Aberdeen fans booed their team off as they trailed St Johnstone 1-0 at half-time.
The Dons fought their way back into the game to claim a draw but are now five without a win and look vulnerable to being leapfrogged into second by a resurgent Rangers.
It was a lackluster first-half display from Jimmy Thelin’s side as they struggled to break down a stubborn Saints side who were a threat going the other way and took the lead through Makenzie Kirk.
The home side improved after the break and equalised through Leighton Clarkson.
It has often been the case this season with the Swede showing a propensity for making substitutions that change games.
That was the case again today as he made a triple sub at half-time but this time it was just one point they had to settle for.
Home supporters had already made their feelings clear by that stage and the boos were audible at the end of the opening period.
- READ MORE: Sloppy Aberdeen now winless in five as St Johnstone earn deserved point – 3 things we learned
Thelin on Aberdeen boos
Aberdeen fans were treated to a wild ride at the start of the season as their team embarked on a brilliant unbeaten run.
The club are perhaps now victims of their own success as they’re judged on the high standards set.
Thelin isn’t bothered by the reaction and insists he can understand the frustrations of the support.
He said: “I think that our performance was not our best we have had this season. There wasn’t the energy or intensity we want to play with.
“Our support have been amazing for far this season but today I can understand some frustration – in football that is normal, sometimes when you have high expectations.
“We have to stick together, to try to push our limits and be better every week we train and play. The game against Celtic was really good energy and we didn’t find a way to show the same energy today.”
Simo Valakari gives St Johnstone take
St Johnstone boss Simo Valakari was pleased with his side’s efforts and suggested they could be disappointed to leave Pittodrie with just one point.
“We played extremely well,” he insisted. “The only thing we have been concentrating on is we compete and perform and try to play as well as possible – the results will come.
“Are we disappointed to only take one point? Maybe. But we always respect the result, and I’m so pleased with the performance of our players – how they played with and without the ball against a top side.
“We looked solid and we defended ugly in some moments. There were some moments where we played good football too.
“The performance gives a platform from which results will come, so I’m very pleased.”