A game too far for Del
Derek D McInnes blamed two t punishing games against a the Old Firm in quick q succession as a key factor f in Aberdeen crashing c to St Johnstone.
The Dons gaffer saw it all go g wrong in the second half as a Saints found another gear g while his side looked weary w and out of touch.
McInnes, who rested Niall N McGinn on the bench and a had to do without the concussed c Gary MackaySteven, S said: “I just think we w looked like a tired team after a the exertions of the last l two games.
“It was clear we needed more m intensity in the game, more m creativity, more speed. s I think that we missed m Gary.
“Niall was rested after the exertions of the last two games – there has been a lot asked of him.
“I can’t be too critical of my players who have had to play with 10 men at Ibrox for long spells and who have had to play in the cup final with everything that takes out of you.
“But I think that I can be looking for more from the ones who came in.
“We’re just looking for that bit more consistency.
“This is the third game in six days and we had to make sure we got up to it.
“We spoke at half-time about trying to show more desire to get on the end of that last pass.
“But once St Johnstone got their noses in front we huffed and puffed and were devoid of any real ideas or intensity to get back into the game.
“St Johnstone are a team who, when they come here, they sit in and try to hit you on the counter attack.
“But they’re a good side and they’re a good side at set plays.
“They got the first goal that way but for me it was too simplistic.
“For big Joe Shaughnessy to get a free header is really disappointing.”