Willie Miller: Stephen Robinson’s changes to Aberdeen mentality can deliver success

Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson has delivered two fundamental changes in the summer transfer window rebuild which can bring success to the club.

Those changes, both in gameplay and attitude, were evident in the dramatic 2-1 win against Hearts in the Premiership opener at Pittodrie.

Firstly, in securing 12 new signings Robinson has built a team clearly focused on playing a quicker style with the ball moved forward early.

In modern football the tendency of many teams is to opt for a slow build-up, but Aberdeen are now more on the front-foot and direct.

I have absolutely no problem with that strategy as it plays to the strengths of the team.

Aberdeen now effectively have a front four with attacking midfielder Connor Ronan supporting striker Kevin Nisbet.

Against Hearts, Toyosi Olusanya played wide and stepped inside with Tony Yogane also operating out wide.

The intent is there to get those four players forward to bring attacking threat.

Aberdeen boss Robinson is clearly trying to get more support to striker Nisbet, which was sadly lacking last season.

The lack of supply to Nisbet was a huge problem last term and the new strategy is working as he has scored seven goals already this season.

Nisbet netted the decisive winner from the penalty spot against Hearts.

Recently-appointed Aberdeen captain Nisbet was also in the mix for the vital leveller, with Lewis Mayo ultimately getting the final touch to force the ball over the line.

Another key change under Robinson is in mentality as the never-say-die Dons fought until the final whistle to get a result.

The first half was quite even, but Hearts were beginning to get into their rhythm before the break.

Then, after half-time, the Tynecastle side controlled the game quite well and it looked like it would be a Hearts victory.

However, Aberdeen never gave up and continued to battle in the bid to take something against last season’s Premiership runners-up.

Scoring twice in time added on is an indication there is now real character in the team.

Last season, Premiership champions Celtic did not play at their best but still managed to win games late on – and received plaudits for it.

A fundamental of Robinson’s summer transfer window rebuild was signing players with attitude and character, as well as ability.

There is now a will to win and fight which was absent from Aberdeen last season.

In Robinson, the Dons have a manager who demands that winning attitude and fighting mentality.

That is important as the character of the manager comes across to the team.

I have nothing against former Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin‘s management style. He was more reserved on the touchline, but Robinson is a different character.

You see Robinson bobbing up and down the touchline with energy making demands from his players.

And it worked against Hearts.

The best outcome for Aberdeen as the game moved into the latter stages looked to be a draw, so to manage to turn it around in the last five minutes to get a victory tells you the players Robinson has signed are going to battle right to the end.

Robinson’s substitutions also played a part in the dramatic win as the starting sitting midfield duo of Brad Lyons and Afeez Aremu didn’t work particularly well.

It was better when Alexander Briedl and Stuart Armstrong were brought off the bench in the 73rd minute.

They made a big difference to the midfield as they are more forward-thinking, particularly Armstrong.

Securing a victory on the opening game of the Premiership season is a major boost that will hopefully act as a catalyst to build momentum for the campaign.

Let’s not forget the Dons secured a meagre one point from the opening six league games last season, which left them playing catch-up from the very start.

Aberdeen are up and running with a win and must build on it against Dundee on Saturday.

Solid debut for right-back Cadden

New signing Chris Cadden made an impressive debut considering he was pitched into the starting line-up against Hearts only 24 hours after joining Aberdeen.

Right-back Cadden was particularly energetic going forward.

Cadden could perhaps have done better in the build-up to Hearts goal.

It is not easy for a player to make a decision to move from one team to another and then get mentally and physically right to make a quickfire debut only a day later.

Having watched Cadden at Hibs, Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson has signed a player who will be an important addition for the club.

The defender, who has been capped by Scotland, brings experience, energy and quality.

Cadden is clearly the type of player who fits into Robinson’s plans as  he is direct, wants to get forward and has a good delivery into the box.

[Source: Press and Journal]