Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is refusing to panic, despite seeing his side beaten twice and scoring only two goals in their opening three Scottish Premiership matches.
The Dons will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 1-0 defeat by St Johnstone when they host Partick Thistle tomorrow.
The Pittodrie’s side poor start to the campaign has come as a surprise following their impressive displays in the Europa League qualifiers against Daugava Riga, Groningen and Real Sociedad. But McInnes is confident his players will deliver more goals and improved results sooner rather than later.
He said: “We scored goals in the European games but we have only scored two in the three league games, which isn’t ideal.
“It is important we keep working hard and trust what we are doing. There is not any real panic about the results, although we naturally want to see an improvement in them.
“If we win on Saturday then we will have taken six points from 12 which is the same start as last year.
“It is still early in the season but we have to recognise that we need to improve in certain areas.
“In terms of goalscoring, that responsibility doesn’t just lie with the forwards and attacking players. We had scored a few goals by this stage last season from set-plays.
“We took a pride in that and it is important that we utilise any opportunity to score goals, whether from open play or set-plays.”
Aberdeen midfielder Jamie Masson yesterday joined Brechin City on loan until January.
The summer transfer window closes on Monday but manager McInnes played down the chances of the club signing any more players before the deadline.
He added: “You are always looking and taking calls left, right and centre. At this stage, people are scurrying about, trying to offload players.
“I think it is important to never rule out anything. One or two of our younger ones may well go out on loan but I have not had any inquiries about my players, other than loan deals.
“We will concentrate on Saturday’s game and then see what transpires. But there is nothing imminent happening or in the reckoning before the window closes.”
Dons winger Jeffrey Monakana misses tomorrow’s match with a back injury but Russell Anderson (knee) and Ashton Taylor (calf) could be available.