally awful support of our team, regardless of whether or not they are any good. I remember Conway getting pelters every time he touched the ball for no real reason other than everyone there seemed to have a stiff one for Danny Swanson (Where is he now?)
posted on 3/1/14
Lol Cammy. I sat in the GF lower on Wed and your bang on about some of the fans in there. Jackie is trying to instill more of a passing game and with the exception of the latest blip it seems to be working a treat however if I hear "get the baw up the park" once I heard it a hundred times. Probably due to the average age of fan being above 50 when there was laces in the ball but someone needs to tell them the game has changed !!!
As for Swanson, I believe he's on the soccer scrap heap with Conway, Allan, Bauben, Kenneth and soon to be joined by Goodie.
Pity their wallets ruled their heads but I don't suppose they've much to worry about with their bank balances !!