Motherwell were riding on a high ahead of their clash with Aberdeen, with many expecting them to topple a Dons side supposedly in the eye of a midfield injury storm.
Yet it was the makeshift midfield of Aberdeen that ruled the roost in Lanarkshire as the Dons toppled Stephen Robinson’s side 3-0. Motherwell were well beaten and Derek McInnes’ men were deserving of their victory.
Aberdeen battered Motherwell. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
Again at home Motherwell were hurt on the counter. In matches against Hearts and Celtic, the Steelmen have been caught out against well organised units with quality attackers capable of playing on the break.
Robinson’s men sit in third currently but the next few fixtures will show whether the Fir Park side have the steel to maintain that position.
Young and ambitious Motherwell face tough tests in the coming weeks
Robinson hasn’t slaughtered his team in the wake of this result and it’s for the best. Overall they’ve gave fans plenty to smile about, winning five of the opening nine matches whilst playing some attractive football.
They’ve been good value for money. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Those victories though have been against St Mirren, Hearts, Hibs, Hamilton and St Johnstone, who are all in the bottom six. They’ve dropped points to top six sides in Aberdeen, Celtic and Ross County, as well as a draw with Livingston on the opening day.
Aberdeen proved tricky opponents, but the next few games may show where Motherwell really are. Their next game is a trip to Rangers before tough home games against Kilmarnock and Livingston.
Then it’s away to Easter Road and Parkhead to face Hibs and Celtic. It’s a tough run of fixtures which if the Steelmen want to fulfill their potential as the 2019/20 surprise package, points have to be scored.
A test of character. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
By the end of this run of five games, we may just know where Motherwell really are. The early signs have been positive overall, now it’s time for them to prove their worth.