Simo Valakari suggests there’s ’no disappointment’ following yesterday’s draw with Queens Park.
Simo Valakari was showing no signs of being disappointed despite his side failing to extend the gap at the top to 5 points. Yesterday afternoon, St Johnstone and Queens Park fought out a 1-1 draw in the Perth sunshine as relentless St Johnstone were unable to find the winner in the latter stages. Following the draw, Valakari came out to say: “we will accept just this one point” after failing to get back to winning ways as they claimed back-to-back draws. He added: “No angriness, no bitterness, no frustration, no disappointment” as he was keen to show he wasn’t feeling beat up by the missed opportunity to extend the gap. The gap is now at just three point between St Johnstone and second placed Partick Thistle with the Saints on their travels next week as they make the journey to Arbroath – the team who were the first to beat them in the Championship this season. Valakari also said “it [the 1 point] was all we deserved today” as St Johnstone, who had numerous amount of chances to go and see off Queen’s Park, St Johnstone just couldn’t find the back of the net despite some solid defending by the visitors. Partick Thistle travel to Ayr in their next match as the title race ramps up with an emphatic title race going down to the wire.
Sivert Heltne Nilsen to depart Aberdeen as a Norway return is on the cards
Nilsen is set to complete a move away from Scotland this International break as a switch back to Norway looks likely. Sources in Norway have been suggesting Sivert is on the varge of joining Norwegian side, FK Haugesund ahead of the Norwegian transfer window shutting on Tuesday next week ahead of the season in Norway beginning on the 6th of April. Nilsen joined Aberdeen under former boss, Jimmy Thelin in 2024, joining the Reds’ from Brann where the midfielder originally played under Jimmy during their time in Sweden as Elfsborg. The midfielder missed Aberdeen’s famous Scottish Cup Final victory over Celtic at the summit of last season after picking up a strange eye injury in a training incident which kept the 34-year-old out for some time. Nilsen has been used as a centre-back on multiple occasions as Aberdeen try and battle the injury crisis at the back with most recently playing part at the back in their 2-1 defeat to Celtic at the beginning of March. Nilsen has made 56 appearances for Aberdeen, playing under three bosses during his time – Jimmy Thelin, Peter Leven and Stephen Robinson. The Norwegian International has picked up just two goals during his time in Scotland which both came this season. Nilsen has had some tough competition this season with many arrivals in midfield with the likes of Aremu, Cameron, Geiger all joining the club with the likes of Shinnie and Palaversa also competing for a spot with Nilsen being a regular this season. The move to Haugesund will move Nilsen closer to family with Haugesund being just a two-hour journey from where his live should the move away go through.
Celtic’s injury crisis: How crucial will it be in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership?
Celtic’s injury crisis just got a whole lot worse, as Colby Donovan has now withdrawn from international duty with Scotland’s U21’s after picking up an injury at Tannadice. A terrible season for injuries has got even worse for Martin O’ Neill, as he may be without many key players in the race for the Scottish Premiership. Jota has been missing the whole season, as well as Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers who have been absent for majority of the campaign. Arne Engels and Callum Osmand have had their injury issues. However, the pair are expected back to action shortly. But Kasper Schmeichel’s season is officially over, and loanee right-back Julian Araujo is sidelined as well. Speaking on Araujo, O’ Neill said: “He’s down getting treatment and being rehabbed at Bournemouth. “I’m not sure when he’ll be back, but the extra two weeks could help.” And on the subjects of right-backs, Colby Donovan is the latest injury blow in the Celtic camp. Donovan has withdrawn from Scotland U21 duty, after crashing into the advertisement board at Tannadice on Sunday, which forced him to be substituted. However, it wasn’t a like for like replacement for the young Scotsman. Instead, O’Neill chose to move Reo Hatate to right-back, and later in the match moved winger Yang to the position. It’s another issue for Martin O’ Neill, but the encouragement of Alistair Johnston being called up for international duty, may well give confidence that the Canadian will be fit and able to return shortly. Will these injury blows have an impact on Celtic’s chase for the title?
Stephen Robinson looks to re-unite with former St Mirren man at Pitttodrie
Aberdeen are close to signing former St Mirren defender, Elvis Bwomono due to a defensive crisis in the Granite City. Former St Mirren man Elvin Bwomono looks set to join Aberdeen after being a trialist for Aberdeen in a bounce game against Dundee at Pittodrie yesterday – Aberdeen running out 3-0 winners. Stephen Robinson’s side are keen to sign the defender on a short-term deal until the end of season as the Dons’ look to avoid relegation. Elvis played under Robinson for two years during their time in Paisley which could become the first signing at Pittodrie under the new boss. Bwomono was a key player in the success of the top six finishes in Paisley which saw the Buddies’ return to the European stage. The former St Mirren man most recently had a spell in Iceland which ran out very recently IBV making 10 appearances for the Icelandic outfit. Elvin made 43 appearances in Paisley during his two-year spell as a return to Scotland looks likely for the defender. Aberdeen are having a crisis along the backline with Tobers and McIntrye both missing for the remainder of the season with Knoester also missing but he may return for the final 3 or 4 games in the split. Nicky Devlin is also suffering with a knee injury but may return for the final couple games leaving Stephen Robinson with just Jack Milne, Liam Morrison and Gavin Molloy as his only options in defensive areas. Bwomono is mostly suited at right-back but can also play as a centre-back as Robinson continues to look along the free agent market.
