Aberdeen travel to Kilmarnock tomorrow with Dons manager Derek McInnes looking for an instant response from his side following the lifeless display against Dundee United on Sunday.
The positives of a strong Europa League showing fell flat in dramatic fashion as the Arabs comfortably beat the Dons 3-0 in their Scottish Premiership opener.
The manner of the loss prompted jeers from the Pittodrie supporters, who just days earlier had cheered their team off the pitch following a 3-2 defeat by Spanish club Real Sociedad.
McInnes knows the weekend derby was a non-event for his side and aims to ensure there is no repeat at Rugby Park.
He said: “Performances such as Sunday’s have been few and far between in my time here and I don’t expect another one for a long time.
“United saw the game out comfortably as we had a lot of tired legs and minds. It wasn’t the norm for us and we have to look at the reasons.
“We need to analyse everything and make sure there is no repeat.”
The most galling aspect of Aberdeen’s performance on Sunday was their inability to muster a solitary effort on target in a hugely deflating and disappointing 90 minutes.
McInnes concedes the Europa League exertions may have contributed to the result, but is not prepared to let his players use it as an excuse.
He added: “In hindsight I should have made more changes as the game on Thursday was a factor, but United deserved to win and it’s important I recognise that.
“We started the game fine but we didn’t have the intensity or zip to our play which we normally produce. United capitalised on a mistake and took control from there and the second goal made the task more difficult.
“Goals change games and once United got the first goal they were able to hit us on the counter while we had to chase the game.”
The absence of Jonny Hayes and captain Russell Anderson, who missed the game due to suspension, hit hard. Both players are available for the trip to Rugby Park.
Midfielder Barry Robson is also expected to travel after being substituted at half-time against United.
McInnes said: “He took a few knocks in the game and was still getting treatment at half-time which is why we took him off, but he will be fine.”