St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright saluted his “ruthless” side as they crushed Ladbrokes Premiership leaders Aberdeen 5-1 at Pittodrie.
The Northern Irishman was pleased not just with the quality of the goals his side scored, but also with the form they have shown in winning consecutive matches against Rangers, Dundee United and now Aberdeen.
He said: “It’s been a good 10 or 12 days, scoring ten goals against the standard of opposition we have, particularly getting eight in the games against Aberdeen and Rangers. It’s testament to the players.
“I’ve got four, five if you include Michael O’Halloran, good strikers, and we’ve signed players who can chip in with goals all over the park. We’ve been really clinical. I don’t think we’ve created more chance than last season, we’re just being more ruthless.”
Wright handed a first start to goalkeeper Zander Clark after Alan Mannus was sent off in the 2-1 win over Dundee United last week, and although the goalkeeper made a mistake in the build-up to Ash Taylor’s goal, the manager was full of praise for him.
“He’ll be disappointed with the mistake he made,” Wright said. “However he acquitted himself well. He came to get it and lost his footing, but he showed great maturity and got over it. That’s a good sign.”
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes found himself on the wrong end of a result for the third consecutive game, the first time that has happened during his tenure, but the Dons boss is refusing to panic.
He admitted, though, his side were lacking physically against the Saints, and the side that were more prepared to battle won the game.
“It was clear to me that we didn’t deal with set-plays,” said McInnes. “The first four goals came from set-plays, and the team that won more tackles and headers won the game. They were more streetwise and strong, and the physical side of the game won them it.
“We were lacking where we had to be strong – at set-plays. Most games are won and lost in both boxes, and although we started well it’s hard to even talk about that because if you can’t defend your box and see off the opposition threat, you’re always going to be up against it.
“With set-plays comes a level of responsibility and when that’s not met, there comes a bit of embarrassment for the players.”
McInnes is clear that some improvement is required, and said: “What we have here is an honest bunch of players, and we need to nip it in the bud because we don’t want to be known as the kind of team that loses cheap goals.
“There are certain aspects of our play that it’s clear we need to work on. We need to find the answers in the squad. We’re confident, hard-working and honest, and we expect more than we showed today.
“The international break makes it frustrating that we don’t have another game for 13 days, but there’s work to be done and it gives us a chance to do that work.”