Martin O’Neill believes Celtic aren’t out of any title race despite ‘setback’ at Tannadice
Both O’Neill and McGregor insist the title race for the Hoops’ isn’t over and that Celtic are certainly still in the title race. Celtic were defeated this afternoon at Tannadice after Dundee United scored twice in the second half to put Martin O’Neill’s men further back in their attempt to defend their title. The Glasgow side had good spells of possession but couldn’t make anything show for it, failing to test Maynard-Brewer enough as they suffered defeat in the City of Discovery. While speaking to Sky Sports, ONeill said: “In the second half we lost our way completely, the first goal was going to be vital in the game and we probably didn’t create enough and maybe we didn’t adjust in the second half to conditions but that’s taking nothing away from Dundee United – they deserved to win. “The game got away from us, that’s true. Goals win matches and we chased the game a little bit but, even so, we should have been able to do better. This was always going to be a difficult game for us, away here at Tannadice, I’ve never had an easy game here. “The game got away from us, that’s true. Goals win matches and we chased the game a little bit but, even so, we should have been able to do better. This was always going to be a difficult game for us, away here at Tannadice, I’ve never had an easy game here.” He added: “The game got away from us, that’s true. Goals win matches and we chased the game a little bit but, even so, we should have been able to do better. This was always going to be a difficult game for us, away here at Tannadice, I’ve never had an easy game here. “It is a setback at this particular time of the season and you can’t really afford to do that but we are not finished yet.” Celtic remain in third as they fail to follow-up on their rivals winning this weekend after defeat Aberdeen 4-1. Celtic now sit two points off of their fierce rivals Rangers and five point off league leaders, Hearts. A huge few weeks coming up for Martin O’Neill if they are to catch up and lift the title in May and must avoid any slip-ups in the build up to the final day.
Aberdeen Fan View: A look into what fans thought after Rangers defeat
A look into how some Aberdeen fans reacted on social media following their 4-1 defeat in Glasgow yesterday evening. It was a disappointing evening in Govan as Rangers tore into struggling Aberdeen with Stephen Robinson’s men conceding four on the road. That has left many Dons’ fans furious as a relegation battle is in sight. Some Aberdeen fans believe it is the players that have been at fault this season with Aberdeen fan @AidenMoir4 on X (Twitter) saying: “Can’t believe Robinson gets slated for this, not a single manager would have done any better no matter how we play our football it wouldn’t work”. Some fans have turned on Robinson saying it was a ‘panic option’ but it seems like many fans say it’s the squad rather than managers. Back to the previous point of some fans blaming Robinson, @Dsmithy211 says: “I’ve seen enough, Robinson out”. – Stephen Robinson is getting the stick by some fans despite only being at Pittodrie for just under two weeks. In terms of the relegation battle, @RichardBro68526 suggests: “I hate to say this, we’re in big trouble the teams below us are picking points while we are struggling, worrying times.” – This comes as both Kilmarnock and St Mirren picked up all three points this weekend closing the gap to three points between the trio of clubs as relegation fears build up at Aberdeen. Some fans also believe relegation may be the best for the club as @Weescooty on X says: “Relegation will be best thing for us, board think we are too good to go down”. It’s some worrying times up North as many fans are believing Robinson wasn’t the right man, some feeling it’s the players who should be blamed as well as the majority of the fanbase feeling Aberdeen are well and truly in the relegation battle. Some interesting weeks ahead as Aberdeen travel to Paisley with Robinson facing his former side before taking on Hibernian ahead of the split. Could this be the year which see’s Aberdeen relegated for the first time in their history or will Aberdeen survive the drop and continue their Premiership status?
