Golac a cautionary reminder to Thelin that 'cup goodwill only goes so far'

The buzz over the new arrivals at Pittodrie soon descended into jeers as Aberdeen's malaise continued with their stalemate against Livingston.

With Falkirk having won at Pittodrie before the international break, just one point out of six have been collected against the two promoted sides.

And while the first two games of the campaign, against Hearts and Celtic, ending in defeat can be forgiven, the last two have concerned Dons supporters.

And that is because the truth is this Premiership slump has been ongoing for 10 months.

Just five wins in 31 since that incredible start to last term leaves Jimmy Thelin with a winning percentage of only 16.12% in that time and the sample size is just seven games off being a full league season.

Outside of the Scottish Cup final, Thelin has persevered with a system that is not yielding results. And despite having a fortnight's break to get to the bottom of why it isn't working the same old problems resurfaced against a dogged Livi.

Aberdeen look ponderous and toothless most of the time, with many players either underperforming or flattering to deceive. The Dons have become quite easy to play against which is something the manager has to get to the bottom of and quickly.

Having said that, the new additions will clearly take some time to settle. But with visits to Tannadice and Fir Park in their next two Premiership matches, the cup-winning goodwill will only go so far.

Remember Ivan Golac, the man who did what the great Jim Mclean couldn't and won the Scottish Cup for Dundee United? He was gone less than 12 months later and United were relegated.

Thelin knows he needs things to turn, he said as much after the Livi game.

The Swede can now take a quick break from the goalless, winless league start when draw specialists Motherwell come to Pittodrie this weekend in the League Cup quarter-finals.

Saturday would be as good a time as any for Thelin's team to sparkle instead of splutter.