Aberdeen 4-1 St Mirren: Miovski double routed as 10-man visitor

Bojan Miovski’s brace, a screamer from debutant Leighton Clarkson and a dinked finish from Luis Lopes gave Aberdeen their first Scottish Premiership win of the season as they defeated 10-man St Mirren in Pittodrie.

His second yellow came for an intentional handball inside the box, with Miovski pocketing the penalty before a shot from a poacher doubled his tally.

The choice of field was made by Clarkson, who came on as a first-half substitute and fired a shot into the top corner just before half-time.

St Mirren got one back when Jonah Ayunga struck from the spot, but Lopes sealed the win with a cute lob as Aberdeen cleared the field.

Both sides looked very different from the teams that drew in the final game of last season. Just three Aberdeen players from that day started here, with Jim Goodwin adding 11 signings to the squad.

He only signed Clarkson on loan from Liverpool on the morning of the game but the midfielder was brought on for his debut after just 12 minutes when Gallagher scythed Hayden Coulson down and knocked out the injured left-back.

Gallagher’s afternoon was soon cut short when Liam Scales put a rebound into the arm of the St Mirren defender in the box. Gallagher saw a red card and Aberdeen’s new number 9 Miovski took the penalty home.

If the first goal was hard to concede, the second was extremely sloppy. Jonny Hayes’ low cross was deflected and Trevor Carson waited for the ball to come to him on his line. Miovski showed predatory instincts to duck in front of the goalkeeper and slide the ball into the net.

Clarkson had already made a good impression and would extend Aberdeen’s lead as he laced the ball into the top corner with a first strike from 20 yards.

St Mirren had a mountain to climb in the second half but the journey looked easier when Alan Muir pointed to the spot where Hayes was harshly condemned for poking Greg Kiltie. Kelle Roos could have done better and got a strong arm to Ayunga’s penalty but the ball went into the net.

Lopes put the icing on the cake with his last-minute goal. St Mirren’s line was pushed up and Christian Ramirez was able to play through Lopez cleanly to pass Carson and give Goodwin his biggest league win as Aberdeen manager.

Clarkson sheds light on Don’s performance

Aberdeen started poorly, sloppy possession and allowing St Mirren into dangerous areas. However, they bounced back quickly and took advantage of the opportunities St Mirren offered them.

The loss of Coulson was a setback, but introducing Clarkson ended up being a feat.

It allowed Scales to blend into left-back and Clarkson the ability to control a midfield that gave him time and space.

It was an impressive debut for the Liverpool loanee – who Aberdeen fans hope will emulate James Maddison rather than Matty Longstaff.

When not dictating the pace, he was determined to strike from long range.

It was a worrying portrayal of St. Mirren. Stephen Robinson has publicly stated that he wants to play counter-attacking football. Today they didn’t get off the starting blocks.

What’s next?

Aberdeen host the managerless Motherwell next Saturday, while St Mirren welcome Ross County to Paisley (both 3pm BST).