It was a very flat performance from Aberdeen on Saturday and most observers would agree that St Johnstone deserved their 2-0 victory.
It looked as if a mixture of mental and physical fatigue played a part in the Reds’ display.
In terms of chances created, there weren’t many opportunities for either side.
But the Perth team created two chances and took them both, and the Dons never really hit the heights you expected them to.
The last two games against Celtic in the League Cup final and Rangers at Ibrox looked as if they had taken their toll on the team.
At times the Reds looked a bit leggy and uninspired and they didn’t create enough chances at home to merit taking something from the game.
Losing the two goals justified St Johnstone’s win and keeps their excellent recent run of form going. They have now gone eight games without defeat and they have been rejuvenated by Tommy Wright.
Saints beat Hibs 1-0 at Easter Road recently and now they’ve come to Pittodrie and won against Aberdeen – another top result.
It was a good afternoon for them but Derek McInnes and the Dons will be disappointed not to have won the first of five home games in December as they look to kick-start their Premiership campaign.
It didn’t happen and Saints deserved their win.
Before Saturday Aberdeen had two big games against Celtic in the cup final and then Rangers at Ibrox in the Premiership.
I think the emotional side of those fixtures can sap the players mentally.
On the physical side it shouldn’t really be a problem to play three games in six days because as a player you have to be able to cope with that type of demand.
The mental side is a different matter because the cup final can take a lot out of you mentally in the build up and can drain you.
Aberdeen played the game and put up a very good performance in the final, but came away from Hampden defeated narrowly by Celtic.
Then after that you have another high profile game against Rangers at Ibrox, where you have to show the fans and the rest of Scottish football that you are strong enough to do something.
Aberdeen did that and inflicted a first home defeat of the season on the Gers.
That was a magnificent way to respond but in terms of the league points there’s no point in winning in Govan if you can’t beat St Johnstone at Pittodrie. On Saturday it looked like a mixture of mental and physical fatigue affected the Reds after what was a real rollercoaster week in terms of results.
Whether it was physical or mental exertions that caused Saturday’s performance you have to hope the Dons can put it right quickly because Livingston visit Pittodrie tomorrow evening.
Hopefully the Reds can find what they need to beat them.
In this busy run in December, utilising the squad will be important for McInnes as he tries to keep the team fresh.
Gary Mackay-Steven has been out since the League Cup final and once he is back that will help.
Young players like Scott Wright, Connor McLennan and Bruce Anderson have had chances and when you get them as a young player you need to step up to the plate.
This run of games is a chance for them to show what they can do and become important players for the team.
Freshness in the side and rotation will be important for Aberdeen over the next couple of weeks and they will be looking for some more inspiring performances at home.
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