Thursday 3 December 2015 13:27, UK
Derek McInnes says Aberdeen have work to do after his table topping side lost for the third game in a row to a rampant St Johnstone.
It is the first time McInnes has lost three straight games during his tenure at Pittodrie and means champions Celtic can move to within a point of the Dons with a win at Hamilton on Sunday.
Aberdeen, who could boast of a 100 per `cent home record going into the game, were undone by first-half goals from Brian Easton, Joe Shaughnessy and Liam Craig as well as a double from Steven MacLean.
Ash Taylor got one back for Aberdeen after 12 minutes but manager McInnes said the international break gives his squad a chance to re-group after the 5-1 thrashing.
"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," he said.
"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."
McInnes admitted that 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."
St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright saluted his "ruthless" side as they crushed the league leaders in the Granite City.
The Northern Irishman was delighted his team continued their fine form after winning consecutive matches against Rangers, Dundee United and now Aberdeen.
He said: "It's been a good 10 or 12 days, scoring 10 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 chances than last season, we're just being more ruthless."
