Five talking points from Aberdeen’s narrow win over Queen’s Park.
Pittodrie-debut delight
Summer signings Dan Happe and Lewis Smith both impressed and both got their first goals for Aberdeen in their first Pittodrie outings. Happe opened the scoring inside three minutes, heading home from close range from a Ronan corner. Not long later, Smith made it two, drilling the ball home following a lovely team move. Outwith their goals, both players impressed. Happe put in a very solid defensive display and also started the move for the second goal, winning the ball high up the pitch. Smith looked lively and showed his ability to go to the line or cut inside, as did Yogane.
Müller or Mitov?
New signing Müller made his Dons debut and certainly impressed the Aberdeen faithful. The German shot-stopper, who joined from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, made a terrific triple save and made a stunning save in stoppage time to prevent penalties. Mitov, who gave Aberdeen fans a moment that they will never forget in May last year, will have to work hard to earn his spot back in the starting XI.
Connor Ronan
Connor Ronan was another one of the new signings that impressed in his first outing at Pittodrie. The creative midfielder whipped in the corner which resulted in the opening goal and was involved in the second goal, flicking the ball into the path of Nisbet, who played the ball to Smith, who made no mistake with the finish. The Irishman, as a result of his display, picked up the player of the match award, which follows an impressive debut against Brora Rangers, where he played the ball to Nisbet for the second goal. Two assists in two, Ronan is definitely a player that the Aberdeen faithful can get excited about.
Brilliant Briedl
Summer signing Alexander Briedl came off the bench yesterday and made his mark. The Austrian showcased his defensive attributes as well as his range of passing and his ability to whip in a dangerous corner. One Aberdeen fan stated: “Very tidy on the ball, will get better once he gets more match fit.” Another fan stated: “A very impressive cameo and he can take a decent corner.”
Vulnerability from set pieces
On 61 minutes, Aberdeen conceded from a corner, making the final half an hour very cagey. In the Premiership last season, the Dons conceded the most goals from set pieces (22). Aberdeen supporters will be disappointed to see old habits returning in a fresh season.