DEREK McINNES has criticised his players for failing to collect all three points after drawing with Hamilton.
Aberdeen arrived at the Superseal Stadium knowing that Celtic had beaten St Johnstone 4-0 and that a win would keep them within a point of the leaders.
However, the Dons were soon down to a Dougie Imrie finish before Stewart and Arnason pulled the Pittodrie club into the lead – but it was short lived as ex-Hearts man David Templeton struck to draw the game at 2-2.
McInnes fumed at the performance by his side in the first half that allowed Martin Canning’s side to grow into the game and score.
“I thought it was an untidy first-half performance.
“If we are honest, I don’t think we were quite good enough for any real period of time to win the game.
“We had some really good moments and some moments of sloppiness. We gave them too much encouragement. We didn’t look after the ball well enough, caused problems for ourselves and Hamilton created some good chances.
“We got into some good areas to do damage but our ball retention and the quality of our final pass was lacking.”
McInnes was also displeased that the opener from Imrie was allowed to stand as he believed that Shay Logan was fouled in the build-up.
“We went behind but I thought it was a foul on Logan. I heard there dugout shouting for him to get the block and I think it was Antonio Rojano who totally barged Shay on the edge of the wall.
“I was disappointed with that.
“My first impression was the ball went over the wall but having seen it again it went exactly into the space where Shay was barged.”
McInnes was more complimentary of his side’s showing in the second period of the match.
“I thought there was more rhythm and fluency to our play in the second half. We were better in possession and it felt as if the winning goal was coming.
“When the goal did come we should have seen the game out, which is why we were disappointed.”
Templeton struck just two minutes after Arnason and it was this lack of composure and determination to see out the game that upset McInnes.
“There was only two or three minutes between the goals but you have to give Hamilton credit. I think they got what they deserved.
“We didn’t do enough to win the game, although I thought there were a lot of positives in our second half performance.
“I would like to talk about the positives of coming from behind but it is difficult when you have lost two points.
“Sometimes you have to hold your hands up when you don’t play your best and take the point.”
