Aberdeen FC returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over St Mirren at Pittodrie Stadium on Saturday. The result lifts the Dons to 8th in the Premiership, now on eight points from eight matches, and ends a run of four league games without a win. Their record this season stands at two wins and two draws from their eight games, leaving them 13 points behind leaders Celtic.
Brad Lyons gave the hosts a dream start, firing home from 25 yards after just two minutes. St Mirren equalised before the break through Eseosa Sule, who scored his first league goal for the club in the 42nd minute. Aberdeen regained control after the interval, with Kevin Nisbet converting a penalty rebound in the 58th minute after his initial spot-kick was saved. Substitute Ayoub Mouloua sealed the points with a well-taken third from a quick free-kick in the 69th minute.
Key contributions across the pitch
Manager Stephen Robinson made four changes to his starting lineup, reintroducing Lewis Mayo, Toyosi Olusanya, Lewis Smith and Afeez Aremu. The team operated in a 4-2-3-1 shape and showed greater attacking intent after a subdued first half. Robinson made two substitutions at halftime, bringing on Stuart Armstrong and Tony Yogane, which helped shift the momentum. Goalkeeper Marius Muller made several important saves to preserve the lead, while St Mirren's Jacob Chapman denied Nisbet a second goal with a key stop late on.
St Mirren, who have now lost four consecutive league matches, made three changes of their own. Their 4-4-2 setup caused problems at times, but they could not sustain their first-half pressure. The visitors had two players booked, Conor Carr and Eliezer Nsio, while Aberdeen's Stuart Armstrong also received a yellow card.
Context from the league table
The three points are a significant boost for Aberdeen's campaign. The win moves them to within striking distance of the top six. Top scorer Kevin Nisbet, who now has three goals this season in eight appearances, was instrumental in the turnaround. The team's recent form over the last five matches is three wins and a draw, with the only defeat a 0-1 loss to St Johnstone on Saturday 10 October. Their next fixture is away to 6th-placed Dundee United on Saturday 24 October. Aberdeen have scored seven goals and conceded nine this season, giving them a goal difference of minus two.
This story first appeared at afc.co.uk