Stephen Robinson confirms Aberdeen are fighting a “relegation battle” after Rangers defeat
Stephen Robinson feels his side are officially in the relegation battle after a 4-1 defeat at Ibrox. While speaking to Premier Sports, Robinson made it clear he wasn’t pleased with the manner in conceding the goals as the Gers’ put four past the struggling Dons. The Dons boss said: “If you concede goals like that you won’t win football matches and that’s the reason we are where we are. It’s too easy to concede goals. We make changes, you know to give yourself a chance after half-time, for thirty minutes we were solid, we frustrated them, and then you come out in the second half, where you go further forward, you bring subs on and you concede a really, really poor goal. All three goals, the only goal that was a really good goal was Tavernier’s, obviously, with the free-kick. Way, way too easy. It’s been the story of the season. It’s not acceptable for Aberdeen Football Club, for us to let goals in that easy as a collective. Some people can run forward quicker than they can run back and that has to change. I’ve told a few home truths tonight and it has to be. It should have been done six months ago because there’s certainly talent there, but we have to have the same desire to run back and defend and put our bodies on the line as we do running forward. It’s frustrating, the reality is we’re in a dogfight and that’s been told tonight and people have to react to that.” Robinson is against using any excuses in his sides recent performances as the players really need to start performing before Aberdeen are dragged further down. He added: “The excuses are gone. People need to step up now. Aberdeen Football Club doesn’t owe anybody, they owe Aberdeen Football Club and all of us do to make sure we fight and scrap to get ourselves out of this position before we reset anything for next year.” Aberdeen are now fully in a relegation battle as Aberdeen currently sit ninth, just three points ahead of both St Mirren and Kilmarnock who both picked up wins on the weekend to continue the pressure on Aberdeen. Up next is an International break for time to re-group ahead of a tricky two games before the split as Stephen Robinson travels to face his former club in St Mirren before Hibernian travel up North.
UCL Roundup: Arsenal, Liverpool Advance; City, Spurs Among Big Exits
Arsenal and Liverpool both progress into the next round of the UEFA Champions League with Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham’s European Campaign’s all coming to an end. Here is a round-up from the Round of 16 fixtures involving the six Premier League sides: Chelsea 0-3 PSG (PSG win 8-2 on aggregate) Following a tough night in the French capital last week, it didn’t get any better in London. Chelsea did have a few good chances but were no where near clinical enough – exact opposite of PSG as they were excellent in front of goal seeing off Chelsea with three goals. Chelsea started on the wrong foot as Kvaratskhelia fired PSG ahead followed by a Barcola strike eight minutes later. Mayulu sealed the win if it wasn’t already done to keep the holders in the competition as the Premier League side exit. Manchester City 1-2 Real Madrid (Real Madrid win 5-1 on aggregate) The first leg was far from expected as Valverde’s first half hat trick gave the Madrid side a valuable lead going into the leg in Manchester. Pep’s side got off to the worst start possible which saw Bernardo Silva shown red which gave the visitors a penalty after 22 minutes where Vinicius Junior dispatched to put Real Madrid further ahead. City pulled one back before the break through Haaland but was still going to be an uphill battle. City continued to huff and puff but couldn’t find another as in the dying minutes, Vinicius Junior grabbed his second to dump Man City out of the competition. Arsenal 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen (Arsenal win 3-1 on aggregate) Arsenal got the job done on home soil after a 1-1 draw in Germany last week. The Gunners were dominant for majority of the game which paid off after 36 minutes as Eze with an outstanding strike from distance right into the back of the net gave Arteta’s side a deserved lead going into the break. Arsenal were in need of a second to see off any worries where Declan Rice made no mistake and doubled the advantage on the night to see Arsenal through following a deserved victory in North London. Liverpool 4-0 Galatasaray (Liverpool win 4-1 on aggregate) It was a disappointing night in Turkey in the first leg as Liverpool fell short as the Turkish side ran away 1-0 winners but the second leg was total opposite. Liverpool started brightly where Dominic Szoboszlai had Arne Slott’s men level on aggregate after 25 minutes. Ekitike put the hosts in front six minutes into the second period and just two minutes on they had a third as Gravenberch handed Liverpool the advantage going into the latter stages. Salah had then got in on the act with a strike just after the hour mark sure no upset was on the cards and Liverpool continue. Barcelona 7-2 Newcastle (Barcelona win 8-3 on aggregate) Following a 1-1 draw in Newcastle last week, the game began as a very exciting contest. Raphinha put Barca ahead very early on but Elanga had the Premier League side back on level terms nine minutes on. Just a few minutes later, Barcelona were ahead once again, this time through Bernal who smashed the ball home in a exciting start. 10 minutes on, Elanga netted the fourth goal of the half to draw Newcastle level once again but Barca were given a late first-half penalty following a push from Trippier where wonderkid Yamal netted into the bottom right-hand corner. It continued to go down hill as the La Liga side went onto score another 4 with Lopez on target, Raphinha scoring his second as well as Robert Lewandowski grabbing a brace to end the Newcastle dreams in style. Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid (Atletico Madrid win 7-5 on aggregate) The first leg was a complete horror show as three costly errors saw Atletico go ahead by three goals within 15 minutes which saw Kinsky get subbed off after just 17 minutes which saw Tottenham go on to lose 5-2 in the Spanish capital. However, it was a much improved performance in North London but just wasn’t enough to go through. Kolo Muani had Spurs’ ahead after half-an-hour where Spurs were ahead at half-time. Atletico responded right away as former Manchester City man Jullian Alvarez equalised for the visitors. Xavi Simons regained the lead for Tottenham but Hancko cancelled out the goal on 75 minutes as Atletico refused to let Tottenham have any chance of getting back into the match. Tottenham won it late on through a Simons penalty but just wasn’t enough to win the game over both legs as Igor Tudor’s men crash out. UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Draw: PSG v Liverpool Real Madrid v Bayern Munich Barcelona v Atletico Madrid Sporting CP v Arsenal
Enzo Fernandez hints at Chelsea exit following PSG defeat
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez last night hinted at a move away from London following Champions League exit against PSG. The London side were knocked out of the Champions League last night against the holders, PSG following an 8-2 defeat across the two legs with the midfielder suggesting a move away could be on the cards. After being asked about where Enzo will be come next season he said: When quizzed on where he would be playing next season, Fernandez said: “I don’t know. There are eight games left and the FA Cup. “There’s the World Cup and then we’ll see.” Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior stated: “I haven’t seen that” “It’s hard for me to speak on speculation after a game. I need to focus right now on the most important things, which is making sure we have the right result against Everton.” Enzo arrived to Stamford Bridge in 2023 joining from Portuguese side, Benfica for over £100million which is the second highest British transfer record just behind Isak with his move to Liverpool in the summer. The blues’ will be expecting a large sum of money should Fernandez depart so they aren’t losing out on money with only a few clubs across the world being able to afford what the Premier League would like. Enzo has played 160 times for Chelsea with 28 goals and 29 assists for the Stamford Bridge outfit where he has won 2 trophies during his time which was the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. Where he may go isn’t decided but a move to the Saudi League could be a potential switch or possibly a team like Bayern Munich or PSG may decide to come in for the Chelsea man.
Dundee 2-2 Dundee United: Dundee grab a point with two stoppage time goals in the derby
Goals by Stephenson and Fatah had United looking at victory but Hay and a Graham own goal sealed a point for Pressley’s men in the derby. An early chance for United, Fatah doing well to get past his man where he whipped a ball into the box which found Iovu who headed over the bar. After 12 minutes, Dundee had a huge chance as Congreve out wide delivering a great ball but Simon Murray unable to connect and fire a strike goal bound. Dundee had another chance after 26 minutes as Congreve fired a cross along the box which nearly went in but Maynard-Brewer catching. Moments later, Fatah had a chance from close range at a tight angle but well stopped by McCracken. Yogane had a brilliant chance on 37 minutes with a darting run goal bound, cut onto his right and unleashed a powerful strike but blocked by Sevelj to deny an opener. Fatah with a run from the Dundee half towards goal with a massive chance, the ball got caught up at his feet which looked like the chance was off but he regained the ball, worked it into the box with his effort being stopped by the foot of the Dundee number one. Another chance by Fatah just inside the box but fired wide of goal as the travelling support thought they had fired ahead in the derby. A flurry of chances, one initial save which then at the end landed at Sevelj who smashed it towards goal but a fantastic block by Samuels to keep the match goalless. Dundee United fired in front 5 minutes into the second 45 as Fatah struck the ball beyond McKracken following a handball in the process. Dundee United started the second period better with a lot more play and getting into good spaces. Dundee needing to up their game if they are to get back into it. The Tannadice side doubled the lead as Stephenson up high heading the ball of the bar which bounced into the net to send the away end into chaos. On 74 minutes, Will Ferry fizzled a great ball across the box but was too far ahead as no one could get onto it. Russell had a huge chance to make it three but a quality stop by McCracken denied Russell his first goal for United in his second stint. Dundee had the ball in the net as Hay struck the ball calmly which ended up going in off Sevelj but was flagged for offside. A very later corner for the Dees, whipped into the box which ended in a bit of a scramble but Hay managed to get onto it as his tapped it into an empty net as Dundee found one back deep into stoppage time. Dundee did the unthinkable and levelled right at the death with a ball into the box where United defender Ross Graham put the ball into his own net as both sides settle for a point in a dramatic ending at Dens. Dundee: McCracken (8), Astley (7), Wright (6), Samuels (7), Murray (6), Yogane (7), Dhanda (5), Graham (6), Cotterill (6), Hamilton (6), Congreve (6). Substitutes: Hay (8), Westley (7), Wright (6), Reilly (6), Robertson (6). Dundee United: Maynard-Brewer (7), Iovu (7), Sevelj (6), Graham (5), Ferry (7), Agyei (6), Fatah (9), Farrugia (7), Stephenson (8), Keresztes (6), Watters (7). Substitutes: Camara (7), Sapsford (6), Russell (6), Strain (6).
