How Aberdeen played
FORMATION – 4-1-3-2
JOE LEWIS (6 out of 10)
Could have done better when Bowman got a second chance to score but had little chance with goals one and three. Maybe still a little rusty after his injury lay-off.
DOMINIC BALL (4)
Brought in to replace the suspended Shay Logan and toiled in the right-back position. Indecisive defending and poor distribution
Brought on to add much-needed guile to the Dons’ attack).
KARI ARNASON (4)
Headed the ball towards his own goal for Motherwell’s opener and blundered for the third. The 35-year-old looked like a player with his best days behind him. Probably fouled at the second goal but Aberdeen needed a stronger performance over the 90 minutes. Has had an outstanding season but would have been disappointed to lose heavily wearing the captain’s armband. Hooked ball towards his own goal in run-up to Motherwell’s second. The young defender will learn a lot from this unhappy experience.
Steady performance from the defender who will be gutted to miss out on a chance of winning the Scottish Cup. Can be a force in the opposition penalty box but didn’t get up there too often this time.
ANTHONY O’CONNOR (5)
There to protect the Aberdeen rearguard but had little influence. Most of the play was in areas he wasn’t occupying. Stepped back when Ball went off. Maybe should have started there.
CHIDIEBERE NWAKALI (4)
Didn’t cope with the physical battle in midfield. Limped off just before half-time
Created a great chance for May within seconds of coming on the field).
GREG STEWART (6)
Looked lively early on, always looking for the ball. Didn’t hide on an afternoon when it would have been so easy to throw the towel in.
RYAN CHRISTIE (6)
Showed flashes of his undoubted ability but that wasn’t enough to conquer the resolute defending and crunching tackles by the Steelmen.
STEVIE MAY (5)
Had Aberdeen’s best chance of the first-half but dragged the ball wide. Fans keep hoping he’ll recapture his form – this wasn’t to be the day.
ADAM ROONEY (6)
Had one decent shot that forced a save from Carson. Needs good supply to be effective and that didn’t happen
Couldn’t perform a miracle in the closing stages).
UNUSED SUBS – WOODMAN (Gk), REYNOLDS, CAMPBELL, WRIGHT.